Con-figure-ations.

We wanted at first to have our beds together, but… medically, Deena needs to be alone as any movement creates nausea and pain. And we need to be able to be “reached” if we have care givers–for meds, iv stands, etc. Oh, how well we know those things!

So, we need a configuration that:

• Maximizes floor space (for any medical machines, friends, overall living, getting around by a chair, etc.)
  
• Minimizes jostling Deena and maximizes Deena’s mobility and access to everything.
  
• Maximizes access for desks and eating surfaces both of us if we are both primarily bed bound. (this configuration doesn’t do that for Deena…hmmm…but she *could* get a hospital table in if needed)
  
• Maximizes medical access to both of us if we are both–or one–bed bound.
  
• We will sleep head to head…
  
• MaJe can then move to the other end of her bed during the day, which could be an adjustable lounge chair so that she can have some distinction between day and night.

What we need in the house:

• Washer/Dryer *(minimum space = 2 ft wide by 2 ft deep by 1 1/2 ft tall??)
  
• Bathroom (use the toilet as the shower seat and have grab bars) (miminum space = 3 ft by 3 ft by 8 ft tall)
  
• MaJe’s bed (3 ft wide by 6 1/2 ft long by 3 ft tall)
  
• Deena’s bed (3 ft wide by 5 1/2 ft long by 3 ft tall)
  
• MaJe’s desk and shelves above (2 feet wide by 4 feet long)
  
• Deena’s desk and shelves above (2 feet wide by 5 feet long)
  
• Kitchen with either one sink or two (for storing dishes), two burner stove (maybe one burner and electric tea kettle?) (2 feet wide by 4 feet long). The kitchen should also have microwave/convection oven, small refrigerator/freezer.
  
• Place to hang Deena’s work clothes (2 feet wide, 2 feet deep)
  

We like this configuration because:

• All the water is together-the things that use water are all in one space.
  
• We have room for both chairs to go up and down
  
• We can have grab bars for both entrances (the one with stairs and the one with a ramp)
  
• MaJe can have a fold-out desk over her bed.
  
• Deena can have some privacy to work as she works from home–this set aside space could count as an office–particularly if we hang curtains or something.