So, I'm white privileged...8 percent. I'm over it. God had the final say in my DNA. You've got a problem with that? Take it up with Him and see how far you'll get! Sarcasm intended; however the statement is true.

Hey Big Mike, how did your Thanksgiving go?

We're pretty much all watching or trying to lose weight, except the kids so we limit carbs at most meals...have pretty much eliminated sandwiches and bread at home. Rice, corn, starchy vegetables, potatoes are sometimes available. Heart patient that has lost 35 pounds <yippe!!!> was told Not to eat bread, rice, corn, potatoes, dairy, turkey, ham. That doesn't mean that the foods aren't eaten...we just limit number available at each meal. However; the Christmas party for 50 at our home will be a food bonanza mine field.

Love turkey, however had to work 1 pm until 9 pm Thanksgiving day so...we had our extended family meal for breakfast: scrambled eggs and scrambled egg w****s for the allergic, ham, maple syrup, pancakes, hot chocolate, coffee and bring your own beverage if you wanted something different. Left a diy canned chicken breast, cream of chicken soup and rice (soup) set up for a mid-afternoon snack. Good quick meal (no veggies which grand children Love) and all family members know how to assemble and cook on induction burner. They elected not to include spices and vegetables available to spice it up. In the past have had nibbles party around 10 AM with ham biscuits, beef soup, chicken soup, multiple desserts, hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, coffee, etc for brunch when everyone was getting together for extended family meals around 7 PM.

Sounds like you're a very good "handy man" as well as a caring individual.
On a side note, I found out recently that those barely there threshold pieces of wood in place between rooms at the door can be an enormous barrier if one has a hip replacement and must use a walker. So if adding new flooring try to do a seamless t***saction of floor material between rooms. Lucky me, the t***sition from closets to the rooms were seamless.
Trouble getting up from the floor, a "kneeling bench" made for the garden is a good addition, especially in the kitchen.

Getting off the subject, but do any of you remember when steel workers lost their homes when they lost their jobs (went overseas) after they took out home improvement loans for a fraction of the home's value, even $5000 or less. Even saw a few tv home make-overs where owners lost homes because of new Tax valuations levied on them. Bad things happen usually making bank coffers richer. Remember when savings accounts gave you 5 percent interest and loans were under 3 percent. Remember when 24% interest on a private loan to someone could land you in jail and now credit cards have even higher rates.

My dad always said never get a loan on your home and always pay your property taxes. Lesson Learned.

Welcome, have fun.

Taking the subject seriously, here's a start on what I consider crossing the line.

Crossing the line is putting your tongue in someones mouth at a company party.
Crossing the line is telling off color jokes when you've been asked to stop.
Crossing the line is h*****g supposed art or calendars that shows disrespect to either g****r or shows minimal attire.
Crossing the line is continuing to call/email/text someone or ask them out after being requested to stop.
Crossing the line is exposing yourself and making sexual remarks.
Crossing the line is rude, crude behavior toward a waiter/waitress involving touching or speech.
Crossing the line is deliberately touching or feeling up a co-worker, committee member, family member, or subordinate.
Crossing the line is expecting sexual favors from someone who is not your life mate. <Yeah, I know, I'll get adverse feedback for this one. Will clarify if necessary.>
Crossing the line is sending pictures of skimpy or naked exposure, especially of oneself or ones body parts to others.

So come on now, what do you consider "crossing the line"?

When we installed hand rails on both sides of the front steps, we extended them for the landing area at both the top and bottom of the steps. Also have a landing zone on both sides of the front door for packages. Have space on both outside and inside of doors to allow for walker or wheelchair user to move aside when entering and exiting. One of my wheelchair bound friends suggested I might want to install an additional "peep hole" in the front door for someone in a wheelchair to look outside.

