Is this smart planning?

[pgsSFnm]

I am a 77 year old woman who has had PD for 4 1/2 years. I have no physical disabilities. I found a condo I love, but there are four steps to get into the unit. I have no idea what the future holds. Would you buy it or hold out for a place with no steps?

[lenamm]

Four steps seems doable especially if there is a railing or the possibility of adding one later. Most places have one or two and it will hopefully be years before you have an issue with them if you don't have balance issues now. My home has two steps and even when I was at my worst - needed a cane to walk and could only walk about 50 feet a couple years back- I was ok with them.

[JohnPepper in reply to lenamm]

As long as those steps have a rail on both sides, the exercise that you are forced to do will pay dividends. I don't know what type of Pd. you have, but you will already know whether you are a person who shies away from exercise or knows in her heart that now is the best time to start doing exercise to strengthen your body before you reach old age.I am 86 and have had Pd. symptoms for 58 years. If you would like to know a lot more about it then contact me at [e-mail] and I will send you all my videos and a whole lot of information to help you change your life. And you know what? It costs NOTHING!

[kevowpd]

What are the transaction costs associated with purchase and sale? Would it be financially uncomfortable to have to sell it and buy another?

I would probably go for it if you love it.

[Juliegrace]

My parents built their home while in their late 50s and have two shallow steps into their living room and master bedroom. My mom was diagnosed in her 60s and I know if they had it to do over they would not have the steps. When my husband and I designed our home I was 50 and already diagnosed. We have no steps in the house or garage. It is very sensible of you to carefully consider the advisability of steps, even four of them.

[134A]

Go for the home you love! Steps can be modified with a ramp or lift if it ever becomes necessary 😀

[SonarsMom]

I would determine if you were able to build a ramp over the steps before buying. Is there enough available space there? Would neighborhood regulations prevent it?

[Physio70]

Four months ago I bought a 2 storey villa expecting to be able to put a lift in shortly after moving. The Pandemic and shortage of tradesmen has slowed that plan! Out of sheer determination I slowly pulled myself upstairs to get to the bedroom and have discovered after several years of accepting I “can’t do stairs” I manage them like a pro! My legs and knees are stronger and I’m sure my arms are also as I hold on for dear life. Ramps and lifts are becoming less expensive as there are more available. I adore my little villa! Steps and all! Good strong footwear helps. My dr saw me doing the stairs and suggested not to be in a hurry to put the lift in! 🙏

[Lionore in reply to Physio70]

Steps keep me fit as well but I have to be careful about carrying things going up and down. I’ve learned to drag the laundry basket behind me so that one hand is firmly on the railing. No stair lift until it’s needed but safety is always on my mind.

[Spencer53]

The four steps are okay and can keep you mobile but should your mobility worsen a condo with accessibility measures would be helpful.

[Lionore]

Indoor steps can be made safer with two railings or a stair lift; outdoor steps could be a problem especially since you are talking about a condo where you typically wouldn’t be able to modify with a ramp. Although your PD appears to be mild at this time, your age alone would make those four outside steps a risk factor as time goes by. Consider how you would manage carrying groceries. If you’re in love with the place, go for it but consider what would happen in the case of a serious illness or accident. You might need to rehab somewhere while making hurried plans to move.

[pgsSFnm]

Thank you all for your comments. You raised good points and helped me decide to go ahead with the condo. Since I made the post I learned that I could enter the condo through the patio and thus avoid the steps altogether. It's a little longer walk to the car but doable.

John Pepper, I'm familiar with your work and have read your book. I've been walking since I was diagnosed and have done Rock Steady Boxing for the last year and a half.

I intend to keep it up so hopefully steps won't be an issue for the next few years.