What do you live in?? apartment/house/condo & with whom?

[RJC]

I was curious what kind of home the rest of you lived in.... apartment, condo, or house? And do you live there with a spouse, gf/bf, family, or by yourself? And if you want to note your injury level that might be interesting too.

I ask it because my gf and I are supposed to look into getting a place together this coming year... and finding a house, which we'd prefer, is difficult from the accessibility standpoint (access in and the bathroom being the 2 big hurdles)... condos are a bit better from the start accessibility wise but preference is towards a house if possible.

So what's everyone else got going?

[Eileen]

I am C5/6 and lived in my house for 27 years, but be forewarned that it is a lot of work with grass cutting, snow shoveling, and general maintenance. A lot of my income went to other people to provide such services. Three years ago I sold it and moved into a condo. Love it! Everything is taken care of for me except within my own walls. They keep the grounds beautifully, plant flowers, and shovel snow whenever needed. For me it a new lease on life and not being tied to a house.

[RehabRhino]

I'm C5/6 and moved from a rural house I adored to a city centre apartment to allow me to live on my own as independently as possible.

I wouldn't change it as it is superb for amenities, shops, socialising and proximity to my office.

[gurly2356]

I'm t4 and live in a house by myself. Very nice location & close to everything.

Either my mom, bf or neighbor mows the grass for me, and my uncle plows out my driveway all winter. That kind of stuff hasn't been too much of an issue for me.

[adi chicago]

i`m c6-7 and live in a house with my mom ,sister and her son.without my family help and support i was dead after my sci.is a very nice area but accesibility for disabled sucks.

[RJC]

I am C5/6 and lived in my house for 27 years, but be forewarned that it is a lot of work with grass cutting, snow shoveling, and general maintenance. A lot of my income went to other people to provide such services. Three years ago I sold it and moved into a condo. Love it! Everything is taken care of for me except within my own walls. They keep the grounds beautifully, plant flowers, and shovel snow whenever needed. For me it a new lease on life and not being tied to a house.

whats the tub setup like in your condo... did u make a wheel-in shower? or us a bath-bench, or one of those commodes that slides off its wheels over the tub?

[Eileen]

When I bought my condo nothing about the bathroom was going to work, including the doorway itself. As part of my sales agreement I had them tear down a wall inside the bathroom, behind which was a huge closet with a door. I chose to open the whole area up into one big room for easier maneuvering, even if now someone using my bathroom also has to look at my clothes. I then had them widen the actual door to the bathroom to 36" wide so I can cruise in without hitting any of the woodwork, even if I am a bit off center. I chose to keep the original tub since it was in a location I could get exactly parallel to. It isn't terribly deep, so it makes getting my legs over the side fairly simple and making for a relatively easy transfer onto my shower chair. To accomplish all this they had to not only tear down the wall, open the doorway into the bathroom, but also lay down new floor to cover where the wall had been and paint the celiling again too. They didn't charge me anything extra to do the work, and that was three years ago, before the market crashed. Nowdays you could probably talk them into doing almost anything to get a sale.

[Eileen]

I forgot to write that if the day ever comes I find the transfer to the tub too difficult I will just have it removed and have a wheel-in stall put there, using the same drain that exists for the tub.

[jryprt]

C6/7 My wife & I have had a house for 24 years , added ramps (front & back) & roll in shower & lift on the ceiling to get me in & out of bed .
Started with 3 bedrooms (had kids at home) now its 1 bedroom took out some walls after the kids moved out:)

[woman from Europe]

I live with my 12-year old in the middle of Oslo in a three rooms appartment I bought 4 years ago. Two bedroms and one livingrom, a bathroom with shower and a kitchen. I had another one just around the corner but it was 110 years old and not very accessible and impossible to make accessible s o I decided to move to a newer one. But that was a beautiful appartment, but it was too difficult to stay.

[Emi2]

I live in a log home by a lake, 20 min from a decent size town. I live with my husband and 2 kids. I'm C-8. We did have to tear off the deck and buold a ramp, rip out the kitchen/bathroom, widen doors. But those were all areas of the house in serious need of repair/updating so we got a deal on the house. So I'd suggest looking for a fixer-upper and using the extra cash to modify the home.

[watchthisbaby]

I live in a ground floor apartment. I haven't changed a thing for accessibility, I haven't had to. I'm a c6/7 live with my kids who are young adults, but don't get that twisted!! There teenagers and I still have to pick up after them most of the time, uugh!

The apartment is 3bd, 2ba, kitchen, living room, dining room, and it has a washer and dryer. I do hate living in an apartment, I haven't lived in one since I was 18. The upside is I'm close to shopping and my therapy. I couldn't push there since there are to many hills, but maybe someday.

[christopher]

I'm a c6 complete quad and I live alone in an accessible two-bedroom apartment in a housing cooperative situated as downtown as downtown can get around here. It was a three-bedroom, but they took one of the bedrooms and turned it into an accessible bathroom. My neighbours are golden. Everything's close... 4 hospitals, 3 universities and the downtown core within a mile... It's noisy with all of the fire trucks, buses and drunk university students passing outside my front window but I'm used to it. In fact, I like to think the vibrant atmosphere keeps me feeling young. There's A LOT of snow in winter (we got a foot yesterday and I think I got frostbite on my foot from being out too long in -25 degree weather) but it gets cleared off the streets pretty fast.

It would take a hell of a lot to make me move out of here. Something like having my frostbitten toe amputated maybe... but I'll find out about that when I roll up to emerg in a couple hours. :p

[Danine]

T8-9 walking para here with possible MS. Live in a one-story house with my partner of 15 years. My dad and brother built a ramp so that I can get my chair in and out and installed swing away hinges to make my office door wider (that's where I store my chair at home).

