Sunday, December 05, 1999
Hospital bed can add to independence
BY RICHELLE THOMPSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
John Harris sometimes falls getting in and out of bed.
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Saturdays come early for John Harris. The alarm buzzes at 5 a.m. Mr. Harris, 32, pulls himself from a rickety wooden bed into his wheelchair, cleans up, dresses and waits for his bus.
Like most people, Mr. Harris figures Saturdays are a good day to shop. He often heads to Tri-County or Kenwood malls, eating lunch at some of his favorite spots such as Ruby Tuesdays or Dave & Buster's — even though he craves a meal at the Maisonette.
Mr. Harris fancies himself a clothes horse and stretches his limited budget to buy the occasional shirt or tie.
In the evenings, it's time for a hockey game or a night of socializing with friends.
After such a long and full day, Mr. Harris would like nothing more than to crawl into bed and fall fast asleep.
Problem is for Mr. Harris, who is mildly mentally retarded and suffers from cerebral palsy, it's never that easy.
“Sometimes I'll be OK getting into bed; sometimes I'll fall,” he said.
Mr. Harris only has use of his right arm, and he has to pull his 98-pound frame from a wheelchair to the bed that is 10 inches higher. Sometimes he falls.
He pulls an emergency cord, and the fire department responds and helps him back into bed.
Mr. Harris prides himself on being independent. He doesn't have any contact with his family and lives alone at Find A Way Apartments, an Oakley facility operated by LADD, (Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled).
Although he can't use his legs and his left arm is affected by the disease, Mr. Harris remains active, serving as a board member on People First, an advocacy group for the disabled. He watches the news, recently registered to vote and loves Disney movies and Monday night football.
On Mr. Harris' wish list this holiday season is a hospital bed
that is fully electric and can be adjusted for height. He also wants a Lumex trapeze, a triangle bar above the bed by which he can pull himself up.
He would like to go to bed without the fear of falling.
Introduction to the Wish List
Use this coupon
How the Wish List works
Their wishes came true: 1998 recipients
Equipment could ease communication for palsy patients
Single father of two ill children needs appliances, furniture
Computer would offer gift of voice
Mom needs a safe place to sleep for her daughter
Blind college student needs devices, special software
Home needs to be wheelchair equipped
Hospital bed can add to independence
Lift chair can make standing easier
Ky. man's smile might shine more brightly
Scooter would give Avondale man new freedom
Computer could help mother helpo her children
Reading machine would open world
