by eureka » Mon Aug 17, 2009 6:21 am
Hi All:
Had to chime in on this thread as I too have been tossing the whole stair lift idea around too. I went online to Cal Poly, Pomona,CA which is an aggie univ., they also have another campus in San Luis Obispo which is engineering oriented. They are the two univ. who cooperate on designing the Rose Parade floats that have all the movement and effects. I wanted to see if I could find anything or anyone to contact so that I could ask them to take on the challenge of creating a pet stair lift. I didnt contact them yet but I certainly can. I too thought who better than engineering students or agricultural students to get together and develop this. I will send an email this week to hopefully the proper person and will post back.
When we bought our home, we were convinced that we wanted 2 stories for a number of reasons. What I never thought about was aging pets. While some dogs couldn't care less about being in the same room w/their owner, obviously there are plenty of homes where "everyone and everything" goes up to bed" or up to an apt or flat. The subject of aging/disability needs to be addressed not just towards humans but must include pets. Any information available to people considering acquiring pets, pet stores, vets, adoption centers, etc. should see in writing, in posters, on TV & radio that if animals are going to be apart of the home, consideration should be given to the living environment and how it can impact an animal owner. I never thought that I would be carrying the back half of my dog upstairs everynight w/my husband carrying the front half. I also never thought that I would spend nights on an airbed, downstairs in the family room from Aug - Dec when my male Dal was in the final stages of Cauna Equina which did affect his brain. And I may shortly find myself back there again depending on my female Dal's hips, legs, and bathroom needs. Since this country has changed its approach towards animals and their care, we need to talk about the aging animal first, then breed and size and finally acquiring the puppy.
Also a thought regarding housing for our golden years, I saw a home remodel done for a couple who did need a first floor bedroom & bath but had all bedrooms on the 2nd fl. They took the formal dining room space that had a small bathroom close by and remodeled it all into a master suite including a full bathroom, handicapped outfitted. It was very attractive and the general contractor did a great job of maintaining a nice flow through the first floor. This is yet another idea to bear in mind when considering a home, the versatility of the space and this too should be a thought that comes naturally because we've heard it or seen it.
Geez, I'm turning off the light, it's 4:19 am CA time.
Eureka
If they think there's no need for a lift, send them to this thread. Heck, I'd send them the link anyway; it might convince them to help!