Dear Fellow Boomers,
I love summer – not having to put shoes on around the house, sitting on my back porch in the morning with a cup of coffee or enjoying the evening sunsets with my husband on the front porch. Right now the lightning bugs are at their peak. Many of us have noticed how prevalent they are this year and are enjoying the spectacular light show each evening. The summer is slipping by quickly. Soon it will be the 4th of July and red, white and blue will be on everything from cupcakes to front porches. There is another freedom to think about as we celebrate our nation’s freedom – the freedom to live comfortably and to sit out on our front porch.
I met a new client last week. Jane has a disability that has made it almost impossible for her to get in and out of her home or to take a shower. She has lost some of her most basic freedoms – to leave her home when she wishes and to take a shower by herself. Jane must wait for someone to carry her or an ambulance to take her to therapy. She cannot sit on her porch because one step prevents her from leaving her home. She cannot take a shower because the side of the tub is too high for her to get over without help. Jane is just 49 years old. Through a small grant program we will have enough funds to provide access to her home and replace the bathtub with a shower.
This project is typical of how just one step can cost someone their most basic freedom. I’ve mentioned many times that it’s important to plan. When designing your new bathroom, put in a shower instead of a tub. Make sure there are grab bars too. When adding a new room or building new always add a no step entrance to the home – in the garage, out back or in the front. Hire a good designer to help you plan correctly and make sure it looks as wonderful as it can be. Boomers, young people, seniors, everyone! Don’t let 8 inches take away your freedom.
Coffee’s brewing and the light show is on,
Happy home,
Pat
