My mom, a double stroke survivor and my 88 year old grandmother own and live togeather in a home that is heavely mortaged. Their combined income pays the mortage but the house needs to be customized and accessorizd to accomodate elderly and physically challenged adults that are still very independent minded. The main exit (entry) of the house to the street is a half landing onto a wide stone stair (3 or 4 stairs) with another full landing at the bottom that turns into another 6 stairs before reaching the ground (driveway and yard). This I think it could be safer and more convenient, as well as improving their quality of life by;
- having the front entryway open straight out onto deck, replacing and utilizing the same space used by the half landing, 3 stairs and full landing
- having a wheelchair ramp and narrow railed stairs from the far end of the deck, replacing and utilizing the same area taken up by the 6 wide stairs, could lead to the driveway and yard.
The bathroom room needs what I imagine is the usual safety accessorizing. The toilet is between the sink and a tile wall with no room for a safety bar. Since there is an unused pantry on the other side of the bathroom, that area could be utuilized as part of the bathroom. The toilet could be moved over a bit. A walk in shower stall with a bench in the corner would be a much safer, enjoyable way to bathe then stepping into a beautiful but high old tub and sitting in the tub on a tub chair. A storage cabinet is also needed to make necessities more accessable. These bathroom changes could be done by utilizing the same space as the unused pantry. I know these changes aren't that costly or extensive but they are impossible for those two old ladies or myself to afford, or trust to some unlicensed and perhaps incapable discount contractor. Please help me!
