Selling our home and going to a condo

[3Fishies]

The title says much of it. We have a split level home, and the bedrooms and bathroom is upstairs while the living and kitchen is the main level. Even with hand rails in the hallways, he keeps falling. Yesterday it was a suitcase we haven’t put away from our trip. The day before, it was the bathroom doorway.

We literally just put in new windows, and I thought we could live here a while, but going into a condo a block down, I think would be better. One level, larger bathroom...

Right now his symptoms are sporadic. It’s up and down day to day.

This month?

• Falling on knees

• balance issues

• uses cane

• lack of appetite (partially self choice)

• frequent urination (at night)

• sleep issues (up until 3am)

• yelling in his sleep

• lack of motivation (but will do dishes)

I’m guessing as far as when to move? It’s been on my mind, but I rather be early than too late and have major issues arise, which would complicate moving. I’ve literally been researching symptoms and time frames, and the next moment he’ll seem okay.

Such a mind****.

I wonder if anyone else has had to make these decisions, and at what point did you move?

[jeffreyn]

Maybe there is more you could do to address your husband's "lack of motivation".

Does he have any brothers or sisters or friends who could perhaps help you to get him motivated to fight the disease? For example, to help him to see that exercise would be of great benefit to him (as I explained in one of my replies to your previous post).

healthunlocked.com/parkinso...

[laglag]

My parents moved to a condo before they became disabled & they said it was the best thing they ever did.

[NRyan]

As an OT, I suggest moving before you need it. Also, do any remodeling of condo (hand held shower, wider door frame in bathroom, etc ) that's needed BEFORE you move in so it is ready for all future needs. You can have an OT who does home assessments come in and advise what may be done to make things easier for you.

[mleec]

I sold my house and moved into a condo this year. Diagnosed last Spring. My biggest concern with the condo was that it had to be bright and cheery(and affordable) I lose motivation and get depressed in dark, closed in spaces. I still do everything I want to do for the most part and I have stairs. I figured when the time comes, I can put in a lift. Do what is best, but I highly recommend a positive open space. I was very fortunate to find the one I am in.

[Jeansm]

Going through same thought process. Without a crystal ball it’s impossible to say what the future holds but we would like to stay in our family home long term. I have PD & my husband arthritis so planning to install lift (elevator) and change bathroom now while we can still cope with building works.

[FMundo]

If stairs are the major obstacle/ concern you have as far as dangerous falls, why not consider a stair lift (motorized chair that goes up and down stairs)? They cost a couple of thousand dollars.

[3Fishies in reply to FMundo]

It’s not attached to a wall, the stairs have wood rails that frankly have seen better days. I think the condo with wider spaces will be best.

[PJSammy]

I moved before I was diagnosed with Parkinson's and loved condo living from the beginning.

Now I am really glad I made the move. Just renovated the bath - walk in shower, grab bars, fold down seat etc. Hope to be able to stay here for many years.

[3Fishies in reply to PJSammy]

That’s exactly what I was thinking!

[Donzim]

move. that part won't get better. don't be put off by the erratic 'good today but bad yesterday'. sounds like he needs better meds and rehab but the stairs will still be a problem. oddly enough, stairs are often easy for PDers....they create a rhythm.

[aliciamq in reply to Donzim]

I have found so as well - people go crazy when they hear 'stairs'! But, he does OK with my help. He has something to hold onto and he is focused on just one task. Our bathrooms are down and up. We should move- not quite ready.

[S70AWD]

Knowing these things were down the road for me, we sold our house and moved to a condo before the problems developed. It was hard to leave the house I lived in for 40 years, but we have never regretted the decision.

[justhavefun2]

My spouse and I moved from a split level we lived in for 32 years into a one level condo 3 years ago in anticipation of aging. When I was diagnosed earlier this year we were extra happy about our choice to move. That being said we have awesome neighbors - they make our lives better and we are so thankful for them!! Best wishes as you ponder the move!!

[luba1]

Recently I moved to condo. It is the best decision that I ever made it.

[S70AWD]

You are already past the point at which we made the decision to sell the house ( home for over 40 years) and move to a condo. It was the right decision for us. We moved only five miles a way, so we kept the same church, doctors , stores. We don't see our old neighbors as often as we would like, but everyone is so busy! We were able to take our time in making the decision, and I (as the pwp) was still able to help with the move. Making new friends is hard, but it happens slowly. If you believe this move will be necessary eventually, I say do it sooner rather than later.

We were fortunate to find a condo with wide doors and a walk-in shower. It seemed to be made just for us. We have a second floor, but we don't really use it unless we have company and to store the Christmas decorations.

[wifeofparky]

Maybe too many changes in a short time and he has not adjusted yet. Was he with you when you bought the condo? Did he have any say about where you moved?

We moved from a tri-level home a few years after my husband was diagnosed. We built a handicapped accessible ranch with an open floor plan. My husband has since passed away from an unrelated issue but I am glad we did what we did. We planned the entire home together even though I had to make him make choices.

Moving is not easy. We lived 40 years in our old home but I knew that as his PD advanced we would encounter many safety issues. Twice he had to be carried in a sling down our old staircase and it was very hard on him as well as the EMTS. (he was 6'4" and 240#'s).

Call his MDS and see if they need to adjust his DBS until he stabilizes.

[aliciamq]

Sounds exactly like my PSP huz. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a Parkinson's plus disease.