The Apartment

Yesterday, Katie from recreational therapy agreed to take me out to visit the apartment I wanted to rent so I could see the bathroom.  I have been pretty confident that the apartment would work in all other respects, but I was not sure about the bathroom.  Specifically whether I would be able to park the wheelchair in front of the huge vanity and still make the transfer onto the commode.

Scheduling of the trip was something of a problem, but after much negotiation and preparation, we set off in the hospital van.  It was Katie from recreational therapy, Katie from occupational therapy, and Emily from physical therapy.  Why did we need that many escorts for just me?  I don't know.  Was there a third Katie running the apartment office?  Yes there was.

One of the Katies en route to the apartment

We were met at the apartment by Mike and Gus who were prepared to help nit-pick and offer suggestions on how to solve any problems we ran into.  We ran into a few issues, but nothing insurmountable, and in fact, the apartment exceeded expectations in almost every regard.  The bathroom proved to be no problem at all.

No problem!

Ultimately, the only serious concern I left with was whether my queen size bed will fit in the master bedroom.  It will fit, but I think it will either have to go against a wall or else I won't be able to roll around it.  Changing sheets will be problematic.  I may have to drop down to a double for this reason which I will do if I have to.

The rest of the apartment is fantastic.  They will be removing the cabinetry beneath the kitchen sink so I can roll right up, and the sink is lowered.  There is a piece of counter I can roll under and use as a work surface.  There are switches at ground level for the stove fan and light.  Almost all of the features I could imagine wanting are present.  Plus I can push myself to several restaurants and a Starbucks.  Overall, I think it's gonna be pretty sweet.