It's been a pain in the wallet hiring folks to take care of the yard, but we like living in a house with a fenced-in back yard so that we can have lots of animals and a small garden in the summer.

We've discussed moving to a condo when we get older and have less animals so that the outdoor maintenance won't be such an issue.

[Natalie_A]

I'm C2 and have moved back with my parents and younger brother. It's a 2 story house where the ground floor has been renovate with wider doorways, hardwood floors, roll in shower and living area for me. The 2nd floor well it's the same I haven't been up there since.

[rcechser]

I'm a c6 complete quad and I live alone in an accessible two-bedroom apartment in a housing cooperative situated as downtown as downtown can get around here. It was a three-bedroom, but they took one of the bedrooms and turned it into an accessible bathroom. My neighbours are golden. Everything's close... 4 hospitals, 3 universities and the downtown core within a mile... It's noisy with all of the fire trucks, buses and drunk university students passing outside my front window but I'm used to it. In fact, I like to think the vibrant atmosphere keeps me feeling young. There's A LOT of snow in winter (we got a foot yesterday and I think I got frostbite on my foot from being out too long in -25 degree weather) but it gets cleared off the streets pretty fast.

It would take a hell of a lot to make me move out of here. Something like having my frostbitten toe amputated maybe... but I'll find out about that when I roll up to emerg in a couple hours. :pChris how for do you live from St Cathrine St, I have been there a few times in my younger days.

[trainman]

I'm a C2/3 living in a home with my parents. It was built in 1993 by my parents, I was eight years post, with all level entrances, ceiling lift in my room and lift with access to the walk/roll out basement. No bathroom adaptions though, I only get bed baths.

I lived in my own apartment for three years, but the bathroom was inaccessible. It was a two-bedroom on the ground floor, but was fairly tight for a power chair.

[christopher]

Chris how for do you live from St Cathrine St, I have been there a few times in my younger days.

4 blocks.

[fuentejps]

inc c4/5. we live in a condo, although they look like single family homes. i built it, lived alone for a year then my gf now wife moved in. if u can building is best and most inexpensive way to go accesibility wise. i needed very little done all doorways 36, roll in shower, handicapped height toilet and grab bars, shut off valves w/in reach, breaker box lower, outlets a bit higher, kitch counter a bit lower w/ nooks on each end for cutting etc, and ramp in garage. thats it........much easier to build acces rather than retro it, and hell of alot cheaper

[fuentejps]

dumb question, but why only bed baths that cant be very clean
I'm a C2/3 living in a home with my parents. It was built in 1993 by my parents, I was eight years post, with all level entrances, ceiling lift in my room and lift with access to the walk/roll out basement. No bathroom adaptions though, I only get bed baths.

I lived in my own apartment for three years, but the bathroom was inaccessible. It was a two-bedroom on the ground floor, but was fairly tight for a power chair.

[trainman]

dumb question, but why only bed baths that cant be very clean

In 23 years of quadness, I've only been in a tub maybe six times. With the vent, it's usually quite a hassle to try a tub, but I would like one that's accessible someday.

[dgrotz]

dumb question, but why only bed baths that cant be very clean

I only get bed baths as well, sometimes we do what we must. I live at home with my mom, it's not ideal but it works. For a few years I was married and we had a 1st floor apt., no roll in shower there either.

[Chris Chappell]

C6/7. New home that I bought about 6mos post, 12/00. Originally it was my wife and I plus three dogs. Then I kicked her out and kept the dogs :D. Lived alone albeit with the temporary girlfriends for about 2yrs. Currently live with my gf. We're at the base of the mntns in SW Denver, about 15 mi from downtown. The house is ranch style with a finished basement. I did a ton of custom work on it the first couple of years, master bathroom re-model, hardwood floors throughout (basement as well), hot-tub, deck, elevator, etc. The basic most necessary mods were the master bath - tore out tub, widen doorways, put in roll-in shower plus tile. Another biggie was getting rid of wall-to-wall carpet. My chair made it filthy with tire tracks, etc. Also added french doors (wide) off the master bedroom and took out the sliding glass door out to the deck for access. No ramps visible to any neighbors but a ramp in the garage and on side of house. Grass, trees, sprinklers, deck, dogs, etc., lots of work! House = lots of maintenance.

Bottom line. I love my house, big, beautiful, accessible, custom, close to everything including Craig hospital. I'm getting a little tired of the maintenance though which is perpetual. If I were to do it again, I'd probably go condo in the mountains. I would truly miss the space but not the headaches. If you do decide to buy a house there are three critical things: 1. Access (in/out). 2. Bathroom. 3. Kitchen. Everything else can be adjusted / modified. Good luck with whatever you decide :)

[gurly2356]

inc c4/5. we live in a condo, although they look like single family homes. i built it, lived alone for a year then my gf now wife moved in. if u can building is best and most inexpensive way to go accesibility wise. i needed very little done all doorways 36, roll in shower, handicapped height toilet and grab bars, shut off valves w/in reach, breaker box lower, outlets a bit higher, kitch counter a bit lower w/ nooks on each end for cutting etc, and ramp in garage. thats it........much easier to build acces rather than retro it, and hell of alot cheaper

I agree.

My house is 3 years old bought it used lady only lived in it for 6 months, and I really lucked out that it was completely wheelchair accessible already with roll in shower. The only thing that isn't accessible is my basement, but I'll eventually get a lift for that. It's perfect 3 bedroom, 2 bath so big enough if I want to start a family.

[Natalie_A]

I agree.

