Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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New construction home blind father in law (self.Blind)
submitted by MoDingDong
Hey everyone I’m currently in the process of building a home of which my father in law will be moving in with us. He is entirely blind and severe mobility issues. I’ve gotten most things regarding the mobility issues covered (e.g. ramps, wider door ways, grab bars, etc.). I was curious if this community could suggest anything we could have the builder do or we simply do to make the home more accessible to him. Thanks in advance!
xmachinaxxx 9 points 1y ago
In regards to his blindness, the most important thing you can do imo is to make sure everything he needs daily has it’s place, never gets moved, and he knows exactly where it should be.
MoDingDong [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Got it thank you!
Shadowwynd 2 points 1y ago
Going off of this, and assuming that he will need a wheelchair at some point if he doesn’t already, make sure that everything is wheelchair accessible and also there is lots of individual storage (several small drawers are better than one big drawer - Keeping things where they need to be is easier if everything has a spot) that are accessible to him.
Have a roll in shower available. Make sure that everything someone needs to do to live functionally is on the ground level floor (Good policy for anyone, really – washing machine, dryer, kitchen, bathroom, and a room that could be a bedroom - I have worked with people who broke a leg and can’t do their laundry because it’s down two flights of steps). Try not to have thresholds that would trip someone.
Have a roll in shower available. Make sure that everything someone needs to do to live functionally is on the ground level floor (Good policy for anyone, really – washing machine, dryer, kitchen, bathroom, and a room that could be a bedroom - I have worked with people who broke a leg and can’t do their laundry because it’s down two flights of steps). Try not to have thresholds that would trip someone.
MoDingDong [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Roll in shower is planned for his bedroom/ in-law suite! And that’s a good point regarding multiple smaller drawers. Everything accessible is on the ground floor. Thank you!
MC_Dubois 1 points 1y ago
Probably stating the obvious but in regards to mobility/wheelchair use, it may be a good idea to make sure there is enough space by the bed for easy transfer. Same for bathroom.
I know there was recent post about how American plugs/sockets are a pain. I wonder if there is a way to circumvent that issue if someone is building a home from scrath?
I know there was recent post about how American plugs/sockets are a pain. I wonder if there is a way to circumvent that issue if someone is building a home from scrath?
niamhweking 1 points 1y ago
Regarding the design, sounds like you have it nailed, regarding decor make sure no trip hazards like rugs and make sure kitchen islands, tables and coffee tables etc have rounded corners! No step at the hearth etc.
For now it might not be an issue but as he ages and potentially mobility/balance etc gets worse and he does trip, wobble, fall sharp edges won't help.
Make sure bathroom door swings in (double check that) we did this for my father's bathroom refit so that if he did collapse, the door could be bashed in and the door frame wouldn't block it
We built our house in our 30s, with no health concerns or vision problems at the time. But I built it to be future proof, no saddle boards/change in flooring, wet room downstairs etc
For now it might not be an issue but as he ages and potentially mobility/balance etc gets worse and he does trip, wobble, fall sharp edges won't help.
Make sure bathroom door swings in (double check that) we did this for my father's bathroom refit so that if he did collapse, the door could be bashed in and the door frame wouldn't block it
We built our house in our 30s, with no health concerns or vision problems at the time. But I built it to be future proof, no saddle boards/change in flooring, wet room downstairs etc
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