Dr. Roya Javadpour was on Sabbatical Leave as a Visiting Professor at Nottingham University Business School during the 2009-2010 academic year. In her absence Dr. Liz Schlemer coordinated the efforts for the 2010 PolyHouse project.
Our 2009 client was a 16 year old disabled young woman confined to a wheelchair and her aging grandparents who have adopted her and have also cared for over 20 foster children. The granddaughter was born with a heart defect and had 3 heart surgeries before the age of 3. She developed seizures and experienced a stroke at 13 months. Complications arose in her last heart surgery which left her in a coma for 12 days, and when she woke up she had permanent severe and profound multiple disabilities which left her dependent for all self-help needs. Her grandparents make every possible accommodation for their granddaughter within their power, yet as she has grown over the years the physical demands of caring for a dependent young woman has taken a toll. It was our goal to improve the safety and comfort of their home with the possibility for completion of a roll-in shower, a heating system and other much needed renovations that would otherwise go undone bringing great hope for them.
Our 2008 clients were a delightful couple both in their late forties, that had been dealing with the challenges of disability for many years and whose circumstances prevented them from making many necessary changes in their home. After a year of treatment for a pinched nerve, the husband was referred to a neurologist in 1992, who began treating him for his disorder that resembled multiple sclerosis in its symptoms and presentation. Within 3 years he was confined to a wheelchair. He now has minimal use of his hands and legs and is unable to transfer, feed himself or handle any of his personal needs without assistance. His wife is his primary caregiver. Their home was in need of several modifications and improvements to make it more accessible, safe and livable for him, and to decrease caregiver demands. It was our goal to improve his ability to maneuver safely within his home and with the possibility for completion of a roll-in shower and other much needed renovations that would otherwise go undone, bring great comfort and hope for them.
Our 2007 client was a delightful lady in her late sixties who had been dealing with the challenges of disabilities for many years. In 1972 she was diagnosed with Type II Adult onset Diabetes. This was a life change in itself; however her health again was changed due to a stroke she endured in 1988 leaving parts of her body paralyzed. Her diabetes continually progressed, which became uncontrollable at times leaving her health fragile and her immune system low. In 1998 as a result of her diabetes’ progression her left leg was amputated, leaving her with severe arthritis in her right leg. As her health stayed somewhat stable for the next few years, her injuries did not. She injured her second toe on her right foot and when it would not heal; it too needed to be amputated. This had left her with the continued challenges of disabilities and diabetes including the daunting tasks involved in keeping her home maintained. It was our goal to improve her ability to maneuver safely within her home and with the possibility for completion of a roll-in shower and other household projects that would otherwise go undone, bring great comfort and hope for her.
Our 2006 clients were a delightful mother and daughter whose circumstances prevent them from making many necessary changes to their home. The daughter was 54 years old and had both physical disabilities and chronic depression, stemming from a work related accident some years ago. She had had back surgeries and severe nerve damage in her legs which had left her in constant pain. The daughter is the primary caregiver of her 75 year old mother and also has a mentally and physically handicapped child. Due to her depression, physical disabilities, and overwhelming caregiver stress, she did not have the energy nor the means to maintain their shared home. Her mother’s health has continued to become more fragile as a consequence of her diabetes, blindness, and other age related illnesses, creating more dependency on an already frail daughter. It was our goal to improve the safety and comfort of their home and with the possibility for completion of household projects that would otherwise go undone, bring great comfort and hope for them.
Our 2005 client was a gentleman, whose circumstances prevent him from making many necessary changes to his home. While riding his bicycle a few years ago, he was hit from behind and suffered major injuries. He was flown by helicopter to Stanford Medical Center where they discovered that part of his spinal column had been crushed. Through several surgeries, they inserted four titanium rods and fused his spinal column and removed a rib to repair the spinal column. His hip was shattered and the bone extending from hip to knee had to be cut off and the hip rebuilt requiring hardware to be inserted. Prior to the accident he was very healthy riding his bicycle 200 miles a week and working as a musician. The accident left him in constant pain, unable to walk more than a few blocks and has difficulty lifting, bending or kneeling. It was our goal to improve the safety and comfort of his home and with the possibility for completion of household projects that would otherwise go undone, bring great comfort and hope for him.
Our 2004 clients were a delightful couple both in their late sixties, that had been dealing with the challenges of disability for many years. As the victim of a violent crime in 1980, the husband suffered a traumatic head injury, forcing early retirement. In 1997 a failed knee replacement and severe infection forced his physician to fuse his right leg. A fall after coming home from the hospital required a subsequent hip replacement. He is now wheelchair bound and cannot be left alone. His wife is his primary caregiver and because their funds are limited she can afford only a few precious hours a week of outside care. Due to his disability his care requirements are very heavy and physically draining for his wife. It was our goal to improve the safety and comfort of their home and with the possibility for completion of a roll-in shower and other household projects that would otherwise go undone, bring great comfort and hope for both of them.
