Tape Measure
Today, I’ll address a question that I hear frequently from clients.
Question: My mom is due to have surgery soon and will be coming home for recovery. The doctors say she will need to use a wheelchair for a while during her rehabilitation period. What should I do to prepare her home so that she is comfortable?
Answer:
Clear a path within her home to allow her to move around in her wheelchair. To test before the wheelchair arrives, take a yardstick and holding it horizontal at about 24” off the floor, walk the path you would take from entry door to the rooms of the house you anticipate she will use. At doorways, you would hope to find 32” wide of clear space.
Can she get into the bathroom? Is the doorway wide enough? If not, you might consider a narrower shower chair to slide into the doorway or a commode chair to substitute for the water closet.
Sleeping on one floor? Consider locating her bed and bedroom items on the lower floor for the recovery period.
Create a place for her to sit comfortably with family and friends in her favorite places in the house. Is there a place in the living room where she can sit to watch TV or socialize? Does it have a table alongside for her cup of tea or newspaper? Does the dining table have enough room for a wheelchair to sit comfortably. Most wheelchairs need 30” wide and 27” tall for a user’s knees and toes.
If she will be able to do some things for herself while seated, consider moving her personal items and basic kitchen items down to countertops or lower cupboards. Dishes and glasses can be stored at lower locations to allow her to get simple meals or snacks on her own. Microwaves located on counters can warm up meals or heat up a cup of tea.
Originally published on www.silverplanet.org
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