Remodeling Makes It My Home

When I was looking for what would make a perfect house, I was’t sure what I would find. The more I looked the more I learned and found not many encouraging words from anyone to continue my search for a home, I could live in alone. Realtor, Cindy, was very supportive as were my two sisters, Donna & Cindy. My brother, Jerry, didn’t think it was real feasible, but is very supportive now. I had looked at duplexes at Heritage Health Care (where my mother was). They were absolutely beautiful. Large units, two bedrooms – two baths – two car garage, beautifully carpeted with very plush carpet (not good, however, for a wheel chair of any kind) all utilities paid, even cableand a cleaning person every two weeks. Sounds perfect, well for persons over 65 who were quite capable of daily activities, yes, they were. But the bathrooms were small with a tub only. The carpet was very hard to maneuver with a walker, or wheelchair. And the price $2,000.00 per month. Not a good choice for me, but I kept it in the back of my mind cause it was close to mom.

What did I need?: Easy access for wheelchair – ramps

Wheelchair accessible bathroom – walk in, or roll in shower – high camode
Ability to work with wheelchair in the kitchen and hallways (had to have wide hallways)

Doorways at least 32 inches wide (there are not many in homes, or apartments).

Changes that were required for the home I found: Ramps at 3 doors – concrete ramp at front door to enter house (as time has passed I use the ramp built in the garage to enter the house). The one built during the remodel worked, but only met the requirements. It was uncomfortable to use.

My son, Shannon, came to visit and didn’t like the way it worked so built me a real Cadillac wheelchair ramp in the garage.

2. Master bath, needed 36 inch wide entry door, larger walk in shower to accommodate handicapped shower chair and handicap bars (grab bars)in the shower and camode area.

The master bath is so perfect – wheel my wheelchair straight into shower – grab handicap bars and step into shower.

Bonnie’s continuing story

Brought to you by Charcot Awareness Education Foundation