Vera and Bob have been married for 50 years and have three grown children. Vera is a petite 73-year-old who has arthritis but is still fairly active. Bob is 77 years old, weighs about 200 pounds, and is a retired auto worker. Bob was very active most of his life but now has limited mobility. He is less energetic, suffers from bad knees and has arthritis. Bob and Vera live in the same ranch house they have owned for 20 years. The house is dated and though it is all on one level, it is no longer accommodating to either of their needs.
Bob gets around mostly with a walker or, on good days, a cane. Vera tries to help Bob as much as she can. Bob needs help in and out of bed, going to the bathroom, with meals, and his laundry. Bathing is a real problem for both. They can’t step over the tub side and the separate round shower handles are hard to grip and turn. Bob can’t stand upright for long periods and both of them are at high-risk for falling.
Bob likes to sit in his recliner and read the paper while listening to the news, but has a hard time getting in and out of his chair. He tries to help Vera around the house but finds daily tasks cumbersome and frustrating. He can’t be on his feet very long and the kitchen counters and appliances are too difficult to maneuver around. Bob can only grab a small snack from the refrigerator or pantry.
Vera and Bob’s story is a common one. They want to live independently but find it increasingly difficult. Vera could potentially live in their home for many more years, but is unable to help Bob remain with her. She worries about what being separated will do to them. Their children are also worried about them living in their home by themselves. If their situation doesn’t improve, they may be forced to move to an assisted care facility.
Their oldest daughter, Mary, who lives nearby, has contacted numerous contractors about modifying her parent’s home. Each contractor offered different approaches and unsatisfactory solutions. Mary doesn’t want a part-time handyman to install grab bars or modify cabinets for access. She wants an expert in the aging in place market. She wants a contractor who develops a fundamental, comprehensive plan that enables her parents to remain comfortably and safely in their home.
At LifeWise Renovations, we understand what Vera and Bob are going through. We work closely with the medical community to successfully meet the needs of the aging in place community. Our remodeling experts would provide Vera and Bob with a multi-faceted plan that would begin with an in-home universal design assessment. This initial home visit would review the physical condition of their home and identify their specific needs. Bob’s mobility issues and Vera’s ability to care for her husband would certainly be the highest priority. Let’s take a more detailed look at some of the projects that could be completed for Vera and Bob.