My house is 3 years old bought it used lady only lived in it for 6 months, and I really lucked out that it was completely wheelchair accessible already with roll in shower. The only thing that isn't accessible is my basement, but I'll eventually get a lift for that. It's perfect 3 bedroom, 2 bath so big enough if I want to start a family.
Sounds perfect and you did luck out a bit. Some one else doing a lot of the work. And how did you mange to get a house so young, that's awesome, bravo. I was paying rent through the roof before I had to move back home. Real Estate here is crazy.

[wazabiker]

Currently live in a 2400 square foot home that has undergone a few modification to meet my needs. However, my wife and I are getting old and cannot maintain the home and property ourselves. We are seriously considering a townhouse constructed with accessibility to all rooms, including bathrooms.

The community we are contemplating provides all outside maintenance and insurance for exterior. There is a club house with a workout room, meeting room, and outdoor pool. It's still a buyer's market for homes, but we must sell our present place to make a buy, alas.

[gurly2356]

Sounds perfect and you did luck out a bit. Some one else doing a lot of the work. And how did you mange to get a house so young, that's awesome, bravo. I was paying rent through the roof before I had to move back home. Real Estate here is crazy.

I wasn't really planning on moving out when I did, but I couldn't pass up the house. The lady that lived here was a double amputee & right when the house was done being built her husband died & her family tried letting her live here on her own, but she went down hill health wise after her husband. I basically stole the house. The family just needed to get out of it for the state to pay for the nursing home or something?! It was something like they weren't looking to make money on it, cuz it was all going to be going to the state anyways so they just wanted to get rid of it. It's a very nice home with a fenced in yard for my pooch & was all professionally landscaped before I got it! I've added some of my touches to the place, but I still came out ahead!

[Juke_spin]

A shithole, but I'm out on my nonexistent ass in six weeks so who knows?

[Van Quad]

Recently moved back to a townhouse complex with the accessible units that I helped design 25 years ago. Moved away 23 years ago but always remembered the great accessibility, backyard, and neighbours. It is nice having my own front door again, and not depending on elevators. The first tenants wanted a tub, so the wheel in shower needs to be redone properly. Converting from tub to wheel in shower is not as easy to do in a condo, unless you get in early pre-build.
Rebuilt the patio last summer and tiled it with the wooden IKEA tiles so that the transition through the patio doors is level. This summer I'm building an outdoor kitchen in my backyard, and finishing my propane fire pit. CC party on August 5. :D
C4-5 living alone (but contemplating moving in with gurly2356 :p)

[Ashley]

living with my roommates (parents ;)) because it's cheaper while i'm in school. our house is split level, but the main level was originally pretty spacious w/ hardwood floors. we added a stair lift for me to get upstairs to my bedroom and had a roll in shower put in my bathroom. my laundry room isnt accessible which is my only annoyance but everything else is liveable.

[watchthisbaby]

A shithole, but I'm out on my nonexistent ass in six weeks so who knows?


WTH Juke?? Didn't the lady who lives across the street offer you a room? :D

[Juke_spin]

WTH Juke?? Didn't the lady who lives across the street offer you a room? :D

No, and you can bet she's a happy camper ever since the "For Sale" realtor's sign went up in front of the house. The residence is so close that puts the sign almost in the road, and if she hadn't been sick these past months she'd be over here cleaning it and offering tours.:D

[jody]

apartment. two grown kids their spouses, my frogs, max the mouse strawberry the wonderkitty jack the Norwegian forest cat 4 hermit crabs 1 gecko 1 Siamese fighting fish ten dozen crickets(frog lizard food) my sweetie and band equipment for 2 bands.

[darrel]

I am a c5/c6 incomplete and live in a mobile home that I bought pre injury. my fincee' lives with me and a pit/boxer mix, and three terreriums of frogs and anolees (gecko) and soon an iguana.

[PN]

I live on the top floor of a condo and I am also the HOA president. My injury level is C-2 incomplete. Since the unit is on one level everything is accessible. I have been living in this building for 10 years, and so far no regrets. However, I do need the elevator in order to get outside.

Pros:
No one lives above me.

Cons:
Electricity goes out.
I live in earthquake country.
Fire in the building.

[watchthisbaby]

apartment. two grown kids their spouses, my frogs, max the mouse strawberry the wonderkitty jack the Norwegian forest cat 4 hermit crabs 1 gecko 1 Siamese fighting fish ten dozen crickets(frog lizard food) my sweetie and band equipment for 2 bands.

WOW!! I hope it's a big apartment, I'm having visions of you stuck behind some amps and a drum set abd you can't get out. ;)


Juke_spinQuote:
Originally Posted by watchthisbaby http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?p=973348#post973348)
WTH Juke?? Didn't the lady who lives across the street offer you a room? :D

No, and you can bet she's a happy camper ever since the "For Sale" realtor's sign went up in front of the house. The residence is so close that puts the sign almost in the road, and if she hadn't been sick these past months she'd be over here cleaning it and offering tours.:D

Good news I made some calls for you, and there's plenty of room at some of the Sr centers and they have lots of nosey old ladies who would love to have tea with you :applaud:

[McDuff]

T10, live with wife, 2 dogs, and 1 cat.

We are in a 3-2-2 with a pool and big outbuilding on an acre, bought pre-sci. It's one level, had to rip out carpet and put in wood floors, widen all the doors to 36", redo master bath. Didn't do anything to kitchen, wife is the cook in the family, I can get to everything if needed.

Now have to pay for lawn and pool care, adds a lot to monthly expenses. We plan on making a pottery studio in outbuilding now that I don't need it for motorcycle storage/workarea. We plan on being here for awhile, but somewhere down the line it will make sense to move to a condo or something with no upkeep issues.

Juke - sorry to hear you are losing your home. I just read in the latest NM mag that there is an active sci support group in Placerville, maybe they can help you find a new spot if you need a lead.

