Housing modifications

Jojon, is a 12-year-old boy being treated by Marieke de Wit.

He seemed healthy until he was three when he started to fall over quite often. By the time he was about six, he was unable to stand up again after falling. He can now no longer walk and is wheelchair-bound. The diagnosis is Progressive Muscular Dystrophy. His abilities are declining and the prognosis that he will be able to function less and less well. There is no operation or medicine to slow the decline. Physiotherapy is being tried to maintain and stabilise his functioning as well as possible. Marieke de Wit's main goal is to stabilise him as far as possible. Activities, suitable pastimes, and excursions such as swimming, going to the beach and playing with friends at the rehabilitation centre are also being tried in order to improve his quality of life.

Marieke de Wit has recommended adaptation to his housing. Since the death of his father, Jojon has lived with his mother and they have to manage on a very small income. His bedroom, the kamar mandi (toilet and washroom) and kitchen were inaccessible because of a step and because the doors were too narrow for the wheelchair.

This meant he was completely dependant on others, particularly his mother, but now that Jojon is 12 years old, lifting and moving him is becoming increasingly difficult for her. In addition, Jojon also wants more privacy, especially in the bathroom. A housing adaptation plan was drawn up that would allow him independent access to the various rooms. This involved gradually building up the "veranda", widening doors and putting facilities at wheelchair height.

The interior of the kamarmandi has been adapted for more independent use so that Jojon can wash himself and use the toilet using a portable bathroom chair. The bathroom has also been finished so that it can better withstand damp and mould. Since the adaptations, Jojon can move himself and he is also more independent in day-to-day (ADL) activities.