My name is Alison and I am a Community Outreach Manager at Simplicity Home Pros. And my late father, Gary, is my hero. After witnessing his experience navigating the challenges of limited mobility at home, I learned the importance of preparing homes for seniors. And it is why helping seniors improve their home's safety is "near and dear" to all of us here at Simplicity Home Pros.

Growing up, he was truly the fastest and strongest man I knew. He ran the Boston Marathon four times—maintaining a blistering 6¼-minute mile pace—competed nationally in triathlons, and later turned to bodybuilding. He was fiercely dedicated to pushing himself in all areas of life, going from a childhood marked by rural poverty to building his construction firm and raising three daughters.

So when he suffered a catastrophic stroke in 2019, it was a complete shock. He was 72, active, and mentally sharp. My sisters, mother, and I were entirely unprepared—for the stroke itself and for the drastic life changes that followed. Bringing him home required sudden and significant adjustments to daily life.

After the stroke, his speech and mobility were severely compromised. Simple, everyday tasks—like taking a shower or entering the house—required extensive modifications. Eventually, he needed a Hoyer lift, a wheelchair, and round-the-clock care from my mother. True to form, he fought hard and remained devoted to his family. We were blessed to have him with us until November of 2024.

His journey sparked a passion for home safety and accessibility for seniors and individuals who use mobility aids like wheelchairs. Sadly, we learned firsthand how unprepared my parents’ home was to support someone with limited mobility. With better preparation, the transition home could have been much smoother.

That’s why anyone planning to age at home should take a good look around your house and consider the challenges the future may bring. Thankfully, most of these upgrades can be accomplished with stylish and contemporary finishes- so your home will be safe and beautiful!

Do you have handrails along any stairs? Is there a walk-in shower? Are your doorways wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through? Now is the time to evaluate your living space—and make sure it's ready to age gracefully with you!