[vjls]

c6c7 found a foreclousre home ranch roll in shower allready there all the door way were 36 in
i got really lucky house is 2800sq ft 3br 2 bath my son does my lawn i tore out all carpet and have concrete floors. thought about hardwood but i am to cheap to do that i don/t mind the concrete. its clean.

[Van Quad]

Pros:
No one lives above me.

Cons:
Electricity goes out.
I live in earthquake country.
Fire in the building.

An important feature to consider if you live alone as I do. Most new condos require sprinklers which can save your life. That's the one downside to my current townhouse.

[knowthill]

I bought a three bedroom two bath three story house. But I have never seen the upstairs or the basement. I live with my wife of eight years and my fourteen year old son. We live in a small town where wheel chair accessibility is still something in the future.

As a matter of fact last week we received six inches of snow over night and we could not get out of the house. The snow had piled up against the door so tight Deb had to squeeze out to shovel the snow away so we could get outside. Needless to say he going outdoors right now is beyond my first goals. I do my best to keep my mind active by writing and playing computer games. This may sound nerdy but my favorite game right now is chess

[nevada]

I live in a two story house they we were just finishing have built prior to my fall which was five day before we were to close on the house. Luckily we built the house to die in so to speak so the master bedroom, bath, and laundry are all on the ground floor. Had all the doors ,built as 36 inch doors (lucky thing) I lived alone in the house for three years due to my wife moving out. They have sense moved back, which makes life a lot more easier.

[Rustyjames]

dumb question, but why only bed baths that cant be very clean

How dirty can you get in a wheelchair?

[Seenkid101]

I am t7 and live in a 700 SQ. FT.apartment with my partner Shannon !!! the only modification is the bathroom door to 36 inches and they put in a wall sink!!!

[rcechser]

How dirty can you get in a wheelchair?Thats a dumb question as dirty and smelly as anyone else without a wheelchair.

[Dave E]

My wife and I have a house 8,000ft up in the Rocky Mtns. If there is a "good" way to aquire SCI, I guess it would have to be at work. Colorado law requires Wkman Comp. to make accessable housing options available. We chose to have an addition put onto our home that worked as accessable. The Mstr Bed rm / bath room has a roll in shower, therapy tub (thanks to a great O.T.) -w- lift, and roll under sink. We already had hardwood floors in most of the rest of the house. My wife enjoys the mowing and gardening in the summer, and does most of the snow removal in the winter. We contract for the driveway as we had 40' of snowfall last year! Since we no longer have the bikes, my wife is turning the tool / tac building into a pottery studio....Hey McDuff, where have I heard that before?

[Mona~on~wheels]

I live in a small efficency apt. next to my sister & bil.
I was in a Nursing Home for 3 yrs & she remodeled part of her late husband's garage.
It's in the country, right on the edge of town.
He was a mechanic & built this garage so he could work at his home.
He passed with leukemia.
He had an hydraulic lift to pull motors out, which made a real nice vaulted ceiling.
Just 1 large room which accomodates a bedroom area, living area, and kitchen area.
Which suits me, I can be with and see everything the aides does.
I've have so many items I valued stoled from me. Easy to move around also.
Small bath with wheel in shower.
My sister has a large home with a ramp and lots of area outside to wander around.
I wish I had water sprinklers in case of a fire.

[Rustyjames]

Thats a dumb question as dirty and smelly as anyone else without a wheelchair.

You mean like a construction worker, an autobody repair person or diesel mechanic? Most people with an SCI don't even break a sweat, that's what I meant.

[forestranger52]

Purchased small cottage in woods that I found on the Internet while I was in a V.A. nursing home. Had a friend with a remodeling company take the two car garage on the property and make it into an accessible cabin. Large bathroom with roll in shower. Vaulted knotty pine ceilings and pine/ hemlock board walls with camouflage curtains. Very manly with artifacts of my former Ranger life nailed to the walls
.
Small 2 bedroom cottage used for visitors (if any ever show up).

Maintenance is a pain in the butt. Trying to find trustworthy people to do the many small tasks needed is almost impossible. Icy driveway, roads and sidewalk keep me stuck inside for months.

After the fourth winter in the forest, post nursing home, am considering unfortunately, moving into some congested, crime ridden neighborhood with an accessible apartment. Only accessible/ affordable (subsidized) places available.
Caution living alone in own home with no family or friends for help. Expensive and difficult.

[new dimension]

Why not offer that two bedroom cottage to a caretaker and than you would have the best of both worlds your independence and private space and yet help nearby to assist and handle chores................just a thought. That is a scenario I think would be ideal for most but maybe to isolated for many......

[forestranger52]

That is a good idea and I have thought about that before. Right now cottage is not winterized as most of the camps around here are not. After buck season is over (first two weeks in Dec.) there is no one about until our trout season opener around April 15th. Two friendly, intelligent, decent looking older women would be nice

[rybread]

I live in a one bedroom guesthouse that we built a couple of years ago on my parents property. My parents bought this property 13 years ago in the middle of Scottsdale which is a suburb of Phoenix that has one acre with worst privileges and there was a whole side of the property that wasn't being used so they had this 1000 square-foot one-bedroom all accessible house built with a huge role in shower and I depend on caregivers to come in to help me out, plus my family helps me with little things when I need little things done during the day. It's an okay situation but it's kind of far away from everything.

[GroovyWheeler]

I live in a two bedroom, one bathroom house with my husband of two years, Dan. We moved into it in the spring of 2007. Prior to that, and after our wedding ceremony in 2006 we lived in an apartment building for seniors and people with disabilities. It was OK except for the fact that the apartment building was downtown, and you'd hear everything from police sirens to people yelling and screaming at all hours of the night and day.

