The first thing you notice about Allen is his friendly face. The second thing is his home. Support from the Clinton County Elderly Services Program (ESP) has enabled him to stay there and enjoy all the comforts of his A-frame in the woods.
Allen has enjoyed every minute of his full life. A 65-year marriage – including 14 years traveling the country together in an RV – three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and military service, combine with his positive attitude and love of nature to provide him many happy memories.
Allen has lived most of his life in Clinton County, not far from his birthplace in Warren County. His experience owning and operating a Blanchester gas station for more than 30 years taught him the value of hard work, as some 14-hour days began at 3:00 a.m. Fast-forward to his life today, and he still wakes early, is sure to make his bed and then fixes his cereal and coffee – Wheaties is a favorite.
“I thank the good Lord every day for the life I’ve lived and everything I’ve been privileged to do,” he says with a smile. “I have really enjoyed myself.”
Allen began receiving ESP services when he was caring for his wife, Jay. Now, 94 and a widower, he relies on support from ESP to remain independent in the home he and Jay shared for nearly 40 years.
ESP installed a ramp for easy access into his home. He uses it to get his daily exercise to gather the mail, which is left in a box at the end of the ramp. “I couldn’t get in and out of the house without it,” he says. “It’s a lifesaver.”
ESP helped make the home more accessible for Allen by installing a walk-in shower with grab bars and a raised commode. These changes mean Allen can now live safely on the first floor of his three-story home, eliminating the need for a daily, difficult trip to the downstairs bathroom.
He also receives home-delivered meals and is especially happy when Salisbury Steak is on the menu. “Many of the meals have rice and peas,” Allen comments. “I don’t like peas much, but they are OK if they’re covered with ketchup!”
Allen looks forward to weekly visits from his home health aide who helps him keep up with housework he is no longer able to do on his own, such as cleaning, vacuuming, changing linens and doing laundry. And his ESP-provided Emergency Response System puts him at ease knowing he can get emergency help if needed.
All-in-all, Allen truly appreciates ESP. “You know, if I wasn’t at my home, I wouldn’t even be alive, I don’t imagine.”