Before I tell you about my credentials and why I am your solution to aging in place, let me tell you a story…

My grandpa was my favorite person. He was hard, but loving. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer that forced him off the farm and move in with my parents. I helped my mom care for him and can recall my grandpa experiencing multiple falls while in the bathroom- once unintentionally barricading himself IN the bathroom by falling into the door! YIKES! Once he became wheelchair-bound, my parent’s home was no longer acceptable because it was not designed to age in. Unfortunately, due to his decreased mobility and increased need for medical services, he was moved into a nursing home. At that time, I had not yet gone back to school to become an Occupational Therapist. But my grandpa was a big reason for that decision.

Two points I’m making here:

1- My love and desire for people to age IN THEIR HOME is because I saw what it took out of my grandpa when he left the farm. That was his home, with all his memories, and he left because of the lack of safety, and no one in our family knew what else to do.

2- My parents still live in that same house. My parents are still aging. They’ve slowly been making renovations to accommodate their increased needs because they do not want to go to a nursing home anytime soon!

If (only) I could turn back time (Cher fans?!?!) to help my family out in a professional capacity. But I can’t and I can only look forward to helping other families who are experiencing similar situations.

Okay, so let’s talk about my professional background…

I have a Degree in Psychology and a Master in Science in Occupational Therapy. To further my education in home modifications, I acquired my Executive Certificate in Home Modifications (ECHM).

Want another story?

I started my career in the hospital setting, worked at a skilled nursing facility (SNF), and finally in home health. I have seen people in each setting and had an epiphany that led to my continued education in home modifications:

• If they went to a skilled nursing home following hospitalization, it was likely due to an unsafe home environment.

• Once they became stronger at a SNF by daily therapy, oftentimes they were rehospitalized after discharge because they fell in their home due to an unsafe environment.

• People who were discharged straight home from the hospital because they had a strong support system were still rehospitalized because their home was no longer safe due to their new functional status.

I felt like I wasn’t doing enough for my clients and wanted to do more.

This led to me creating my business, Functional Living Solutions, so anyone can feel safe in their home as they age in place. Please keep browsing to get a better understanding of what I can provide. And if you can’t find it, please reach out to me so I can answer any and all questions you may have.