We live on a fairly quiet street with only the occasional police car/fire truck/ambulance siren noises going by. At night, it's pretty quiet too. Much better than when we lived in our old apartment building. As far as accessibility goes I can only use my manual wheelchair around the house. My power chair has to stay in the garage. I can get into our bedroom, the computer room (second bedroom), and the bathroom fairly easily. I have a shower chair in the bathtub that I use along with a raised toilet.

Dan and I share the work of mowing the front and backyards. My mom helps me tend to my front yard flower garden. I had planned to put a vegetable garden in the backyard this last spring. But, due to my health issues with my back. I was unable to do it. I don't have a SCI injury of any kind. My medical problems are severe scoliosis, osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia in left hip, recent knee problems with right knee after a bad fall in the garage a couple of months ago, balance issues, and possibly mild dystonia.

Samantha

[mr_coffee]

I live in a house, with 2 other roommate. They are pretty helpful with everything, like cutting the grass or shoveling. But when I get older I'm not sure what I would move into, a house or a condom. I can drive a riding mower so that wouldn't be an issue, the snow sucks tho, so hopefully where I'll live there won't be snow!

I keep my wheelchair in my car, and I have to walk up a few steps to get into the house but other than that its pretty accessible. My room is a mess tho, I am not a clean person it seems. For the bathroom I just put a small shower chair in and I bought these grippy things so I can stand up as well but I can't do it for the whole shower so thats whY i have a shower chair as well. When they are taking a shower they simply just move it back some so theres no need to take it all the way out.

[knightrider]

I live in a 4 bedroom house which was my family home, but my mother moved out in 2001 and moved in with her new fella and my bro moved out in 2000. Its accessible as when i was younger my Dad had MS and was wheelchairbound but sadly passed away when I was 15.

So kind of wierd that 7yrs later I would be in a chair also and needing those adaptions which are a downstairs shower room and downstairs bedroom and concrete ramps outside. But I hate it here, too many memories of the past when I was younger and now memories of my ex, which she lived with me for 5yrs.

Hopefully in a couple of years I might get a nice apartment well away from here, a proper bachelor pad!:D

[november]

But when I get older I'm not sure what I would move into, a house or a condom.
Would you buy new or get a used one? lol

[Andy]

.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2179/2175631967_7bcd153064.jpg?v=0

[feisty]

i live in a VAN down by the RIVER...

[mr_coffee]

Would you buy new or get a used one? lol



haha oh wow, i said condom. good catch haha i ddin't even realize! and it would be used of course.:zombie:

[canuck]

T11/12 Incomplete single live in a 1 bedroom townhouse.

[KiranA]

I live in a condo on my own in a city in a faraway land from any family, which can suck on occasion, but is also nice because there's no security blanket. I'm totally independent except I have yet to devise a plan to be able to take out the trash on my own. I usually put it on my balcony porch until I know someone will be coming over for a visit and then sweet talk the person into taking it down for me.

[skippy13]

I live by myself in a one bedroom condo tucked into the side of a mountain backed by a protected area. I can look out any window and see nothing but big fir trees and a creek. The condo units were designed this way so that every unit gives the feeling of living alone in the deep woods. You cannot see another house or condo unit from any window in the units. When I first moved here it was fantastic. Living in the hills was great.

Then I had my accident. I now live on what I call the "Hill of Death". There are four units in my group and the elevation changes thirty feet from one end of the group to the other with curves along the way. That's really steep if you are in a chair. Going up this hill in a manual chair is impossible for me (a quad), and going downhill at high speeds is deadly and inevitable for me (a quad). Thus the hill of death designation.

It is a good thing I have these wonderful views from every window because I am pretty much stuck inside most of the time. I am getting a power chair from the VA soon, and will be better able to negotiate and tame the "Hill of Death", so I won't have to move from my beloved home.

[wheelz1]

I live in a walk out Bungalow with a stair glide to the basement that handles me in the chair. Bought the house and remodeled the master bedroom to have one of the bedrooms upstairs made into and ensuite bathroom.
It's nice and it works but I like my older house which I designed and it was a 2000 sq. ft bungalow with everything all on 1 floor which was a lot easier and nicer but I am happey where I am in now!

[mello dan]

I know I'm a bit late on the reply, but I'm a c4/c5 complete and I live in a 1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment. The complex I'm in is intended for people in wheelchairs but it is no really medically oriented/invasive like nursing homes and other "assisted living" setups.

http://www.creative-living.com/data/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=7

[MarkPals]

I live in a Craftsman bungalow with my twin brother, my sister Ann, 25, and little brothers Sam, 12 and Jackson 8. The house belongs to our aunt so the rent is cheap. To make a long story short, we all moved back in together after things went bad at the nursing home I was living. They changed hands, and it went from a pretty good place to hell. Ann and Mike moved back here, so we are all together again. I do not have SCI, I have ALS and now I am totally paralyzed. I am on a vent, have a peg tube and cannot speak. The only thing I can move is my eyes. Our father had ALS, and my brother Mike has it too. He is progressing at an alarming rate. I dont know how Ann will be able to care for both of us. She does such a great job, but she deserves a life too. The little ones are amazing, but it hurts knowing what they miss out on because of us, and also what is in the future for them. I try not to worry about tomorrow, but enjoy today and take things as they come. It is hard to do some days.

