News - October 12, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Timaeus Reed | 571-329-0293 | KBrinkley@GoodwinHouse.org

Jan Buchanan | 703-473-2892 | Director@MountVernonAtHome.org

Goodwin House Inc. Partners with Mount Vernon At Home to Offer Home Safety Assessments to Older Adults

Falls Church, VA -- Goodwin House Inc. (GHI) has partnered with Mount Vernon At Home (MVAH) to offer a comprehensive home safety evaluation service to MVAH members as well as any older adults living at home throughout Northern Virginia. The two organizations are hosting a webinar on October 20 that will be open for the public to learn more about options for aging in place and details about the GHI home assessment program.

In late 2020, GHI launched a new home assessment and modification program. Led by Bryce Scholar, a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS), the program provides in-person surveys in the homes of older adults. After a thorough review of the home, Scholar will identify safety hazards and share a report that includes recommendations for how to solve them. Recommendations may include ramp installation, smart home automation, replacing light switches, remodeling step-free entry and more.

“Each year, 36 million older adults fall,” shared Scholar. “One out of every five falls causes a major injury such as broken bones or head injury. By taking steps to ensure our homes stay safe as we age, we can address these statistics and do our part to keep older adults safe, health and thriving at home.”

Since launching the program, Scholar has assessed more than nearly 40 homes throughout the Northern Virginia area. When MVAH Executive Director, Jan Buchanan, learned about the program, she saw an opportunity to help the members of her organization. MVAH provides support and services to its members and is one of more than 70 senior villages in the National Capital Region.

“The pandemic brought to light the importance of staying at home as we age,” said Buchanan. “But there are some crucial considerations to ensure our homes age safely with us.”

MVAH offers regular webinars to its members. On Wednesday, October 20 at 11:00 a.m., Buchanan and Scholar will co-present a special webinar that introduces both the Mount Vernon At Home program and Goodwin House Home Assessment program. In addition to being offered to MVAH members, this webinar is open to the public.

Follow this link to register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/610091932363313677

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About Mount Vernon At Home: Mount Vernon At Home (MVAH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-powered organization founded in 2007 in southeastern Fairfax county. The organization serves over 140 members with the help of 50 volunteers. MVAH fundraises year-round to help fulfill their mission to build a community of support, vitality, and enjoyment for adults (age 55+) who are choosing to remain in their homes and communities as they age.

About Goodwin House Incorporated: Celebrating more than 50 years of providing exceptional service to older adults, Goodwin House Incorporated (GHI) is a not-for-profit, Virginia-based corporation affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Today, the strength of GHI begins with its clear statements of mission, vision and values, the stability and integrity of its boards and executive leadership and its reputation as a trusted partner and innovator in reimagining aging.

The growing family of GHI senior living communities and services owned and operated across Northern Virginia includes: two Life Plan Communities—Goodwin House Alexandria in Alexandria’s West End and Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads in Falls Church, Fairfax County; an innovative continuing care at home program—Goodwin House at Home; and a portfolio of healthcare services and partnerships delivering Palliative Care, Home Health, Rehabilitation and Wellness, Primary Care and Hospice. GHI also is the management agent for The Lewinsville Retirement Residences, Inc. serving low-income older adults in McLean and Great Falls, Virginia. GHI advances its mission through the Goodwin House Foundation, a 501(c)(3) supporting foundation that provides financial support to current and future residents in need and to fund programs dedicated to promoting well-being and vibrant living as we age.