If it helps encourage you any, I have a disabling form of narcolepsy... it's made me 'unemployable' against my will, for about a decade now. If nothing else, I understand what THAT can be like. In my case, I force myself to stay outside during daylight hours (rain or shine, sleepy or awake)... hoping to reinforce some 'natural' sleep/wake pattern that...at least in my brain, simply does not exist. I'm convinced the compost/gardeing stuff is helping... but that may be wishful thinking on my part. It gives me something to do, that's not super time-sensitive. I do get really bad tendonitis on occasion too...sometimes, the only reason I wake up when it's 'really' morning, is because both my arms are numb and throbbing from overdoing it the day before. For that reason, I gave up with using a regular pitchfork... to me, that's more of a torture device. If my tendonitis really acts up... there's no substitute for my 'hand claw' tool. With my sleeping disorder, the worst that could happen with me...I could forget to take my meds, fall asleep outside, and inadvertently...compost myself. But, I realize that might be much different from the challenges you face, everyone has different challenges. You mentioned PT... If I were in your shoes, I would talk to your PT therapist about the possibility of using composting as a means of building your strength. A good PT will send you home with a bunch of (boring) excercices that you're supposed to work on at home. See if there might be a way to integrate some of the techniques you're supposed to work on anyway... with the processes involved with composting/gardening in general. If so, see about incorporating some of that into your PT plan? If you explain to your therapist(s) what you are trying to do, at the very least...they should be able to suggest some ways to engage in gardening/composting in a way that's 'safe as possible'... for someone with your disability. But there's also the possibility... gardening/composting could be used as a means to help overcome some of the limits you deal with now. Your doc/physical therapist would be among the first people I'd ask. OT also, if that's an option. Those professionals are supposed to be in your corner at all times, and by all means... put their expertise to work for you, as much as possible. Whatever you do, try not to get discouraged on the bad days. Everybody has those. I can lay down for a nap, and oops! Accidently slept 30 hours. It is what it is. Accept that some days are going to be better than others; focus on making progress when you can, and celebrate progress you do make. Before I was diagnosed with narcoloepsy, I was a workaholic and made good money. Now, I tell people my time is worth 3x more...because I sleep twice as often, and need to work twice as hard in order to get anything done...it would be really easy to get discouraged sometimes, but I don't allow myself the option. If you want to do something badly enough... trust me, you can always find a way. Les in CO

Beds raised 19", no wider than 48" with 48" wide roll through paths with a grade of no more more than 1" in 12" side-to-side or front-to-back, for rolling folks. Beds raised 30" for walker users and very gentle slopes (1" in 12") The side wall will need to be a bit more rugged in this use as not only will it be a much taller raised bed, but walker (hemi or platform) users will tend to also use the structure to pull them selves along with. Again probably a no wider bed than 48" and 48" paths. Before folks over look them, Braille and raised character signage, and afordable ways to make them is also probably something you want to have.

Hi Don, Man, even the GDO tech of Sears couldn't tell of a way to disable or change that feature. You're the best Thanks a bunch Selvan P.S. I will definitely post an update to the mirror trick for the sensors if and when I get around to it.

I am a CAPS Designer, and I have some concerns about your home plan. The first concern is translating a stock plan to a non stock site. The approach to the home, both the front door and the garage entrance, need to be assessed for elevation changes. That is a BIG issue when a home is not designed for the site on which it is built. This is where your architect or home designer needs the site plan showing the elevation changes, and then shows you how that will be handled regarding entry into the home. Ramps take up a lot of space because of the required rise and run. 1” per 1’. If there is 14” of elevation difference between your garage floor and interior surface, that needs a 17’x 9’ section just by itself, for the needed ramps, switchback platforms, and landings. That takes up an entire garage bay, and that is if it’s a traditional two steps into the home. There are platform lifts that take up less space, but they also need to be space planned into the home’s electrical etc. Getting into your own home, out of the weather, and with zero to minimal assistance is what creating a home that fosters independent living is all about. Your home should also accommodate visits from any friends and family who may also have mobility issues that could be more restrictive. That means assessing the front entrance as well. For the master bath, tall vanities are contra indicated. You need one at which you can be seated, with knee space, and scald protection. Since you are not seated full time, a split vanity with a taller one for your standing height, and the shorter one for a seated position are probably your best bet for varied abilities. The current plan with the toilet area has no room for a caregiver to assist. The shower is less than ideal as well. The entire master needs to be reworked. Definitely plan for a bidet toilet seat, plus room for an aide if needed. That clearance can overlap your shower area, and the clearance to turn with a chair as well. Combining needed clearances is how to keep the bath from becoming overly large, and still appear spacious and comfortable. Your closet should utilize the pull down double hung hardware available from many sources. I like Hafele. You need the 5x5 turning space in the middle as well, and a proper tall height mirror for seeing yourself standing and seated. Plan for blocking in all of your walls now, for potential grab bars if they are needed at a later time. Wet areas should have them now. They need not be unattractive and institutional. Many are available that look like towel bars and serve as that function. I’ve used them on ends of islands for those who may be just a bit unsteady, and they make great spots for kitchen towels. There are many ways to plan an accessible kitchen, depending on how you use your kitchen. If you cook, rather than your caregiver cooking, there are significant changes that need to be made to accommodate that activity, and I’d be happy to gone to more detail if you need. If you do not cook, and don’t plan to try, then a few smaller changes will allow you to be comfortably in the kitchen with the cook and your family. Widening the hallways has the unfortunate ramifications of taking space away from the already small rooms. I would suggest using the second floor space for the caretaker, as that would be much more private for them, and allow for better space distribution of the downstairs space to family space only. You could have less cramped rooms, and a better plan for everyone. I also have concerns about the designer that you are working with, and the obvious lack of experience in creating accessible space. I would suggest that they obtain the free Home Fit Guides packet from the AARP, as it is one of the best free resources on the market about creating an accessible home. https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/info-2014/home-fit-resources-worksheets.html  I’m concerned that your project may be moving faster than your design. That is a precarious and expensive issue, because it results in change orders. I’d suggest that you involve better and more local assets in the design process. There should be CAPS individuals there, and your Occupational Therapist should absolutely be on your design team. Good luck, and thank you for your service. Slow down to go fast. Get it right the first time.