[rdf]

I live in a Craftsman bungalow with my twin brother, my sister Ann, 25, and little brothers Sam, 12 and Jackson 8. The house belongs to our aunt so the rent is cheap. To make a long story short, we all moved back in together after things went bad at the nursing home I was living. They changed hands, and it went from a pretty good place to hell. Ann and Mike moved back here, so we are all together again. I do not have SCI, I have ALS and now I am totally paralyzed. I am on a vent, have a peg tube and cannot speak. The only thing I can move is my eyes. Our father had ALS, and my brother Mike has it too. He is progressing at an alarming rate. I dont know how Ann will be able to care for both of us. She does such a great job, but she deserves a life too. The little ones are amazing, but it hurts knowing what they miss out on because of us, and also what is in the future for them. I try not to worry about tomorrow, but enjoy today and take things as they come. It is hard to do some days.You're a remarkable man Mark, and your courage surely helps others. I don't have any words to express my feelings. But I'm glad you have your family living with you, and that you're at home with them, and not in the nursing home. I doubt anyone here can relate to what you're going through. I wish I were near Butte so I could drop by and say howdy. But I hope someday we'll meet up somewhere...

[Mona~on~wheels]

I live in a Craftsman bungalow with my twin brother, my sister Ann, 25, and little brothers Sam, 12 and Jackson 8. The house belongs to our aunt so the rent is cheap. To make a long story short, we all moved back in together after things went bad at the nursing home I was living. They changed hands, and it went from a pretty good place to hell. Ann and Mike moved back here, so we are all together again. I do not have SCI, I have ALS and now I am totally paralyzed. I am on a vent, have a peg tube and cannot speak. The only thing I can move is my eyes. Our father had ALS, and my brother Mike has it too. He is progressing at an alarming rate. I dont know how Ann will be able to care for both of us. She does such a great job, but she deserves a life too. The little ones are amazing, but it hurts knowing what they miss out on because of us, and also what is in the future for them. I try not to worry about tomorrow, but enjoy today and take things as they come. It is hard to do some days.

God Bless all of you. I know how you feel. My baby was 9 y/o when I had my accident & we switched roles. She missed out on so much. I'm glad you have each other. I'm sure Ann loves what she's doing. Sounds like there's alot of love in your family and that's what matters the most.

Take care {hugs} Mona

[DaleB]

:applaud:

Thanks for sharing, Mark! My mother-in-law was an ALS patient, as were 5 of 8 of her siblings, and 3 of her parents generation. It's a shame, really, that things like this exist. My heart and mind go out to you and your family. I have 4 children, 14, 9, 6, and 2 years old. I know they have lost, as have I, but I also know they have gained, as have I. Thanks for reminding us that no matter what the odds, or the prognosis, or what the future may hold, today is still here and in need of good cheer and fellowship. Good luck, God bless, and here's to today!

http://daleb.smugmug.com/photos/250825175_kWSG8-M.gif

I live in a Craftsman bungalow with my twin brother, my sister Ann, 25, and little brothers Sam, 12 and Jackson 8. The house belongs to our aunt so the rent is cheap. To make a long story short, we all moved back in together after things went bad at the nursing home I was living. They changed hands, and it went from a pretty good place to hell. Ann and Mike moved back here, so we are all together again. I do not have SCI, I have ALS and now I am totally paralyzed. I am on a vent, have a peg tube and cannot speak. The only thing I can move is my eyes. Our father had ALS, and my brother Mike has it too. He is progressing at an alarming rate. I dont know how Ann will be able to care for both of us. She does such a great job, but she deserves a life too. The little ones are amazing, but it hurts knowing what they miss out on because of us, and also what is in the future for them. I try not to worry about tomorrow, but enjoy today and take things as they come. It is hard to do some days.

[DaleB]

I was curious what kind of home the rest of you lived in.... apartment, condo, or house? And do you live there with a spouse, gf/bf, family, or by yourself? And if you want to note your injury level that might be interesting too.

I ask it because my gf and I are supposed to look into getting a place together this coming year... and finding a house, which we'd prefer, is difficult from the accessibility standpoint (access in and the bathroom being the 2 big hurdles)... condos are a bit better from the start accessibility wise but preference is towards a house if possible.

So what's everyone else got going?

I live in a single family home built in the early 1940's on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, on Cape Henry. I live here with my wife and children, but have been on Cape Henry since birth. I bought this house for my wife, during our first year of marriage, since she grew up in it! It was a nice thing to be able to do, to bring her home to start and raise her family in the same home she was raised in, and less than a mile from my childhood home! I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Besides, I'm not in the market to be under the heel of another mortgage, ever, ever, ever, again. I'm done with debt. We converted it into a pseudo sustainable "atrium" home with TONS of glass, lots of plants, metal rainwater reclaiming roof (grey water, toilets, hose bibs, irrigation, etc), modest garden, geo-thermal HVAC, pitcher pump operated drinking water well, and a small poultry house for 6-12 laying hens. The house is small, gutted and redone for my needs of full access. I tried a "net zero" solar system but it went away; the technology is not ready for my wants of it, in as small a package as I need. The rainwater is neat, but I've got more than I need and run off from the full cistern wasn't something I was prepared to deal with! All in all, a nice place to live, IMO. A nice place to visit, so I hear, but that never really made sense to me. :thinking:

Here's an aerial shot of Cape Henry (wiki), facing south east, mmmmm....purrrty....: (FYI, the water on the bottom of the pic is the Bay, and at the top of the pic, the Atlantic ocean).
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/CapeHenry.jpg/800px-CapeHenry.jpg

[Foolish Old]

I read the quoted posts several days ago. I didn't want to produce a knee-jerk response, so I waited until now to reply. After thinking about it further, I still think it is one of the most prejudiced, ignorant statements that I have read on CC.

How dirty can you get in a wheelchair?


You mean like a construction worker, an autobody repair person or diesel mechanic? Most people with an SCI don't even break a sweat, that's what I meant.

