.hello Mary
I have moved out of a family London house and in to a village bungalow. It is really good to be free from stairs. It is also nice to have country strolls for my, now limited, walks. The garden is huge but at least it’s flat !
The peace and quiet helps a lot.
My wife likes rural life as she goes to all sorts of coffee mornings, wives groups etc etc.
I think people here accept my disability. Not sure how it would be in London
Best wishes
Sooty
!
Hia Margs, I asked myself the same questions some twelve months ago. I’m now waiting for a date to move to a bungalow. I think there as you have already thought about it and thinking about it, then it’s worth a look? It took us some time to find the right one and it’s been very stressful. I also thought better to do now rather than wait until I’m in a position where I may struggle more, particularly after a few falls. Good luck
Hello Margs1
I see you have already had some replies with very useful comments.
It is very common and entirely understandable that you are thinking of moving to a bungalow and for many, this will prove to be the best thing. You do have to be careful however when viewing bungalows that you don’t get carried away with the idea that life would be much easier for you just because it is a bungalow. You need to look at it very carefully. Some bungalows have quite narrow hallways and it may not be easy, for example to get a mobility aid around the property or to move between rooms without doing a ten point turn because doorways are too narrow. Be especially vigilant about the bathroom where space is often tight and beware if there is a low bath ie a bath with reduced height sides - they may be easy to get in and out but do not solve the problem if it is one of getting up from the floor of the bath. As AnaElsa said it took her some time to find a suitable bungalow and as Steve2 has said he moved into a flat, so don’t discount that as an option.
I don’t know where you are in the country but there are increasing numbers of extra supported housing schemes - it comes under various names, where I am it is called flexicare. These are basically a building where everyone has their own flat but care staff are on site to give residents the help they need. There are often some communal areas and various activities going on, so you can also have company and things to do if you wish or be on your own when you want. It can be a good halfway house between having your own property and a care home. You will need to check out options locally but this type of accommodation is usually organised by the local council - some of the flats may be available to buy but most are rented and most will allow homeowners to become tenants on the sale of their property which many prefer to buying as maintenance etc is sorted ‘in house.’. It may be worth finding out if this sort of scheme exists where you are and what the process is.
Finally, regarding train travel, do you know about passenger assist? Have a look at this link
And this link is for a post I did after I changed my thinking and approach to train travel - it may give you food for thought and taken together with passenger assist may mean you can continue to use train travel to visit your daughter. National Express coaches can also give you assistance in a similar way.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do, I hope the comments you have received will all help you to make the decision that is right for you.
Tot
Hi mags, its not an easy decision to make and lots of things to consider.we are already in a bungalow, but toilet is very narrow and are already needing to consider future proofing that room in case both of us have access issues. You never know with pd when things can change, but its good to look into all you local option’s etc and get the information to help you made decisions. Im sure your daughter will understand any thoughts your having and help you navigate all the different areas you might want to consider. Best of luck c
This is definitely a big choice to make, and we’re loving all the advice you have been offered so far by our wonderful forum members. When it comes to it, we also have some information and support on setting up care for your home, as well as general support as we understand it can be a difficult time.
Hii Margs1 - moving home is sooo stressful, best avoided, esp if you’re happy in your now home. I notice some of the stairlifts are very compact now, might be worth looking into. Also the train companies provide assistance but you need to book in advance, know which train you’re catching. Be brave my hubby has had PD for 23 years now, stage 5, so no real travel. Even if you have a bungalow, you still need to get around it somehow.
Hello Margs1
Usually once a decision has been made, it can feel like a weight has been lifted and I hope that is true for you.
It is also worth remembering that us chosed member of the Parkinson’s Club live with the knowledge that the condition will progress and we will need more help etc.
If you think about it logically however, having Parkinson’s doesn’t make you immune from having a stroke, heart attack or being run over a bus - you can’t plan for anything like that and you would just deal with the fallout as it unfolds. So whilst it is prudent from time to time to consider your options, until you have a clearer picture of how your own Parkinson’s is progressing and what the best course of action is likely to be, until you reach that point it is little more than guesswork.
I hope you can relax and enjoy your home now that you have made your decision.
Tot
Morning Margs you have had lots of advice from members, just thought I would give you a little more. When I found out that i had PD i did not have any issues, health wise. We were playing bowls with a friend of ours and he had just moved into Housing Ass bungerlow, he told us to come and have a look. It was amazing it is 2 beds and we have call cords in every room , if help is wanted at the moment i have put these in a cupboard, BUT there is help if needed all door ways are large enough for wheel chair to get though. Well we put our names down sold the house and went twice around the world while i was able. The thing is with PD it does not get better you have to take each day as it comes, the propertys can be inderpendent living . you can rent/buy half shares/or buy but you have help /friends/ groups ect if you want or you can just be you!!! from my case I know we did the best thing.
