Story of Change
“In the past, I often fell when I had to carry water from the outdoor water tank to the bathroom. Ever since the project supports the family to modify an elevated water storage tank and a shower, I have lived more conveniently and no longer fall. I also cook more often for my parents than before, as the kitchen counter has been lowered to a comfortable height level, so I don't need to get on the chair whenever I cook anymore.”
After receiving home accessibility improvements, Ms. Le Thi Quynh Luu can carry out her daily activities more safely and conveniently
Those were the heartfelt and joyful words of Ms. Le Thi Quynh Luu, who currently lives in Bich La Dong village, Trieu Thanh commune, Trieu Phong district, Quang Tri province. As a victim of Agent Orange, Ms. Luu was born with a small stature and frail health. She faced many difficulties in moving around and performing daily tasks. Feeling self-conscious about herself, she rarely socialized with others and spent most of her time at home with her parents. Even her daily routines at home were full of inconveniences: the kitchen counter was too high, requiring her to stand on a small chair to cook; the bathroom had no running water or tank, forcing her to carry water from the outdoor well; the high-level steps made moving around even more challenging.
Ms. Le Thi Quynh Luu and her home before receiving accessibility improvements
In mid-August 2023, Ms. Luu was selected to participate in the Home Care and Daily Living Accessibility Modification Program under the INCLUSION 1 project - the component implemented by ACDC. With encouragement from the local healthcare staff during their home visits, in addition to regular health check-ups, she was guided on how to move properly and safely and received advice on healthcare practices. After eight home visits and instructions, her habits noticeably changed, including regularly cutting her hair, keeping it neat, trimming her nails, wearing clean clothes, and tidying up her bedroom and kitchen. Moreover, the project has also consulted and supported her family to make some renovations to the house to make it easier and safer for Ms. Luu to access and perform daily tasks, such as lowering the kitchen counter, installing handrails, setting up an elevated water tank, and adding a shower in the bathroom…
More than anyone, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuong – Ms. Luu's mother felt very happy and touched because her daughter had made progress beyond expectations. She shared her joy when the NACCET and USAID staff visited their home: “Thanks to the project and the healthcare staff, my daughter is a lot different now. I no longer have to worry when I have to go to work or travel far because Luu can now cook for herself and her father. Seeing her confidently interacting with the neighbors and helping at her grandma’s grocery store to earn income as well as getting to socialize with more people, brings me indescribable happiness. From now on, I can rest assured knowing my daughter changes.”
After eight home visits and guidance, along with adjustments to the kitchen and water system, Ms. Luu is now able to cook and care for her family more easily
Life is a continuous journey, and it’s never too late to start something new. Regardless of age, success and happiness are always within reach for those who step out of their comfort zone and embrace new beginnings. Ms. Luu, too, despite her difficulties, is still striving every day to live more independently, support her family, and find the path she wishes to follow.
