Tip #272 Picture Perfect; Getting Floored

“One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor”  George Carlin quote

     Well, you're not likely drinking the tequila while you're recovering from a surgery, an accident, or some other event that now requires you to have a house that is compatible with a wheelchair. And for that matter, I don't think it's a good idea at all! What struck me about the quote however, was that the picture in my head of someone stumbling down the stairs, or falling onto the floor because they don't have the ability to control their bodies all that much, given the tequila. Why is that even remotely relevant? Because people recovering from severe illness or trauma also have an inability to make their bodies cooperate with them at all times. As a result, they get to become friends with the floor now and then, too, and the floor itself impacts their mobility. It can be tricky and frustrating, and especially so when they get back to a non-adapted home.  

     With that in mind, I have 2 suggestions for you.

1. If you or a loved one know that you will need to use a wheelchair at home, then I advise you to get the wheelchair before being discharged from the hospital. Then, have someone who is mobile sit in the wheelchair, and try to navigate through each hallway and room. Why? This creates much less frustration, nicks in walls, and bruised bodies. Ideally, they would help to correct these issues for a good transition to home for the one recovering.
2. You can buy plastic mats in large squares, for about $30 dollars each, place them over carpet, and in doing so create a flat surface that makes it significantly easier for you or your loved one to wheel over. There are two pictures below - a close up and one that shows the duct tape junctions. It's a very inexpensive way to temporarily adapt your home for minimal amounts of both money and effort. Here's a link for Staples store: chair mat   Note: you may want to get a few of the more expensive ones instead of several small ones for larger areas. An exacto knife works well for cutting them down to size if necessary. 

Whatever you choose, know that the easier you can make life, the happier it will be for all involved in the recovery process. A little work goes a long way!

Happy flooring!