Whoa – I’m brave enough to finally post a question!
Is there anybody out there who has done remodeling for wheelchair users?I am not talking about meeting ADA requirements, I’m talking about roll in showers,grab bars and rolling bars on the ceiling, 3′ doors throughout, wheelchair kitchens…the whole shebang!
Is there an Architect who has written a book? Is there a wheelchair advocates organization who hooks contractors up with clients? Is there a market?
I am looking for busines – and I’ve done Davis- Bacon wage remodels for wheelchair bound people – the ADA stuff we put in did nothing to help these people. Those poor folks were happy to have a roof over their heads, but would’ve loved to have been able to use the bathroom without help after we were finished, and they could have if we’d put in the right hardware. Everyday I see people in wheelchairs ….do any of them have any money? And from a remodelers nightmare liability standpoint, is this a client base to pursue?
Replies
Several years ago, I had a family member who was paralyzed from C5 down and my wife and I were in a position to construct a living space for him. I perused all the literature the gov't had and so forth, but the best advice and direction I received was from disabled individuals who knew the needs of the handicapped.
Each situation is different. Heavy wheelchairs are hard on floors. Sink basins need to be cantilevered or over-hanging. Shower valves MUST be of the balanced type. Heat systems must be controllable.
My wife is an RN who does home health and often has been able to get doctors to refer elderly or handicapped patients to home health for a Physical Therapy evaluation which is a great way to get specifics on individual needs.
I suggest you connect with the disabled community, talk to medical supply places (who often have good components and are often looking for installers).
There is a need for the kind of work you're looking for. I do some in my community, often on a sliding scale because some of your clients are struggling financially.
Good luck! Email me if you want more specifics.
Some people would bitch even if they were hung with a new rope.
There may be a Center for Independent Living near you. Generally, working with physically challenged people is very personal and takes time. Not a great opportunity for business expansion.
I spent 5 years in my early 20's working as a prosthetic/orthotic technician and have since done some remodels for handicapped. As for specific publications I can't help you. However, the people you need to contact are the occupational therapists at your local hospital or rehabilitation center. These people work with the practical applications of everyday life and the numerous modifications necessary for an individual's needs. Often times, they have catalogues of manufacturers for hardware etc. which they access for their clients' needs. Each case is different so trying to create an umbrella approach isn't feasible. The VA is another source of possible information but good luck getting through the bureaucratic miasma. It's most certainly a needed service but such a niche market, you might find yourself travelling a lot to get jobs so I'm not sure how viable it would be to specialize in this area. But it certainly warrants investigating. Good luck.
Homewright,
I think your advice about OT is good but I'd take it a step further. If the patient/client is under the care of physical therapy/ocupational therapy there should be a home visit scheduled as standard protocol. The primary purpose of a home visit is to evaluate if the patient will be able to function in there own setting (much different than in a hospital or rehab. center). I would suggest that an architect/remodeler/designer be present during the home eval. so he/she can understand the particular challenges facing the client and develop solutions in the presence of the PT/OT whom have a much better understanding of ergonomics, gait and life skills functions.
BTW, for those who might not understand the difference, an OT deals with the life functions of a patient usually including eating, bathing, dressing (lots of fine motor skills, i.e. hand and dexterity skills). PTs deal with gross motor skills (walking, balance and mobility) and overall functionality.
Best,
Seth
Great advice Seth! It sounds like you work in the medical field or have some extensive experience with it. It's been too long since I was actively involved in the prosthetic/orthotic industry so I'm unsure of the latest techniques and materials being used but it's an incredible process getting people back to a modicum of functionality. What we as physically whole people take for granted can be major challenges to the disabled. There is so little awareness of the necessary tools, environmental changes, and learning necessary to become independent that unless a family member or friend experiences a physical disability, most people don't even consider it a problem. I know when I see a fully able bodied person park in a handicapped spot, I usually give them a serious piece of my mind, usually with the result of them parking elsewhere in a little worse mood. Nonetheless, the issue of addressing the physical needs of disabled folks is a team approach as you've so insightfully suggested. Take care...
I think your right on the money with your observations. My wife's a physical therapist and I design museums and work with ADA issues and accessibility "day in and day out" so its a world I know well.
As others mentioned there aren't many books out there but there are some. I always suggest that people start with Architectural Graphic Standards (ISBN: 0471348163) as it has excellent sections on handicap access, ramping, ergonomics and more. Sadly the book is VERY expensive so the library may be a good choice.
Best,
Seth
Helen - thanks for the straight shootin'....from my experience renovating public housing I know that it's an emotionally and timewise draining task to work with wheelchair bound people. I don't think I know how to explain it...but it left me wanting to do more. Business expansion? No. Niche market, yes. What blows me away is the amazing unfullfilled need.
I was looking just last Friday at possibilities of doing the same. I wanted to build a retirement apartment complex with a gathering facility. [not assisted] I went to my realator, and she said she is on that board, and I needed to stay away from assisted. The only people that need in that is the ones who have lawyers staffed. [scary] She said new stuff from the goverment will be comming out this month on codes. Sure enough jlc online has the articles saying the same thing.
Now my point to all this is that , the baby boomers are getting to the ripe age of retirement. She said the rich places are already getting rich off of that concept. But in our area , its not the apple pie and ice cream shes been reading about. Shes near retirement herself , and very sharp in national affairs. She ran for state rep. and ran a good race , but lost. Point is ; she is a person with knowledge I trust. She said we will have to be hit hard by the elderly , but it hasnt happened here yet. She said most of them live alone , or with kin folks. But they own their homes untill nursing home time. Another point taken here is I struck out again.
