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Accommodation worries. WWYD?

15 replies

Jasfc · 17/11/2019 16:09

Name changed as could be outing.
The house I currently live in is starting to become unsuitable for me. I have mobility difficulties and have started to struggle with the stairs. They are steep and narrow (no chance of being able to do anything to help there). Currently there are rails either side, but it's only a matter of time before I will need to move.
The problem I have is where I move to.
My family are trying to get me to move into a flat, and have said I only need a small flat. From conversations, I know that means as small as they can find, which is going to be as unsuitable as my house, but just smaller, so to them it's fine.
I've mentioned about moving into a bungalow and been told that they would be too big for me.
I need a kitchen large enough for a chair that I can maneuver round easily with a frame and I worry that a flat might not have enough space (certainly the size preferred by my family won't).
Price isn't an issue so long as I can easily get around. I just want them to actually listen to me and take my concerns into consideration.

OP posts:
Apolloanddaphne · 17/11/2019 16:12

Why do they have any say in where you move to? You are an adult so you can choose your next home to suit you. If a bungalow is what you want and you can afford it then that is what you look for.

redchocolatebutton · 17/11/2019 16:17

flats often (not always) are more spacious internally than houses. plus lifts can give more flexibility.

try to keep an open mind and stay involved with looking for your new place.

good luck!

Lunde · 17/11/2019 16:19

Why do they get any say about where you live? If you want a bungalow then get a bungalow!

Heismyopendoor · 17/11/2019 16:20

Are your family paying?

stucknoue · 17/11/2019 16:25

Keep an open mind because some flats are more spacious and suitable than bungalows. You get to decide remember, but do consider future proofing if your needs are increasing eg is there space for a chair everywhere? If you have carers is there space to hoist

Jasfc · 17/11/2019 16:31

Thanks for your replies. My family aren't paying, but, they are helping me with getting to viewings as I currently have no car. Their main reason for pushing me to get a flat is because they have decided the reason my house is unsuitable is down to size, rather than me struggling with stairs.
I'm hoping that one of my friends is soon going to be available to help with me getting to viewings. My friends are more open and understanding about what I need.

OP posts:
Frownette · 17/11/2019 16:39

I'd do the research and line up viewings yourself.

Could you go into an estate agents and give them your criteria? Is it rented/bought?

Good luck with it

redchocolatebutton · 17/11/2019 16:44

wrt viewings - many estate agents are happy to drive you around especially if you are viewing more than one property.

mumwon · 17/11/2019 16:49

make sure access to either flat or house can be adapted for your future needs (sorry but lets be practical) - is it near to places you want/need to go to/use (social or practical, like shops or doctor or hospital or public transport) bathroom - shallow bath/ordinary shower/ walk in shower. Kitchen: is the cooker the right height, ditto cupboards, space for washing machine & dishwasher if you need it & will you be able to sit on chair, or use mobility aid. If bungalow - care of garden & is it accessible - if any of these are no, is the accommodation adaptable. Will you need help from family do you need to be near them. & cynical bit; is it possible that there will be money over from flat & who might be interested in that?

BlueLadybird · 17/11/2019 17:28

Could you get a taxi to viewings? Some expense and inconvenience but better than being pushed into years of living somewhere you don’t want.

Kittykatmacbill · 17/11/2019 17:32

If you don’t have a car, why are you going to see flats you can’t get to without a car?

user1471449295 · 17/11/2019 17:36

It has naff all to do with your family. You know what you need better than them. It would be better if your friend can take you to viewings and leave them out of it.

Ellmau · 17/11/2019 17:37

If a flat, then either ground floor or in a block with a lift.

Dizzywizz · 18/11/2019 09:41

I would be wary of going for one with a lift - from working in property management there have been times I have experienced where lifts have broken and it has taken months! To fix them. As someone not very mobile myself, I would not move into a flat requiring a lift

Heismyopendoor · 22/11/2019 06:49

If they aren’t paying then why would they get any say?

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