Forgot to mention that after my Dad died, I made a list of all the things in the house that were obstacles to a disabled person. I couldn't do anything about them during his illness because he couldn't have handled the construction chaos, but I've spent several years fixing them. Took out the bathtub in the master bath and installed a large walk-in shower. Took out the too-small shower with non-tempered glass door (70 year-old house) and installed a walk-in bathtub. Had a concrete patio poured to transition from back porch to yard level so wheelchair ramps won't be necessary. Removed dust-catching fabric window coverings and put in wood blinds to help reduce breathing problems. Still have some wall-to-wall carpeting I want to replace with wood or tile. This is the house I intend to stay in the rest of my days, and if necessary I will take care of any other loved ones who need help, so it only makes sense to prepare now while I can stand the temporary mess and chaos. |