Thursday, October 15, 2009

How would EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER help our family

"We really want to help families whose homes present major problems for the family, those big issues that affect the family's quality of life on a daily basis. We want to find deserving people who just don't have the resources, ability, or time to fix those serious issues without our help."

Besides the obvious reasons of size and the broken, old, ailing and just no longer working parts of the house.....much of it doesn't lend to Independence for the children. In thinking of re-doing things for our dream home....
offer outdoor lighting for security, a safe adequate driveway for all the in home support staff to park. Outdoor waiting area for the children to catch their bus safely. A secure entrance for checking who is at the door and the children's not letting strangers in while mom is unaware (has happened). Once in the home repairs to the floor for no tripping, mold germs because the kids have upper respiratory issues, to have enough room so that the children can be in rooms which are suitable to meet their needs for quality rest and privacy. Secure all food with the thought that mom must be able to see the house while in the food prep area to be sure the children are safe. Forethought to Tressa's disability and drive to gain food....PRE-PLANNING. That the bathrooms are in good repair and handicap accessible. Children not only use but have the ability to clean up and put back the way found for the next person for sanitary reasons. Label areas - visual guides making the children have visual cues to enhance their ability to be more self sufficient. Their rooms to have safe bedding and places for their personal items in their own rooms and a way to organize their things to have in their own space--eliminate a community closet. That the family room is sizable for the family to enjoy and air conditioned so it is tolerable to have the family together -very hot now- not under air! That a room be provided for therapy so the children can get quality attention without distraction of the household goings on. That the children necessary therapy equipment has the space necessary to make it safe for them to use, have access to. That an area for study/tutoring; all the advantages for the children to continue to be included in general education with the assistive technology to keep up the best they can. Consist Home to School learning. That the patio be able to have outdoor cooking with seating for the entire family and etc so mom isn't in and out causing danger for the children, that a screen play area the child with allergy to mosquito saliva can get adequate outdoor activity to keep her weight under control which is part of her disability. That mom has a space for herself to relax and rejuvenated for the next day.