A letter to Caregivers

"Caregiving is not easy, and I wish more people knew that it is a full-time, around-the-clock job, every single day."

I was hooked on this letter, from The mighty, after reading this sentence.

 Many of you know that we are a family owned business. The owners are husband and wife, who started BFA LLC. accessible home modifications company out of a need for accessible home modifications, for their daughter with Cerebral Palsy. The owners are also caregivers for their daughter.

Accessible Home modifications help people with disabilities have a better quality of life with the independence and safety they provide, but it helps the caregivers as well! Transferring is easier AND safer for the caregiver as well, when they are in a barrier free space.

Sofia (Daughter/ inspiration) to the left, Gwendolyne (BFA LLC. CEO/ Mother/ Caregiver) to the right

As I read this article, I could relate. I imagine some of you can as well. 

This letter is from one mom caregiver to another:

"I completely understand what it’s like to devote your life to care for someone else and neglect your own needs. It started taking a toll on me. You helped me recognize that it is good — and at times necessary — to let people in and accept help."
"I learned that asking for help doesn’t make me any less of a mother or a caregiver.
As caregivers, we need to nourish ourselves."

The writer also reminds us...

 "It’s in everyone’s best interest that I’m the best version of myself, so that I can help my son live a successful and healthy life."

Caregivers are the glue that keep us together and going. 

The team at BFA LLC. is dedicated to enhancing our clients quality of life. We are passionate about accessibility solutions. We live in a home that is completely accessible, so we use the services and products that we provide our clients, everyday.

Caregivers, What do you do the de-stress?

Sensory Kits at Restaurants

If you have a loved one or friend, with a sensory processing disorder, you know that it may be stressful going to restaurants. Anova, the nonprofit for children with sensory and learning differences, is now providing restaurants with sensory-freindly kits specifically designed to avoid meltdowns.

This all started when Jackie Hadley, Anova’s manager of charitable development and community relations, mentioned that she had many parents and family say that they just do not go out to restaurants due to the challenges related with sensory processing disorders.

What a great idea!
Unfortunately, the Anova kits are only in 11 restaurants in California...But, The Mighty has also provided a link to make one yourself. Click here to make your own sensory kit.

Let us know if you made a kit, or already have a versions of a kit.

Glamping?!

Yurt with an accessible entrance.

Have you heard of Glamping, or glamorous camping?

Glamping is a "comfort-focused way" to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to this trend, people with disabilities can now enjoy the great outdoors easier than ever. Lynn Anderson, a professor in the recreation, parks and leisure studies department at the State University of New York at Cortland mentions in the Momentum article that “You’re able to spend time in the outdoors overnight but have some of the amenities that you’re used to in everyday life to facilitate that experience.”

Karen Francisco, a customer service specialist who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS says, “I go for lots of walks. The quiet is very peaceful, and the fresh air is energizing. It gives me the opportunity to think about life and decompress.” Wouldn't you agree that wilderness therapy is a great way to de-stress?

Check out the article here to read more stories of fellow glampers with MS telling their experiences with glamping. The article also provides information on planning your next trip and places to stay that are accessible.

Yurt with an accessible entrance.

“I tell people to think about the experience they’d like to have, rather than potential limitations. Maybe it’s getting into the mountains, or maybe it’s waking up to the sound of crashing surf? With glamping, there are ways to make it possible.”

I am inspired to plan my next trip. Are you?

I don't need that yet...

When it comes to having an accessible home, the best advice we can give you is to think ahead !

Families often call us after mom has fallen for the second or third time. We want to be able to prevent you or your loved one from that happening in the first place.

This is why I was immediately sucked in to this article from Momentum, the magazine for the Nation MS Society.  The article has stories of individuals with MS. Read below to learn from their experience.

After Anthony Andrade noticed difficulty going up and down stairs, he got a ramp. Anthony says, “Now I can drive my electric wheelchair up the ramp. It’s so much easier getting in and out of the house. And I can be home by myself.”

Another women diagnosed with MS, Retta Yorns mentioned this, “I knew things would become more difficult for me, so we started making certain adaptations." She renovated the bathroom and kitchen, as well as the doorways and floors throughout her house to make them more accessible. “I’m not using a wheelchair now, but I’m trying to think ahead,” Yorns says.

“Often people don’t want to do something until they need it, But you want to stay ahead of the curve, even if you don’t need it right now.”

Check out the article here.

BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND SALE...

For Black Friday weekend ONLY, BFA llc. has fantastic offers on services and products. 

Sale includes ramps, lift systems, bathroom & kitchen modifications, rails and more.

This offer won't be repeated, so feel free to spread the word to all of your friends and family. 

This special is good through November 28, 2016.

Call 734-414-9525 to make your appointment TODAY!

Labor Day Specials!

Take advantage of our LABOR DAY SPECIALS! 

HARMAR Pinnacle Stair Lift is a great value. Call us today at 734-414-9525.

Have a Fun and Safe Labor Day!

From the team at BFA llc., a Michigan Accessible Home Remodeling company committed to create functional and affordable barrier free environments since 2003.