Like many older adults, Carolyn lives alone in her home with no nearby family or friends to check on her. With a history of falling, Carolyn’s solo living situation presented a hazard. If she were to fall, it could potentially be days before anyone would know or be able to help her.
In fact, the only person who has regular in-person contact with Carolyn is the individual who drops off the home-delivered meals that she requested be delivered only once each week. Learning about Carolyn and her potentially dangerous situation, the Senior and Adult Services Division of the Maricopa County Human Services Department was able to offer her assistance.
After some discussion about the benefits of having more frequent visits by the meal delivery service, Carolyn agreed to increase the deliveries from once per week to four times each week. This offered an opportunity for more frequent checks for her safety. Next was solving the challenge of access to her home. Carolyn was concerned that if she did fall and was able to call for help, emergency personnel might have to break down her door or a window to gain access to render aid. To solve this concern, Senior and Adult Services was able to secure a lockbox.
Carolyn provided an extra house key that was placed in the lockbox that was installed on the metal gate of her carport. Senior and Adult Services staff contacted the local fire department to provide Carolyn’s address and the lockbox code that she had chosen. Carolyn was relieved to know that if emergency services were called out to assist her, they would be able to gain access without difficulty and could help her without damaging her home.
These solutions have greatly improved Carolyn’s safety and helped relieve her concerns. It’s just one example of how the Senior and Adult Services Division of the Maricopa County Human Services Department is making a difference for older adults who may need a helping hand.
For more information on the support available, visit Maricopa.gov/SASD.