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The Fourth of July is approaching. This is the day that we citizens in the United States of America celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in which the 13 American Colonies declared themselves to be independent of the British Empire. The premise was that the people had the right to pursue relief from Tyrannical rule. My how the successful pursuit of that quest for independence changed the World!
The “World” I work in is a little smaller, but no less important to the people I work with. I believe that inaccessible environments, especially in our homes, are a disabling tyrannical force facing millions of people. Simply modifying these environments with equipment or modifications will allow people the opportunity to function safely and independently.
This month’s video shows the effect replacing a tub with a life time shower system by Best Bath, Inc. had on one family. It returned showering to a private and safe daily activity. Bathing no longer has to be a scheduled activity that the family works around, and frequent falls in the bathroom that required calls to the Fire Department for help were eliminated. I strive for these results with every family we work with, but listening to this family as they graciously recorded this testimonial brought me to tears. This, for me, is what personal independence is all about.
This was a bathroom remodel that did not increase the space of the bathroom because that would have decreased space in an adjacent bedroom. We replaced the tub with an attractive, but low maintenance unit from Best Bath Systems, Inc. We used a temporary threshold which can be removed if a roll in shower is needed in a few years. We ordered a custom sized flip down seat to provide the depth and width to assist with sitting balance. The grab bars have a non slip surface and are located to use the client’s strengths for independent transfers at the shower and toilet. We suggested a seat type Bidet which rivals the new shower for “Best Feature” in this bathroom. If you want to know more about the specific products we used or why we designed the placement of supports where we did, just give us a call.
So while you celebrate the Independence of this wonderful country, keep the value of our individual and personal independence in mind as well! Home modifications help people who have disabilities from accidents, medical issues, or aging declare independence from the Tyranny of barriers in their homes and allows them the opportunity to live in their own homes safely.