[bidd6]

c6/7...bought a fixer upper and almost completed it and then i got hurt. the home was a split level 4 bd. 2 1/2 ba. very difficult for someone on a wheelchair. i have been hurt for 3 1/2 years and still don't have a roll-in shower. it took everything we had just to get by. i live w/ my wife and four kids. i wanted to sell and move into a condo but my kids just love the house. good luck on your decision.

[wheelz1989]

House, with my dad. cant get into basement but theres nothing interesting down there anyway lol. hoping to get my own place soon.

[Dynahmite]

DaleB, your home sounds great, and the area is beautiful!

I live in a high rise apartment building with a roommate. Moving to a different high rise apt next week, this time with another wc user as a roommate...it'll be crowded and I'm sure we will have the most scuffed up walls in the whole building, but I'm looking forward to it!

[AlexAgain]

I live at Motel 6 until my credit card is maxed out - then I don't know.

[gcblarsen]

Live in a 3,900 sq. ft house I no longer can afford about an hour away from work. Wouldn't be on this site if we wouldn't have moved here from our 1,400 sq. ft house, as my daughter wouldn't have fallen out of her 2nd story window.

[Scott Pruett]

I live at Motel 6 until my credit card is maxed out - then I don't know.
are you serious?

[Scott Pruett]

I'm in a 2br/2ba 1st floor apartment w/ my wife, 1100-1200 sq ft. Typical multi-unit complex. It's nice but there are certainly things I'd do differently if we owned something... grad school expenses prohibit that for now.

photo from the apt's website:

[AlexAgain]

are you serious?

I was serious and apparently pretty grouchy to have posted that. But I think I have a place. Been without a place to live since May. Stayed with different friends a few weeks - ran out of places to stay on July 10th and moved in to the motel. Looked at minimum of 2 places/day since May - either couldn't afford them, couldn't get in the bathroom, wouldn't take pets or wouldn't take me because of bad credit. Had just given up when I got accepted to a co-op for Sept 1st. 5 hours from where I am so I have to quit school and work and find work there but it's affordable, accessible and they will take me and my dogs. Not sure the credit card limit will carry me through here until Sept 1st and not happy about the debt but very relieved about having a place to go soon.

On the original question - I use to live in a cute little bungalow with my partner and too many dogs. It was not very accessible and I needed help to get in and out and shower.
I will soon live independantly in a 1 bedroom accessible apartment on the lake with my 2 dogs in a 3 floor/20 unit coop building.

[pararich]

Sorry, I haven't read the previous posts, yet. But, I haven't been on in awhile and wanted to post something.
I live in a house by myself.
I have been slowly fixing it up.
I was a carpenter. I can still do some of the work, myself.
Now, I'm working on a new kitchen.
I've been hiring various people to get the work done.
My family is helping me, financially.
I'm looking forward to being done with renovations.
I'm going to look for a job, this fall.
I just got an associates degree in architectural CAD (at a community college).
Got to go to bed but I'll be back!

[brucec]

c8 complete 1978
Live in a single family house, live alone
had tub removed when bought it in 1981 and roll-in shower put in
also poured a walkway/ramp into house

[pararich]

I bought a fixer upper in a rural setting. 4 months after moving in, I was doing tree work with a chain saw and 30 foot ladder. I fell and got a T7 complete SCI.
After rehab and living with my mom, I moved back into the house. Slowly, expensively, somewhat fearfully, I'm renovating it.
It's on the side of a hill. 1300 square feet, I think.
Ramp down to porch level.
One floor and basement.
Two bedrooms, one bath.
Building an accessible kitchen- counters 2 inches lower, roll under sink and roll under cooktop, 60" high refrig/freezer, 18" dishwasher (we'll see how that works- they're usually 24 inches).
Large roll in shower with shower chair, roll under sink.
Beautiful view.
Extreme maintenance issue.
Uncertain future!
I forgot the people part.
I'm way too independent!
Other members of my church help out from time to time.
Youth and Family Services organization has a program called rent-a-teen.
I've hired kids to help with yard work, moving things etc.
I've advertised for help on Craigslist also.
I've paid anything from $7 to $12 an hr for help.
That adds up quickly.
I've had to pay carpenters etc. $200 to $300 a day.
That really adds up.
Help!

[LooseCannon]

I live in a 3 bed 2 bath rancher with my wife and kids. It's positioned on 1/2 an acre with a 24 x 26 detached shop. Like most homes in the NE it has a basement which is where my office, laundry and family/play room are located.

[reedyd]

Hi so do you work on a ranch or you calling a half acre a ranch or is a rancher a home? My parents had 60 acres and my grandparents had 750 acres when I was growing up and we called them farms. The 750 acre place had 4 miles of river bottomland along the Brazos River. I loved growing up in the country. You are so lucky.
Myself, I live in a wonderful little duplex in east Fort Worth. It has a roll in show, no carpet but smooth floors, its fully accessible, has a garage, small yard and I feel very blessed.

Thanks,

David

David

[Geoffrey]

Today is 4 years since my accident. I sold the place I was living in during my stay in the hospital. Bought a two bedroom condo and used a tub bench during that time. I only had a couple of things done as I knew I would buy a house.
I have a home that is built into a hill so I have a walk out. Elevator in the house to get down stairs. I was by myself from the escape from hospital until last year when my 22 year old daughter came to live with me and go to university here.

[cavemuscle]

In town. English tudor on the outside, 1940 Streamlined modern in the inside. Original owner was wounded in WW2 so doors are extra wide, just 2 steps up to the front and back doors, deck, 2 car detached garage, and separate garden shed.

Paying off my truck this coming year then will take out a home improvement line of credit and gets some serious upgrades done.

