Barrier Free Architecturals
April 26, 2011

Cruise Line Refused to Meet Man’s Disability Needs

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Logo. Image Credit: MSAA.

One of the great things about living in this day and age is the fact that disabled seniors are living longer, healthier, more independent lives.

Thanks to innovative technologies, it is now possible for seniors to live in their homes years after becoming disabled.

And while it is true that the world is becoming far more accessible, the sad truth is that disabled people still face challenges from time to time.

James Keskeny, a wheel-chair bound man from Michigan man who is suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, is currently in the midst of launching a lawsuit against Celebrity Cruises and its parent company, claiming that he was forced to disembark his cruise in Guadeloupe and return home after staff determined his special needs could not be met.

While Celebrity Cruises does claim to provide “special assistance” to disabled patrons, a spokesperson for the company said that Keskeny’s needs, which included “help with feeding and personal hygiene” are “beyond the scope of what [their] butler service provides.”

The cruise line also notes that Keskney was offered, and declined, the opportunity to hire a private nurse prior to forcing him off of the cruise.

Keskney counters that he was fully able to take care of himself, and did not require a personal nurse.  Instead, he took issue with the fact that his stateroom “was listed as handicapped accessible [but] did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act’s architectural guidelines.”

Keskney argues that the room made it impossible for him to properly care for himself, stating that the toilets were only 15 inches high as opposed to the standard 19 inches, which caused him to slip.  Furthermore, the toilet did not contain bars that would have helped to steady him.

On the third day of Keskney’s 10-day cruise, he slipped and fell off of a commode because, according to Kenkney, it was not “handicapped accessible.”  He was taken to the ship’s doctor, who informed him that he would have to leave the cruise at the next stop.

This is a very unfortunate misunderstanding, and we hope that Keskney and Celebrity Cruises can come to an amicable resolution.  Click here to read more.

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April 20, 2011

Handicap Bathtubs

Handicap bathtubs are an economical way to add an extra level of safety to your bathroom.  Here, we’ll go over some of their benefits and outline some points to consider when purchasing a handicap tub.

An Overview of Handicap Bathtubs

There are several different types of handicap bathtubs.  All are carefully designed with accessibility in mind and many allow users to take full advantage of the bathing experience by fully submerging themselves in water.

Handicap bathtubs are typically taller than standard tubs and are equipped with a waterproof, airtight door that allows the user to enter effortlessly.  Handicap tubs are usually equipped with some sort of seat which allows the user to remain in an upright position while being completely submerged in water, making it even easier to get in and out of the tub.  Because of their innovative design, users in wheelchairs are often able to enter and exit a handicap bathtub with very little difficulty.

Safety Benefits

The simple act of entering a tub through a door as opposed to climbing over a tub is one of the main safety benefits of a handicap bathtub.  As people age, balance and agility can sometimes be a challenge.  A walk-in door eliminates unnecessary stress, prevents the risk of slipping, and will not present a challenge to users suffering from spinal injuries, arthritis, or other degenerative conditions.

The main difference between a handicap bathtub and a handicap shower stall (where the user is also seated) is the fact that a tub allows the bather to fully submerge in water.  Once the user is finished, he or she simply drains the tub completely before exiting.  The sealed door ensures that no water will seep through the entrance.

Most handicap bathtubs have comfortable armrests and can easily be filled with warm water, allowing the user to enjoy a soothing bath, which can help to relieve stress and promote healthy blood circulation.

If you’ve been considering having a handicap bathtub installed, talk to us.  We will work with you to ensure your tub suits all your needs.  Contact us today!

Filed under bathroom safety tips and products
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April 14, 2011

Treating Sleep Disorders May Help Patients Recover From Stroke

Sleep. Image Source: PD Clip Art.

A recent study published in the April edition of Stroke reveals that patients undergoing stroke rehabilitation who were simultaneously treated for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) had a higher recovery rate than patients whose OSA was not treated.

OSA, a sleep disorder which causes a person to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep, affects approximately 5-10% of healthy people in North America and up to 70% of stroke patients.

Determining a connection between OSA and stroke is significant, as stroke is the leading cause of disability in Canada.  Currently, only 10% of stroke patients recover completely.

Dr. Clodagh Ryan, the study’s author and the assistant director of Toronto Rehab’s Sleep Research Laboratory, told the Canadian Newswire that the findings are important because “functional and motor impairments are often the more disabling features of stroke [which can] limit people’s mobility and participation in daily activities.”  It is hoped that the study will help shed some light on how to prevent the potentially debilitating effects of stroke.  Dr. Ryan hopes that improved post-stroke therapy will improve patient’s ability to regain motor and functional outcomes, enabling them to live independently after a stroke.

Dr. Ryan’s study analyzed 44 patients at Toronto Rehab’s stroke rehabilitation service, all of them diagnosed with OSA.  Half the patients were treated for the disorder during their rehabilitation, while the other half were not.

During the four-week trial, researchers found that patients treated for OSA demonstrated a “markedly greater improvement in walking distance within six minutes, a test used to determine walking ability, compared to those not treated for sleep apnea.”
Toronto Rehab is a world-class rehabilitation centre which specializes in helping people overcome the effects of disability, enabling them to live healthier, independent lives.

Click here to learn more about Toronto Rehab, or, click here to read their official press release announcing the study’s findings.

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April 6, 2011

Aging Americans are Healthier Than Ever Before

Man Helping Elderly Father. Image Credit: Clip Art.

A recent article in the Washington Post says that researchers have found evidence that Americans are living longer, healthier lives.

These findings are based on a study that analyzed chronic disability rates between the years 1982 and 1999.  Upon reviewing data from a National Long-Term Care survey, the study’s authors determined that 8 out of 10 people over the age of 65 were living self-sufficient lives in 1999.  That’s an 8% increase from 1982.  Furthermore, 6.4% of the elderly population lived in a nursing home in 1982, as compared with 3.4 % in 1999.

Experts speculate that some of the leading causes of the improved health and quality of life of the elderly are technological advancements and greater lifestyle education and awareness.  This study has great implications for the general population; In addition to the improved quality of life that the elderly now enjoy, a healthier aging population may also translate into reduced health care costs and hospital wait room times.

Interestingly, the study also provided further evidence that increased brain activity can help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

A recent article from the Immortal Humans blog suggests that the aging elderly population is a growing global trend, arguing that in 2009, there were 70,490 centenarians in the United States.  According to the website, this number is expected balloon to 600,000 by mid-century.

It is becoming increasingly common for people to live healthy, active lives well into their 90s.  This is a testament to medical technology and the importance of following a healthy lifestyle, and is causing researching to re-evaluate what an “average” lifespan equates to.  Immortal Humans rightfully points out that for many years, humans were only expected to live to the age of 60, which is now considered to be relatively young.

It’s extremely good news to learn that people are living happier, healthier lives.  Click here to read more about the study published in the Washington Post.

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