Judith,
 
We've been there, and hopefully someone can learn from what we've learned.
 
We found it to be problematic to permanently install bars in the bathroom,
and that they didn't help if you're not at home.  Sears has a medical aids
catalog that has neat stuff in it.  Like a set of arms that goes around the
toilet.  We also have a plastic seat that goes on top of the toilet that
makes the distance less, and easier to negotiate.  We also have a commode
with arms that sits by Dad's bed so he doesn't have to go as far during the
night, and we put it by his chair during the day.  (Make sure the user knows
when the bucket is removed.  Dad used it once while Mom was cleaning it... )
 
He also has two electric lift chairs.  (one for ILL and one for WIC home.)
 They work like a hospital bed...and bring you to an almost standing
position.  And of course a portable phone so he doesn't have to get up
quickly.
 
We also have a chair lift on the stairs from their garage up to their second
floor townhouse.
 
We use a bath transfer bench, which has made bathing tons easier.  Two legs
are in the room, two legs in the tub...holes in the seat so the water drains
through.
 
Also, of course we have a craftamatic hospital type bed...and we rent one
during the summer in Wisconsin.
 
The NEATEST thing we got last summer, upon recommendation of our summer
physical therapist, was a three wheeled walker.  It is unbelievably easier
for my Dad to use than the usual four legged, or 2 wheels & 2 legged kinds.
 It also helped him getting in and out of rooms with narrow doorways and a
door jam bump up - they have an old home - and we can't widen the doors.
  It was expensive - I want to remember $300+, but the wheels are big and it
has hand breaks and it increased his mobility exponentially.  (And we've
added an air horn like on a tricycle.  He goes up behind my Mom who is hard
of hearing, and scares the liver out of her!)  A lot of home health
professionals have knowledge of these products, but for some reason, we've
found that they don't always volunteer the info.  Push them, if you know or
use any, and they often come up with catalogs and trade magazines that have
gadgets in them.  And my sister is a home health nurse in Northern
 Wisconsin and we get tips from her.
 
Wheel chairs were a problem last summer.  The light weight ones that my
mother can get in and out of the car, are not the best for bumping across
the yard and down to the lake...which is where Dad wants to be.  We settled
on light vs. rugged - and we make sure there are multiple people around to
help on the rugged trips.
 
Be aware that your primary physician or neurologist can prescribe a lot of
these aids, and they may be covered by Medicare, or your insurance.  Our
experience was that the lift chair, the bath bench, and commode were
partially covered.  The neat walker was considered  a luxury since a 4
legged one could suffice.
 
Hope this helps!  Tell us about any other specific issues and I can ask my
sister too.
 
Sara Byron
[log in to unmask]
 
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>We've reached the point where getting in and out of chairs and beds,
>and on and off toilets, has become a potential hazard. Has anybody
>out there had experience with chairs and beds that are easier to
>negotiate, and with grab bars etc in the bath room? Do you use the
>kind that go on at an angle? straight up and down? How do you get
>them? Do the people who sell them install them?
>What works and what's a waste of money?
>I'd be grateful to hear of anybody's experience with this--both
>things to avoid and things to try.
>
>Judith A Guttman                        "...we are wound
>Washington DC                   with mercy round and round
>[log in to unmask]         as if with air" -- Hopkins
>
>
>Peace,
>Judith
>
>Judith A Guttman                        "...we are wound
>Washington DC                   with mercy round and round
>[log in to unmask]         as if with air" -- Hopkins
>