B

[LooseCannon]

Hi so do you work on a ranch or you calling a half acre a ranch or is a rancher a home? My parents had 60 acres and my grandparents had 750 acres when I was growing up and we called them farms. The 750 acre place had 4 miles of river bottomland along the Brazos River. I loved growing up in the country. You are so lucky.
Myself, I live in a wonderful little duplex in east Fort Worth. It has a roll in show, no carpet but smooth floors, its fully accessible, has a garage, small yard and I feel very blessed.

Thanks,

David

David
I was referring to the style of house.

Your parents and grandparents farms sound great! I was raised around Ft Worth, TX (Hurst, Grapevine, Roanoke, and Keller) but spent a lot of time on my grandparents land in Cuthand, TX (East Texas) and the Kiamichi Wilderness in OK. Those were the days...

[Jimmy D.]

I live in a 2 bedroom 2 bath Double Wide. I love it. We remodled all the doorways and made them all 36 wide. Mice long ramp onto the porch cuase the trailer is like 4 feet off the ground. Only thing that isn't too accesible is the Kitchen. It's round. But the bright side is I don't have to doo the dishes HA!. Now We also have a FifthWheel we live in part time at the Lake. It's got 3 slides on it so 70% is all acessable for me. Well minus the bathroom. And to get in I have a LiftMe portable wheelchair lift and about to get a portable SunRise Deck.

Jimmy

[jessie.gray]

I live in a one-bedroom apartment by myself (unless you count my cat, Daisy). My apartment is totally wheelchair accessible and the building is a secured building (you have to use an intercom system to gain access to the building).

I would love to live in a small house or mobile home out in the country, because it would be quieter than living in town. I grew up in the country, so I've always longed to go back to this enviroment.

Jessie
(L-4 SCI and spastic paraparesis):friday::first::bounce::wtlftr:

[Snuz]

I live in a split foyer home that we bought before I ended up in a wheelchair. We signed the papers while I was in the hospital. We're in a small rural town where we were towns person 658 and 659 LOL! We have made the house more accessible over the past few years. Some wider doors, decks and ramps etc. We are always trying to make it more accessible. The bathrooms are in process. My husband has to lift me into our seated shower and shower me for the past 2 years. As the paralysis worsens or the spasticity/rigidity does that will become impossible.

[xJdinox]

I live in a 730 sq ft 1bedroom 1 bath apartment. The apt complex I live in makes everything accessible for you such as putting bars next to the toilet and shower. I also live alone.

[WolfeMan]

I live in a 3BR - 2BA single level home on 1/2 acre. Just enough yard to keep me busy and give my daughter a place to play and have fun!

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/larrywolfe/house.jpg http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/larrywolfe/house2.jpg

[ChinaDoll]

Hi, C6/7 L3 quad here. I just moved into a 3 bedroom house with an oversize double attached garage, love it! requires the least amount of reno... and I'll be spending most of my time in the garage where my wood working shop will be located. pix on facebook.

[wheeliecoach]

I live in a 2 bedroom ranch style condo with my fiance (T-7) and my dog and 4 bunnies. The state of Connecticut came out last year and built us a ramp and deck, made our bathroom totally accessible with a roll in shower, changed out the closet doors so that they are pull outs instead on sliding on tracks, and helped remove a cabinet so we would have some counterspace to roll up under. They paid for everything as long as we agree to live here for 2 years. It was a great deal!

[WolfeMan]

I live in a 2 bedroom ranch style condo with my fiance (T-7) and my dog and 4 bunnies. The state of Connecticut came out last year and built us a ramp and deck, made our bathroom totally accessible with a roll in shower, changed out the closet doors so that they are pull outs instead on sliding on tracks, and helped remove a cabinet so we would have some counterspace to roll up under. They paid for everything as long as we agree to live here for 2 years. It was a great deal!


WOW That's almost worth moving to Connecticut for!!! Great deal!! Congrats!:applaud:

[kel13]

Does anyone live in or near San Diego? If so do you know of any accessible housing there? I'm graduating in December and hope to move there. I'm originally from LA and hate it there...too many people, too much traffic, etc. I'm currently at Cal State Monterey Bay but wish to relocate since it's oldsters r us and tourists up here.

[Shwetarose]

i have flat in building..my bed in not high and not low also..i get transfered on bed with my tranfer board which is attached to my wheelchair bcos my bed is little lower than my chair...i get on floor by keeping huge pillow and with support of edges of my bed..after getting on floor, i go to bathroon for shower..i get on wheelchair by help of 2 persons..( i will be using specialised customised equipment - hydraulic lift to get up from floor to chair )...go to office by life..i hv put ramp for me on the basement of my building..i go walking to office ;) i mean on chair..office is accessible as it is in groud floor...

i think i gv u pretty detaileddd lifestyle though the question was of one line only ;)

[maryonwheels46]

It's amazing as I read how many people between C4 and C8 there are.
I am T9 complete. I live by myself in a house with 3 bedrooms bathroom has shower bench. Front porch and a fenced in back yard the backroom has a doggy door for my German Shepard my daughters small terrier and my fat calico cat, thank goodness for doggy doors. So when people come to visit they can bring their dogs over. lol
Only one house next to me, my daughter and children live there and know one else around so I am surrounded by woods but I live on the edge of town.
I agree with what everyone saids about the expense of a yard.
I love the yards and flower beds and can get family to mow sometimes but I have to get a friend to mow or clean around my yard as area's grow up and it can get costly. I get on my scooter with a basket on the front with my tools and can do a lot. I enjoy working in the flower beds and yards but can't do it all. Pain keeps me from it sometimes.
The up keep of a house is expensive. You have to think about the roof, paint, ac, hot water heater, plumbing etc...
Mary