apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Love the photo with the Big Lebowski reference!

I've had to adjust my home many times due to injuries, now I use a wheelchair. I can try to answer any question you might have, I've probably had it before too. Number 1 tip would be to put some caster wheels under that bedside table, it'll be easier to move closer and out of the way. A small sideboard may give you more table space and a shelf. A laptop table might work too.

I stayed in a guest room that had a sofa table next to the bed. It wasn't the greatest look, but it was perfect for functionality. It could hold a laptop, a lamp, food, etc. with room for blankets and pillow underneath. That set up would work well for someone who is recovering from an injury or surgery.

When I had my gallbladder removed a few months ago, I was practically bedridden for days while I recovered...

...having properly-sized bedside tables wth water carafe and space for medications, laptop, etc., lots of pillows to prop myself up on while in bed and decently-sized traffic areas for when I needed help to get around - These were invaluable and had I not furnished my apartment that way originally, I would have never have been able to make it happen after the surgery since I was in such miserable shape for a couple weeks.

I'm also glad that my parents were able to be comfortable in my guestroom/den - Although I seldom have overnight company, it was nice to know that they were there for me when I needed them and that they had a place to retreat to while being nearby if I needed help in the middle of the night (which was fairly often)

Now if I can just find where Mother put my box cheese grater, I'll be happy.

Interesting. This photo is from a coffee shop in Austin called Thunderbird formerly Clementine.

I cannot tell you how THRILLED I am that you wrote this article!!! I'm currently on crutches because I broke my foot (six weeks ago) and even after doing some rearranging am still having some difficulty getting around. So, thank you very much for writing this!

Been there, did that (last summer)! One of the hardest adjustments was the fact that I couldn't carry anything while I was on crutches. I pretty much ate while standing at the counter by the fridge, because I couldn't carry anything to the table; when I got take-out, I had to plop myself down on the chair by the door and eat there, unless I asked the delivery person to put the bag on the table for me!

One thing that was helpful: a little drawstring bag hooked onto one of my crutches in which I carried around the cordless phone, because there was no way I could get to the darn thing in time when it rang!

I was once bedridden for a month with a staph infection in both my legs. My friends moved my large desk to be next to my bed, and it was the best decision ever. With my monitor next to me, I could use the computer without straining or resting my laptop on my legs, and it gave me a place to put my used dishes, books, bandages, and anything else I needed. They also brought me a wheely chair so that I could slide off the bed and into the chair and then wheel myself down the hall and directly into the shower (this was still in college). Sitting on a chair in the shower sucked, but it was better than sponge-bathing.

Broken leg in my household (going on 7 months now, with varying degrees of mobility as the hardware gets removed - this is a hang out in bed week).

Ditto getting all the throw rugs off the floor. Ditto the shower chair.

Get a multi-unit cordless phone with intercom function for yelling at your (hopefully) live-in caregiver, spouse, mate or helper, especially if you live in a larger place or in one with stairs.

We have a bedroom ceiling fan with a built-in light that has a remote control, and that's handy.

A rolling walker is easier to use than crutches for bathroom runs in the middle of the night. Most cloth grocery bag handles will slip on the walker for holding small stuff like that cordless phone (there's a knapsack handy for traveling with the crutches).

A comfy chair (and ottoman) is nice to have in the sickroom if you have space - makes a nice change from the bed. We also bought a recliner for the living room to make it easier to elevate the leg while hanging out there.

Hi all,

I've noticed that all these comments are from readers who have been through this and I have some questions!
A close friend just had foot surgery this week and will be on crutches for weeks. She is usually very active and running errands all the time. She just doesn't know how to relax. I have a feeling all the bed rest will drive her crazy. I brought over magazines and sudoku books yesterday and she was so appreciative! Any other ideas to keep her entertained?
Also, she has a hard time asking for help, she tries to do things on her own. I do things around the house for her but she rarely asks a favor. I want to make her life easier, what can I do?
Thanks for your advice, wishing a speedy recovery to all!

Ah ha, timely! I am down recovering from a badly broken arm. A week after the accident, while still in the cast and sling, I got the flu. Not fun, do not do.

We decided to hire a maid for the fall so the house can be cleaned to my control- and neat-freak standards.

I spent most of week 1 in bed with a tray table and phones. Then I had the couch-side table set up for two weeks. After that I started regaining the energy to move about. I really wish family would have **dropped off** food, but they had this idea that it would be easier if I came over their homes. (Not really. New fracture, pain, flu... going out was misery.)

annabananarama, it's hard to get some people to sit still, even if it's for their own good! If she has a laptop computer or some computerized games, that might help. Maybe new DVD's? I got into crafts when I was laid up, like origami and latch-hook (remember those?), crochet, etc. You could learn something like that together.

Getting food delivered makes life easier, as Bee T. can attest to. Offering to run errands, or showing them how they can get groceries delivered online. Maybe give them snacks that don't need to be refrigerated, so they don't have to get up so often.

annabananarama - I think that your friend and I have many many things in common. I'll be on crutches for the next three weeks but, so far have been on them for six weeks already (with a broken foot...so believe me...I know how your friend feels!!) and I have some tips.
If your friend is leaving the house to do any errands on her own, tell her to take a book bag. Pack some water & a towel. I haven't gotten any food delivered, but have gone through many drive thrus, and having the book bag is SOO helpful!
For resting and relaxing, make sure she's got her computer nearby. And just like tundrababe, I'm doing crafts right now. I've already started making Christmas gifts since I've got all this free time! Watching seasons of shows is helpful. Give her a pedicure. I live alone, and wish that someone would paint my toes for me since I can barely reach the toes sticking out of my cast! Do a "girls" nite. Pamper her.
You're already a great friend to be asking these questions and offering your help. I haven't had ANYONE be that nice, so she is a lucky girl!