Home, Sweet -- Apartment

Let’s talk about my living situation. I live in an apartment, by myself. Have you ever been online shopping? Bought the shirt, but it was a slim-fit instead of husky-fit? Definitely, not what you expected… Story of my life. But now I’m referring to my experience with apartment hunting online, from Florida.

After I decided to accept the job offer, and determined that it was financially possible (benefits and all,) I had to find a place to live -- and it had to be found fairly quickly! The idea of the job came about around the end of October, and my goal was to begin in February. Call me ambitious -- but I needed even more: a place that was wheelchair accessible, fairly priced, and within transportation routes. A) my motorized wheelchair is my primary mobility device; B) my income was a part-time job and Social Security benefits, and I had to budget out practically for two because of Personal Care Attendant costs, my own expenses; and C) because I don’t drive yet, I had to make sure I had a way of getting to work and accessing my [new] community.

Finally! “Contact Us” was clicked and my email was sent! “Are you within walking distance of a MARTA bus route?” “Are the sidewalks easy to ride on?” “How about the apartment itself? Would a large, 300-pound power wheelchair be able to maneuver throughout the home easily?” It only took 20-25 different times for me to send those questions out, and to receive the response I needed to read. I thought I was getting one heck of a deal. My first place was waiting for my arrival.

Moving day came -- my best friend and I drove to Atlanta. What a trip! An 8-hour ride, plus loading and unloading of my things. And I was just the passenger… (I love my friends!) Anyway - We went to check out the place, only to find that the bathroom was not accessible. My wheelchair -- with six wheels and an engine -- was in no way, shape, or form fitting in the bathroom meant for an average-sized, standing person!  Fortunately, my employer did not give up as easily as I was willing to. (What?! With one full day left before starting my new job at the time, there was no way I would find a place by then! Or so I thought.) Meanwhile, if it wasn’t for the housing specialist and the nursing facility transition specialist, I don’t think I would have a place that meets my criteria as well as the place I’m in today does.

Since I moved here, I have lived in the same apartment. Too often do I get the “deer in headlights” look when I tell people that I live alone, and not in a nursing facility. It is more than possible. It’s just a matter of how badly do you want it? The resources are out there and your network of friends and family is there to help seek those things out, if you need it.

My home fits my needs, and was decorated by my taste. Check out the following pictures of some areas in my home:

Remote controlled deadbolt lock I have installed on my front door.

My idea of decorating - Haha!