Housing Questions

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#1 mudlotus

Group: Guests

Posted 01 February 2009 - 11:05 PM

Take two?

I'm sorry for the confusion. I met a man who was visiting the states, and liked him a lot. We're still in contact. I'm not sure where we're headed, but the future has been mentioned in passing. (we are going like turtles,

) He has stated his intention to visit the US again, but has not specified a time line. I'm looking for a new place to live, which will involve a year long lease, most likely. I (possibly prematurely) want to make sure that if he visits during that time he can at least get around in my home. I figured that front steps were handle-able in that I can wield a hammer and my bro-in-law works in construction so a ramp shouldn't be that difficult. So I was thinking that the most important things were a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. I also thought that it's most important that the bathroom door is wide enough and that the room itself is big enough to maneuver in.

The question was... are there things that are equally vital that I don't realize? I won't be looking for something fully accessible because I don't personally need it... don't want to suck up housing that someone else really needs and if this goes to shit then... :rollseyes:

As for the info about him... what I know is T-12 incomplete, manual chair and he seemed to get around pretty well. I'm pretty sure he can't stand at all, but he didn't seem to have any trouble transferring or anything. If you need more info then ask and if I know I'll tell you.

Advice about furniture is also welcome. Heights that will be easy, etc.

Again, I apologize for the confusion. And thanks for any input.

This post has been edited by mudlotus: 03 February 2009 - 05:19 AM

#2 Ana

Newbie

Group: Members
Posts: 75
Joined: 23-November 05
Gender:Male
Country:Bristol
Spinal Injury Level / Relationship:T5

Posted 02 February 2009 - 07:54 PM

I think that if you had told a little more about your friend you might have gotten more responses. For instance does he use a powerchair or a manual chair, what is he capable of as far as transfering and reaching things? Some people just sit very tall and can reach where others in chairs can't. It just isn't easy to give advice that suits all. He is the only one that could give you advice on this. However I can understand that you may find it difficult to tell him that you would modify your house or move to a more accesible home because of him, since your relationship is not that far advanced yet. At least that is the impression you gave me.

I can sort of relate to how you feel because my b/f had to deal with my not very accessible home also in the beginning of our relationship. We managed somehow with short visits but, I was glad when I found a one level apartment in a very accessible neighboorhood after awhile. It was built last year and it has a huge bathroom and very wide doors.

Space to manoevre and wide enough doorways is what you need to look for. Maybe buy a showerbench. It is all up to the individuals needs.

Good luck!

"The follies which a man regrets the most in his life are those which he didn't commit when he had the opportunity".

#3 mudlotus

Group: Guests

Posted 02 February 2009 - 09:49 PM

Thank you, Ana, for your reply and your understanding. I should have realized that more info would be needed, but since I was pretty unsure about posting in the first place I wasn't sure what to say and what info to offer. And we aren't very far advanced, but I still don't want to sign a lease that's going to make it miserable for him to visit if we do.