I agree. Unfortunately, bedsores can become a problem if mom just sits without moving around, especially, if she starts using a wheelchair as primary seating. Seems circulation is already a problem. She needs to move her feet and legs constantly throughout the day. Talk to her home health aid or therapist. Trust me, you don't want to have to tend to bed sores on her posterior. There are anti-pressure cushions you can place in which ever seat she uses. Plus you said she is unsteady using her walker. She needs to be getting up and down to help keep up her core strength and mobility, unless doctors specifically ban that action. The more mobility and independence mom maintains, the easier life will be for both of you. Sounds like she is a scrappy lady that I'd enjoy meeting. Both my parents and in-laws have passed, miss all of them. Been in your shoes. Love her as much as you can while you can. Prayers for you and yours.

We're here for you when things get to being too much. So don't be afraid to reach out for support.

Ok, political views aside...here's a thought: Representatives-both House and Senate-start working for the American people. We as a collective whole are fed up with your self-important sense of entitlement and obvious willingness to receive bribes in what ever form they take. This is the last chance for a lot of entrenched members: if you don't step up to the fence and mend it, if you don't tackle the hard issues, we the people plan to v**e on those newcomers in your own party who are stepping up against you. If no one steps up against you, we'll v**e for another party. We are tired and fed up with Congress's "business as usual" way of doing things. Forget the "good ole boy" "I've got your back" "tit for tat" "special interest first" "my state first" way you've been doing business: put America, all American citizens first and Do the right thing for "we the people" or we will be v****g for the other guy or gal, Not you! And by the way, we do keep up with how you v**e, if you v**e, and how much time you actually spend "on the job." Maybe we didn't use to do so; however, we're watching and keeping track now!

By the way I'm registered independent, think for myself, read all sides supposed "t***hs," and am old enough to believe "if you don't v**e, don't complain!"

I find a tall, deep, bookcase or large entertainment center is a good corral for "collectibles" to be displayed.
A digital camera and slide show method of presentation of "boxed" collectibles helps to keep them from getting damaged.
Maybe you could tape mom talking about the how, where, why "things" came to be in her collection.
Film and get her talking about things before she decides how to group like things with like for display or boxing them up so they won't get damaged when you clean.
Dust cannot be good for her breathing if she is diabetic. Many diabetics have oxygen level issues. Label boxes and Switch out contents for display.

Note: There should be a clear pathway for walker to seating, lighting, windows, doorways.
A study chair with arms and a seat that is high enough for her to get out of easily.
Grab rails and a toilet seat assist if necessary in the bathroom.
Grab rail beside the bed for getting in and out of bed and turning over.
Step stool to assist getting into bed.
Even thresholds between rooms can be a barrier when one is using a walker.
Note: I bet those feet are supposed to be elevated. I've found a bean bag chair makes a better foot rest than anything else I've tried and it doesn't "bark" your shins. The bean bag chairs come in different colors and styles so you should be able to find one that fits the home's style.

No rugs or cords to trip upon, no towers of things that might fall.
Trash of course should be disposed of properly, even if one must put it in a "recycle" collection that disappears on trash day.
Dirty clothing in hampers and none on floor.

Note: Experienced with living with limited mobility persons in home environment, including myself.

Have you ever considered if your "today" home is or can be your "forever" home? Does it meet all your current needs? Are you an orderly, neat person?

One of the primary causes of immobility in adults over 50 is falls. My opinion is that most falls can be avoided with proper planning.

What works in your home? What doesn't work? Do you have a plan for making your home more user friendly as you age or develop less mobility?

Viewers of this site have an enormous collective pool of life experiences to draw upon to help others. We can all learn from others experiences.

We have a couple of things left to do to our home as we can afford to do them.
First, install a needed floor joist. Secondly, replace a rear window with a door and a ramp. The window faces south west and is close to our freestanding garage. The area between both thaws first when show and ice hit our area. So this possible entry area will be a blessing in the future.

Unfortunately, the joist mentioned will affect the window replacement. First things first as money becomes available.

2nd "home improvement" on our 1925 home was double-glass, vinyl-clad windows (tilt to clean) windows. Had them put in about 3 years after buying the home. They did pay for themselves after 3 years of savings from cost savings from home heating oil and electric air conditioning. Did the inside plastic "storm window" option the first 3 years since you could watch the curtains move from the outdoor breeze without something! First home improvement, removing golden "shag" carpet from the bathroom, and carpet from the living and bedrooms. Gross!

Lovely, and so true.