Garry's Story: Staying Independent at Home

Garry lives alone in a rural area. He has mobility limitations, vision loss, and a chronic medical condition that requires close monitoring. He contacted the Lighthouse because he was having increased difficulty with transfers, meal preparation, keeping a calendar of his appointments, and managing his blood sugars.

Lynne, a Lighthouse Occupational Therapist, worked with Garry to adapt his environment and explore a range of technology solutions to improve his safety and independence. Garry and Lynne spent about 16 hours together. They added large print labels and tactual markings to his appliance. They also explored a wide range of assistive technologies and devices, including: an Echo Show; his existing iPhone; remote switches; custom lighting; a bathroom safety rail; a removable half lap tray with adaptive cup and phone holders, and a cordless charger for his iPhone.

Garry tried out many of these items from the Lighthouse library to determine what worked best for him. He was able to try out an Echo Show to see if it helped him stay better connected to family and friends.

He is now able to: Tap an accessible light switch to illuminate his kitchen; correctly identify the settings on his appliances, reducing errors; and, using his half lap tray, transport items safely without spilling from counter to kitchen table. Transfers are easier and safer for Garry with the new bathroom safety rail.

The phone holder keeps his blood glucose monitor always within range for accurate readings. There are fewer false alerts to his family members. Garry can also read an enlarged reference worksheet to safely dose his sliding scale medication. To compensate for his decreased hand strength and dexterity, he can charge his phone without a cable by simply placing it in a charging cradle.

Through accessibility features, his iPhone will caption a call from his doctor so that he can mark the appointment on his calendar.

As a result of the modifications to his appliances, new devices, and increased knowledge of what he can do with his iPhone, Garry is able to live more safely and independently in his home.