Assisted living? Handicap appartment?

[Mitch]

Or nursing home? I sure get mixed responses when I enquire bout these options.

I am 43, single, live alone, wheelchair bound but can still stand to do xfers. I bought this condo 1.5 years ago and it works good for me. No stairs, no basement. I think I do just fine here but some nurses, therapists, ect. give me the impression I need more assistance than I get here.

I do my own dishes (with dishwasher). The only help I get is my cleaning lady comes by every other week to clean the shower, mop the floors, and wash whatever needs it.

I am also getting a wheelchair van as soon as I make it to the cities. To further claim my independence.

Am I trying too hard to be independant? I get the impression from some that I should just "give up". but giving up is just not me.

[stillstANNding]

Mitch,

From what you say it seems that you are happy in your condo. I would fight to keep my independence unless it was unsafe.

Those places you have named have help. They also have rules,less space and less privacy. Ah, there's the rub.

What are the nurses and other helpers currently saying? Remember they are not you.

ANN

[Tylerhenry]

Hey Mitch,

I'm 30 years old. I've been using a wheelchair for the last five years. I've lived in a few different accessable places and the best by far is my current abode. I live down town, very close to everything and everything that I need, medically speaking. There is a lot of action and most everything is accessable, and if not, people do their best to help. But not TOO much!

I have a two bedroom place so people can come and visit, and it has been remodeled with help from the accessable housing society so I can wheel under counters and sinks and the walls are nice and scratch resistant. I do pretty much everything to maintain my place. My huge problem is balance, hence the wc.

I would agree that you should try and maintain your independence until it is not safe for you. I've lived in a seniors centre and altho they have some fabulous stories to tell, I would rather be amoungst folks near my own age. But do what you gotta do. You will find the good in it.

Best of luck,
:)
Tyler

[Chris119]

I am also WC bound. I also live alone, although I have help very close. Although I know that eventually I'll have to be in a nursing home, I'm trying to stave it off for as long as possible. Alone time and privacy are too important to me. My current project is designing a lift system for my bathroom, since the only commercially available overhead lift that can be operated independently is horredously expensive. And neither Medicare nor Medicaid will pay for it.

You'll know when the time is right to make that move. Nobody, no matter how well intentioned, can -- or should -- make that choice for you. You'll know when enough is enough.

Chris

[bafriend]

I'm so proud of all of you for living independently. Have you ever looked at the MSAssociation of America web site. http://www.msaa.com/programs/barrier.html

They offer barrier free housing. From the web site looks like mostly in NJ.
"Barrier-Free Housing
MSAA owns and operates five barrier-free apartment complexes which provide accessible, affordable housing for physically disabled adults in an independent living environment. Each of the 125 one-bedroom or efficiency apartments is designed to meet the needs of persons with MS or other physical disabilities. [Amenities include step-less entries, widened doorways for wheelchair passage, roll-under kitchen sinks and counters, lowered light switches, large roll-in showers with grab bars and a pull down bench, air conditioning , and other features to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment. ] The apartments are also very affordable as rent is subsidized through the government. As a result, rental payments are 30% of tenant’s adjusted gross income."

Take a look at the website. Lots of good information for independent living. Don't ever give up that independence. I'm hoping good planning will keep me independent and living well in my own home untill my time on earth is up.

Best wishes, Betty

[0357]

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Brochures-Managing%20MS.asp

Take care.

[frame]

i live in a 'handicap' apt. which pretty much means there are no counters below the sinks, and the bathtub isnt as tall :0 those are the only differences in my apt. the carpet is REALLY thick. i dont know if its because its new or what, but its really beef'd up my arms