We chose this house originally because it was a single story and a simple floor plan. We have since made a few changes to open up areas that were tight including removing some hallway closets and a wall that separated our kitchen and family room. I don’t know that either of us will end up in a wheelchair, but we might, and are working to prepare for that possibility.

We recently did a walk-through an Occupational Therapist and it really helped me see little things I could do to make life easier and safer. She pointed out things like raising the bed to make it more accessible for my husband. We talked about throw rugs and falling hazards. We talked about what happens in our daily lives, especially where there have been falls in the past. My husband and I both had to stop and think whether there might not be safer ways to do many of our household chores.

She will be back to visit this week and I am so excited to share the changes we have already made. The bed is higher and it has made getting up in the mornings easier. We have new non-slip rugs in the bathroom, we even purchased a new couch with a higher seat. While we have been making modifications for my husband, I decided it was time to replace doorknobs with lever handles that are easier on my arthritic hands. After all, I live here too, shouldn’t it be an accommodating and happy space for both of us?