The Accessible Home Journal Vol. 2 Issue 4 March 2008
“You have to define the problems first! Then, and only then, can you offer meaningful solutions.”
All too often we receive a call that starts with, “Can you put in a curbless shower?” or, “Do you do ramps or grab bars?” The honest answer is, “Yes, but....” Everyone likes to start with the solutions. That is the fun part. We would like to start with the solutions too. However, solutions without a definition of the problems are not solutions at all.
A redesign and remodel of a home to accommodate a change in abilities of one or more of the residents can be an expensive undertaking. The changes made to a home may have to fit the needs of the residents for a lifetime. All too often, in a desperate moment, a contractor is called in, changes are made, only to be discovered later that they are inadequate or even a detriment. It is not unusual for modifications costing thousands to be torn out and completely redone. An individual should not have to struggle in their own home.
At Accessibility Services, Inc., we firmly believe that a proper redesign of a home starts with the individuals living in the home. That means spending the time to gain a thorough understanding of their needs. We strive to accurately assess what residents can and will do, routinely, day in day out, often for the rest of their life. We are such a “can do” society and we are inclined to say, “Oh, I can get by. Or, I can make do.” But “getting by” or “making do” day in and day out, often for a lifetime, can become daunting; almost right is not good enough.
We
also must know about needs that are peripheral in nature.
For instance, a client may have a paralysis that will require
certain accommodations but there may also be disabilities that are not so
obvious such as problems of low vision, hearing impairment, vertigo, or a
lack of endurance.
These will have to be addressed as well. With
a thorough understanding of a clients routine abilities we can then turn
our attention to the design of the home to determine
problem areas.
And, that is a subject for another time.
It is the purpose of ASI to enhance the quality of life for people that may have a debilitating disease, suffer accident trauma, or be frail do to age. Our mission is for everyone to enjoy their home for a lifetime.
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