My parents moved to an independent living facility closer to me in August. They have not been able to visit my home because we do not have high toilets and there are two steps that they would have to go up to get to either one of them. My mom cannot get up the two steps without a railing and she has to have a high toilet. We do not currently have the money to fix this problem. Dad wants to visit, but can’t leave Mom that long. Any ideas?
If dad really really really wants to come to the house, hire a sitter for mom so he can make the visit.
I wound up going to the ALF to celebrate Christmas with the folks that year and we had a very nice time. The chef made a lovely meal and my DH and I gave the folks gifts, etc. It all turned out well and there was no stress or anxiety on anyone's part.
If it's your folks who want to come visit you at your home, you've gotten a couple of good suggestions for how to remedy that situation.
Best of luck!
We can no longer bring my FIL to our house for holidays. He is no longer able to stand and is completely in a wheelchair so we see him at his facility.
How high is the distance between the two floor levels? Is there enough hallway to allow a ramp? You need 1 foot per inch of rise for an ADA compliant ramp used with a walker or wheelchair, although many seniors can easily walk up a ramp with only 1 foot per 2-3 inches of rise. Even with a ramp, you really need to install a handrail. Temporary ramps can be constructed of wood with very basic carpenter/handyman skills. There are also aluminium folding ramps available for under $500 new and much less used from yard sales or sites like ebay. One advantage of the folding ramp is the same ramp can serve two purposes. Once at the entrance and then setup inside the home after your parents enter.
See All Answers