tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103404033723453891.post8792474689801868577..comments2023-09-13T11:54:11.462-04:00Comments on Living With Lewy Body: moving/renovatingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103404033723453891.post-59408200192645327492008-07-25T14:58:00.000-04:002008-07-25T14:58:00.000-04:00I haven't found anybody with experience around her...I haven't found anybody with experience around here yet, but I am sending out a bunch of emails today continuing to look. The contractor with aging in place knowledge didn't reply to my email and his web site looks like he only builds new homes (and in a town 30 miles from here) so I'm not sure he is worth pursuing further.<BR/><BR/>I don't think that anything structural needs to be done, though the house was built in the 1950s and last renovated in the 1980s so it may need some electrical and plumbing work to bring it up to code.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103404033723453891.post-39990238216419719622008-07-25T14:56:00.000-04:002008-07-25T14:56:00.000-04:00I read with interest your thoughts on the future n...I read with interest your thoughts on the future needs and backed off from contributing because my Freddie's needs have been met as we have stumbled through this LBD condition, not even knowing what we were dealing with. We blamed everything on the blindness and the small stroke. Last fall I learned about the condition and realized what I had been battling all along. Now, I have the tools [medicines] to help. After a decline and three weeks' in psych ward where we received most kind and loving help, I brought him home and we have really good days and nights [three fourths of the time]. Now that's where I can fit in with something that has made life much easier. <BR/><BR/>During the down time after I brought Freddie home from hospital, we had many bedside toilet issues. He is stronger now. His little half bath is at the foot of his bed about four feet away. We found that by leaving the door open he can reach for the door handles after inching his way to the foot of the bed, pull himself into a standing position and go to and use the bathroom unassisted. [returning to his bed is a little more precarious] <BR/><BR/>I am not suggesting that you arrange the bed and door to his room in this fashion but I do think having access to bars or something leading to his bathroom from his bed will save falls and the caretakers will be ever so thankful to say nothing of the independence it will give John. I know Freddie is so pleased that he does not have us hovering over and around him while he tends to his private needs. <BR/><BR/>Not a building expert, StellaStellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15644228031744559675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103404033723453891.post-44024471402650804982008-07-25T14:16:00.000-04:002008-07-25T14:16:00.000-04:00You would best be served by someone who can walk t...You would best be served by someone who can walk through the space with you that has actually been in your shoes. They can give the best advice. Then, and only then, go to a residential designer that has experience with this situation. If you can't find one of those, find a residential designer that is willing to listen very carefully. It does not need to be an architect or engineer unless you are moving structural walls, etc. If the plumbing is already in place, you're set to go. If not, that may require some extensive work. The contractor you mentioned several weeks ago, with aging in place knowledge, would be your best contractor - do a check on him, though. <BR/><BR/>Design is subjective - people simply have different opinions. Assessing needs is something quite different and those who have walked your walk are the best consultants. After the needs are determined, then you add on the 'pretty.'<BR/><BR/>Knowledge of physical and cognitive losses within a built environment and that relationships is not the typical architect's role - unless they have experience dealing with it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com