Good luck , and yes please post back with what you come up with,
Tim Mooney
RREED, why don't you go to (www.nahb.com) and investigate becoming certified in CAPS (Certified Aging In Place Specialist) thru the Remodelers Council.
http://www.nahb.com/builders/remodelors_council_for_builders.htm#top
At the screen, scroll about 1/3 down to CAPS.
Thanks Sonny. Part of the information states that the elderly want to remain in their own homes as long as possible. They do not want to move for any reason. So, the remoldeling feature sticks here with what my realator told me last Friday.
But I also think that the singles must be lonely after losing a spouse. Also there is a money crunch with their partner's earnings lost. Very saddening to think about , but still a reality.
I think the information provided at the site is the answer the poster was asking for in whole. Become certified and advertize as such, with a state contractors license. That is also noted , and I bought it. I think any one should have the training necesary to be a professional in what ever field they are presenting their selves to the public to be. That would separate your selve from the rest of the pack at this time. You would then be developed in your community as the the first professional at this time, unless we wait. Yes, I said we because I think its the trend of our future. Reliable Sonny posted a site not long ago that gave information of the most succesful companies that were able to change with the trends. They stayed flexable to the changing demands on their market. Diversifacation at its best. Gentlemen , this is our future. We must act now.
"Millions of baby boomers will retire in the first few years of the 21rst century." That my friends is now, nuff said.
Tim Mooney
Tim, as you do more research into this issue, you will also find many sources of funding and grants for those less fortunate to be able to afford such "alteration" needs. I did a study on this about a year ago and is the reason my son Tom, who is Naples first CAPS person and one of the 1st 50 in the country, intends to set up a division within his company for this expressed purpose.
This is a niche that is just now blooming. One that, while providing rewards for eveyone involved, is very gratifying on a personal level. I think this is one of our God given talents, to help others less fortunate than us, and one that is too often "under" utilized.
If in fact, you decide to go this route, let me know and I'll email you some more info and a few ideas on how to do some marketing that will provide instant returns.
Good luck and do us proud.
Thank you Sonny , I would appreciate that . [email protected]
Tim Mooney
Some time ago a relative broke a hip. As part of the physical therapy an expert on mobility and hazard issues visited the house and made recommendations for changes. When asked who could she recommend for the work she provided a list of contractors and handymen who had proved useful. The list wasn't very long.
It seems to me that with the aging population that someone skilled in retrofitting older houses with accessibility hardware and modifications could make a bit of money. Some states and insurance policies subsidize retrofits. The widening of doors, remounting of plumbing fixtures and mounting of rails all have to be done by someone so why not you?
If you did specialize or just make sure you are familiar with the issues you might call physical therapy departments at all nearby, sometimes not so nearby, hospitals and let them know of your expertise. People who break a hip or become wheelchair bound need the upgrades in short order and would likely be grateful for anyone experienced with this type of work who can work on short notice.
The work would entail lots of old work in and long hours but, If my experience with old work holds, it could be a steady income. Tough money and not a lot of it. Old work seldom stops completely even in lean times when new work dries up.
RREED40, you asked about a book. We at Taunton published one some years ago called Building for a Lifetime. You can read about it here: http://www.taunton.com/store/pages/070174.asp Ruth DobsevageTaunton New Media
thanks Ruth - I'll look for it
By the way, you might enjoy getting acquainted with the irreverent humor and insights of John Callahan, a paralyzed cartoonist in Portland, Oregon. His book "Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot" that chronicals his experience of becoming paralyzed and the subsequent changes in his life will get you going. And his cartoons are terrific!
I agree with the posts about this not being a big business opportunity, but it is a worthy sideline. When I stated I do this kind of work on a "sliding scale" I should mention that sometimes that means pro bono (free).
Some people would bitch even if they were hung with a new rope.
What is a balanced shower valve?
Not being a plumber, my nomenclature might be off...valve is required by code...provides consistent temp if toilet is flushed, etc. Paralysis victims cannot feel hot or cold and can be scalded without knowing it. Code or not, a temperature equalizing valve is crucial in the application being discussed. Some people would bitch even if they were hung with a new rope.
And they should be code everywhere - children, older people, drowsy from a cold pill, ..., whatever; all can benefit from constant temperature/temperature limiting faucets..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Personally, I think there are a lot of things that should be code that aren't (and vis versa).
For example, tub and shower units are often difficult to securely mount grab bars for elderly or disabled or people recovering from surguries, etc. It only takes a little time to install some blocking in the framing prior to setting a tub/ shower unit. And doing so at some standard elevations would go a long way toward providing for a simple and secure retrofit when needed. Serious grab bars are not wash cloth or towel racks and need to be able to with stand some heavy loads if they are to be more than a decoration and mounted with something better than drywall anchors. Many people, especially elderly, become weak in the legs but their arm and hand strength can be considerable.
In an earlier post, I mentioned having physical therapy evals. Some solutions are quite inexpensive and simple. Placing a platform under a recliner chair to raise the elevation an inch or two can enable a person to get in an out of the chair unassisted. Levered door entry sets are much easier to use for a pair of arthritic hands. The "touch" type lamps are preferable to a conventional on/off switch.
Many of the people I've assisted have been of pretty limited means so the help of medical professionals and getting acquainted with a variety of individual circumstances has enabled me to become aware of or dream up some simple and inexpensive solutions.
And as an otherwise full-time builder, I always try to advise people planning their retirement dream home to forget about sunken living rooms or other multi-level configurations, think single-level (or if they can afford it, an elevator), generous doors (36 inch), good lighting and other amenities to make life easier if trouble strikes. It might mean the difference of being able to reside in one's own home for a much longer time.
Some people would bitch even if they were hung with a new rope.