Jul 072006
I always liked those scenes in science fiction movies where someone walks into a room, says, “Lights” and voila, the lights turn on. I would sometimes dream about living in a house that would respond to my every command, a house where I could turn on the television or switch off the lights without waiting for a sibling or parent to become available. When I started living on my own with 24-hour nursing care, that desire seemed less urgent. After all, a nurse is always around to press a button or flip a switch whenever I ask. However, I’m beginning to think that some sort of environmental control unit might be in order in the near future. As much as I value my nurses, I would like to be able to fast forward my TiVo or select a chapter on a DVD without relying on someone else’s fingers. I can do much of that on my computer, but I would like to get away from my desk once in a while and see the rest of my living room.
So if you are or know someone who is an assistive technology dealer, hook me up. If I can get a decent system for even a semi-reasonable price, I will gladly and shamelessly shill for your product on this blog.
I used to (and still do) dream about a handi-house. I’ve seen a kitchen where all you do is push a switch and the shelves come out and lower down to your level, push the switch again and the go back up and in. I saw a house where you flick a switch in the garage and the pavement outside heats up and melts all the ice and snow away, in case you can’t shovel. Have you seen the Premier Bath tubs? I want one. I’m starting to struggle getting in and out of the shower and am deathly afraid of falling. A handicapped accessible house sounds wonderful.
Before you get involved with Premier Bathrooms do ensure that they have all the necessary permits in place to do the work. My father had a unit installed in his co-op apt in Vancouver. They did not get permits because it appears that the units are not CSA approved and must be. He has passed away, and now in order to have the unit transferred to me via his will, I must have the unit removed and replaced. Premier has been evasive and dishonest in their dealings. Permits are required for all plumbing and electrical work done in multi dwelling buildings in Vancouver and they knew it. So they took advantage of an 88 year old man and charged him almost $15K for a unit that does not meet code.
I’m talking to a lawyer.