Dad Deserves Better Than The Basement

What You’ll Find In This Week’s Newsletter

• ^🏆 My First Week Victory: A Tale of Two Approaches

• 🔍 The "Whole Home" Method vs The "Quick Fix" Trap

• ^✔️ Your 7-Point Checklist: How To Spot A Solution-Focused Rep

• 🌲 Why Some Reps Miss The Forest For The Trees (And How It Costs You)

Hey Fellow Caregiving Warriors!

My first official week of being back in homes is in the books and I absolutely LOVE it!

13 homes. 13 incredible stories. And one very special victory that I am particularly proud of that I need to tell you about...

Because it perfectly illustrates something we need to discuss:

The difference between reps who sell EQUIPMENT...

And those of us who create SOLUTIONS.

(Trust me, your parents' quality of life depends on knowing the difference.)

Let me explain...

^🏆 My First Week Victory: A Tale of Two Approaches

I arrived to my first ramp evaluation in one of the more affluent parts of Metro Atlanta.

Imagine what 50 feet of aluminum would look twisting and turning through this beautifully landscaped yard.

'“Daddy will be staying downstairs with a caregiver"

Judith said as I walked into the beautifully crafted, dark wood trimmed foyer in the home she had grown up in

Her father was 90 years old and would be living out the rest of his days here, surrounded by the memories they had created over the last several decades.

She took me around the corner and down another set of stairs with black iron rails that made my heart swoon.

But as we went down those stairs and into the space he would be living, my heart sank.

Because I've seen this story before.

The one where we focus so hard on the IMMEDIATE problem...

We accidentally create three NEW ones.

These beautiful stairs would require a custom curved lift that would cost between $22,000 and $28,000 if we attempted to take it around a tight 180 degree turn near the bottom.  It was likely that that last turn would be impossible. 

And it would take 5-6 weeks to craft that custom rail.

She let me know that 101 Mobility had been over to assess the situation and told me that the rep suggested to build out the second platform (yes, they had 2 gorgeous platforms) and extend it to the wall. 

But that still left 2 steps to navigate and only 6 feet of narrow hallway to work with, so I asked Judith: “How are you going to get dad down those last 2 steps?”

“A ramp”

… I just shook my head.

I knew that 6 feet of narrow hallway would not be enough space to get down 14 inches safely. (ADA guidelines would suggest 14 feet of ramp)

The 101 Mobility representative had missed something critical:

Once he got down there... he'd basically be trapped. In a space that he didn’t want to be in.

The bathroom wasn't usable…

The tub had a sliding glass door that was perched on an additional step up that was as high as the side of the tub itself! (Try helping someone with mobility issues navigate THAT setup...)

Did I mention he is in a wheelchair?

This wasn't just about measurements and mechanics.

This was about a 90-year-old man's DIGNITY.

About a daughter trying to honor her father's wishes...

While protecting his safety.

(That impossible balance every caregiver knows too well...)

So I asked Judith a simple question:

"What's the longer-term plan?"

Her answer broke my heart a little:

"Daddy wants to eventually get back to his bedroom… But he still won't be able to use his bathroom..."

That's when I knew I was going to get him into his space no matter what it took.

🔍 The "Whole Home" Method vs The "Quick Fix" Trap

Here's what most reps miss:

Our parents don't just need equipment.

They need their LIVES back.

So instead of trying to force a $20,000 - $30,000 curved stairlift solution with a ramp that would clearly be unsafe,

(That would also still leave Dad stranded...)

We looked at the WHOLE picture:

The door into the bedroom was tight and the door leading to the bathroom was even tighter.

Work had already been done to the bathroom. Grab bars were present and there was a very short step to enter his shower with a chair already in place. He even had an emergency phone mounted beside the commode.

We talked about the possibility of widening the doorway since it was 24 inches wide. Judith was open to that option. 

Awesome.

 We walked out to the main space to then talk about the exterior of the home and getting him inside.

That’s when I saw it…

A wheelchair parked in the dining area!

“Is that your father’s chair?”, I asked.

“Yes it is” she answered.

I walked over, measured it.

21.5 inches.

I immediately started to wrestle with where the heck the brake might be to release the power option so I could push it. After a few minutes with zero success, I lifted the back and pushed it on the front wheels into his bedroom.

No issues getting through that door.

Then I walked that chair into HIS bathroom. It was a little tight, but very manageable.

We had a 15 second dance party before I walked onto the front porch and gave her my final solution.

An outdoor lift that:
• Preserved the home's curb appeal
• Cost 70% LESS than the complex stairlift
• And most importantly...

I met Judith on Monday.

The lift was installed Wednesday

Dad was able to sleep in his own bed and take a shower in his own bathroom that very Friday.

Judith told me she wished I could have seen the look on his face when he found out he would be able to move straight to his room…

She also invited me over to meet him in person, and I am certainly going to take her up on that so watch for updates!

✔️ Your 7-Point Checklist: How To Spot A Solution-Focused Rep

So how do you know if you're getting someone who sees the WHOLE picture?

1. Do they ask about long-term plans?
   (Not just immediate needs)

2. Are they looking at the WHOLE home?
   (Not just the "problem area")

3. Do they consider dignity AND safety?
   (Not just measurements)

4. Are they asking about daily routines?
   (Not just crisis moments)

5. Do they suggest options you hadn't considered?
   (Instead of just quoting what you asked for)

6. Are they thinking about caregiver support?
   (Not just the person needing care)

7. Most importantly: Do they care more about solving problems than selling products?

If you would like any of my personal recommendations for service providers, please reach out!

Or need a stairlift, elevator, platform lift, or ceiling lifts, I’m here for you!

There is nothing that makes me happier than giving someone a solution that can really LIVE with!

🌲 Why Some Reps Miss The Forest For The Trees (And How It Costs You)

When you're lying awake at 3AM...

Phone clutched in your hand...

Replaying every "almost fall"...

You want solutions NOW.

But here's what 20 years of bedside nursing and modifying homes have taught me:

Quick fixes often become long-term problems.

And the wrong solution...

Can actually make independence HARDER to maintain.

It can also be a really expensive fix.

That's why at Lifeway, we don't just measure spaces.

We measure impact.

We don't just install equipment.

We restore dignity.

And we definitely don't leave anyone stuck in a basement when they could be sleeping in their own bed.

Because at the end of the day...

This isn't about lifts, or ramps, or modifications.

It's about giving you back what every caregiver (yes you too!) desperately needs:

Peace of mind.

(And maybe a few full nights of sleep...) 😴

Until next week,
Danielle

Be sure get one of those FREE safety assessments I told you about last week that we do with every consultation.

Call 678-729-9144 or click below to schedule.

Don’t Forget! Saturday June 7th

👩🏽‍🦼‍➡️ Is Mom A Wheelchair User? 👩🏽‍🦼‍➡️The Excuse You’ve Been Looking For 👩🏽‍🦼‍➡️