Home adaptations
I never thought I’d be able to live on my own as someone with OI. Bearing in mind I had someone with me as a child/teenager pretty much 24/7, I couldn’t imagine what independent would look like. I have type 3 OI and have used a powered wheelchair since I was 2 years old. I apparently would refuse to drive in a straight line and would just do wheelchair pirouettes. However, 31 years later – here I am writing this blog post in my very own flat that I now call home. I can’t now imagine life without it!
It wasn’t easy settling in though, and there are some things I’ve bought or adapted to help me along the way, and I thought I’d share them with you – in case it helps you, too!
Sofa feet
Before I moved out, I’d never really bothered trying to transfer onto the sofa. It was so low down that I could have probably thrown myself on (lol) but not have been able to get back into my chair. If I wanted to go on, I’d ask my parents or brother to lift me, but I always had this thought that I was then stuck, what if they went outside and I was stuck!? You know how it is.
However, when I moved, I was determined to find a way to change this. I have stiff hips, and I love getting out of my chair. I transfer from my wheelchair front ways and need whatever I’m transferring on to be roughly the same height. So, I measured the height of my chair and went online shopping. I found the perfect sofa, but when it arrived I found my wheelchair wheels couldn’t quite get close enough, so I found sofa feet from Amazon which were life changing! I could then transfer easily and relax whenever I wanted! Woohoo!
Plug Socket Remotes
Something else that I was super aware of was my safety. My family call me the Health and Safety queen because I’m always checking things work properly, everything is shut down and good to go. So not being able to reach some plug sockets was such a bug bear. Especially behind my lovely new sofa or high up in the kitchen. That is until I found out about infrared plug sockets. I have to admit I found out about them from my OI friend Angie (thanks Angie!). Now I’m able to shut down my flat, turn all lamps and TV off from my bed as you don’t need to point the remote at anything in particular. Perfect!
Key Turner
Finally, (and probably the most important one) is being able to get into my home! My hands have a lot of pain in them, and I found using keys to be really difficult. It not only hurt my bones but my skin too. I’d find myself stuck often, calling family for help (unfortunately at hours well into early morning after a night out sometimes, oops).
After a quick google, I found a key turner and it changed everything! It is a little bulkier but wow. A simple thing can make something so much easier. I now am able to grip my keys better and be safer too. It felt so surreal to be able to let myself into my own home without asking for help.
So if you’re reading this knowing you might need some adaptations – it might feel different but trust me, once you’re able to do something new, it’s thrilling!
If you want more information about house adaptations and independent living, see the BBS resources.
