Everybody gets old. Everybody gets hurt. Time and chance happen to us all, and these are unfortunate facts of life. Is old age, injury, or disability part of your planning? Can you keep going with essential work if you are hampered by physical limitations? As always, it is better to think ahead and be prepared than to be surprised by the unexpected.
I am used to thinking about physical limitations. My mother is a retired physician, and has bravely phased a physical disability for 35+ years. Both of my parents are getting older, and my own health and physical build has never been the best. As my work both professionally and at home involves tools and heavy equipment, I occasionally must deal with a work-related injury. When building my home and outdoor facilities, we were aware of present and future needs and limitations.
A primary concern is prevention of slips, trips, and falls. These are the number one cause of workplace injuries in the USA among all ages, and are especially concerning for older people and people with limitations. Outdoors, it is worth taking the time to fill in holes, smooth out uneven ground, and keep debris picked up. As my father has gotten older, knee pain has kept him from picking up his feet as much as he walks. To keep him safe, I make sure to mow the grass very, very short. Short grass keeps objects on the ground visible, rather than hidden, and it also prevents weeds from catching a foot and causing a fall. Got garden tools in the grass? Pick them up! Stones floated to the top of the soil over the winter? Remove them and put them in a pile. Fallen sticks and branches? Get them to the burn pile or the kindling box. My father is constantly reminding me to keep paths clear and leave walking room.Continue reading“Accessibility: Retreat Design, by SwampFox”