The Senior Citizen Boom : Security: A city-funded program uses the elderly to install safety measures in senior citizens’ residences free of charge.

Celia Ross has had the yellow flyer about “Home Secure” in her Panorama City apartment for a long time. The flyer promises installation of grab bars in the shower, new dead bolts and a door viewer, all for free. She figured there must be a gimmick.

But recently, she looked for that flyer again. Ross’ glaucoma treatment wasn’t working, and she was going blind. Suddenly, it was hard to get around in the apartment where she has lived for 25 years, and she was afraid.

“I’m legally blind now, I don’t go out by myself anymore, but I can take care of myself,” Ross said. “I’m just glad these people could help.”

Home Secure, funded by the cities of Los Angeles and West Hollywood, is unique among the country’s elderly programs. The program has a team of elderly employees who install safety measures in homes and apartments of senior citizens (and low-income families) at no charge.

Since it began almost 10 years ago, the program--administered by Jewish Family Services--has opened an office in the San Fernando Valley, (818) 762-5892), because almost half of its requests come from Valley residents, said Home Secure Director Leslie Friedman.

To take care of Ross, Home Secure employee Lillian Siff interviewed her to assess her needs while Al Lynn, a retired schoolteacher, drilled holes to put grab bars in her bathroom and changed the dead bolt on her door.

“The police recommend an inch-long dead bolt,” Lynn said. “And we’re giving you a mat so you won’t slip in the shower, and a night light.”

“I can’t see too much anyway. At one time I could see well enough to do this work,” Ross said, tugging on an intricate lace tablecloth she made. She has a large-numbered phone and on her sofa was a poster-size card from her granddaughter Ruth.

Siff explained some safety tips. “This is such a dangerous neighborhood now,” Ross said. Siff also filled out a “Vial of Life” information card and stuck it on the outside of the refrigerator in case paramedics ever need to know what medications she is taking.

The program also provides earthquake safety kits and makes homes less hazardous for people suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Apartment managers must approve any work done, and the service is free to anyone earning less than $21,750 a year.

Ross’ downstairs neighbor, Rose Klugman, 84, is faced with taking care of her husband, Alex, 83, recovering from prostate surgery.

“I spoiled my husband,” she said. “I’ve had this whole routine where I wash his hair in a bowl, then rub him down outside of the tub, then he steps in. I’m afraid to let him do it himself, though, he’ll get hurt.”

The Klugmans contacted Home Secure for help. The service installed mats and bars in the bathroom, so Alex could wash himself on his own.

“It makes me feel so good now,” Rose Klugman said when the work was done. “He doesn’t hear well and I don’t drive, so we don’t go out very much. It’s nice to feel secure in your own place.”