Clearing Mrs Jackson's patio

Mrs Jackson* is 75 years old and had recently been in hospital after a nasty fall inside her home. She is prone to dizzy spells and uses the back door as the main entry and exit to the home, meaning she has to navigate over a mainly paved area.

The recent wet wintry weather had made the slabs to the rear of the property very slippery. They are dangerous for an abled bodied person, let alone an older person with mobility problems.  Like many of our clients, Mrs Jackson has no family nearby who could help.

In 2025 Age UK Northamptonshire purchased a jet washer for this kind of scenario. Our gardener went along and jet washed the slabs before using a hard broom to remove all the moss, leaving the slabs in a condition that was safe to walk over.

Mrs Jackson can now continue using the rear entrance knowing that the slabs are safe to walk on. Whilst the gardener was there, they discussed the advantage of having a grab rail fitted and Mrs Jackson felt this was a good idea. We were able to fit one for her the next day.

“I’m so grateful that there is someone out there looking out for us old folk, nobody else seems to care. I know that when I call you [Age UK Northamptonshire] there is always a pleasant lady answering the phone and I don’t have to go through a horrible menu system," says Mrs Jackson.

*Name changed and photo of model for privacy