An Orange family who has lived in the same government-owned house for 24 years is seeking disabled access after one of its members was diagnosed with a debilitating degenerative disease earlier this year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Michael Davis was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in February and through the loss of muscle function due to the disease he requires specialist equipment and support.
Mr Davis's daughter Mickalla Davis is seeking help to have the house meet his disability needs due to the fast spread of the disease, which occurs when (motor neurone) nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord progressively lose their function.
"A little over three months ago he was walking, now he's completely wheelchair bound, he's no longer able to walk at all," Miss Davis said.
She said recommendations made by an occupational therapist included an access ramp, doors to be widened and to have the bathtub removed and sink relocated in the bathroom so Mr Davis can shower.
Miss Davis said her father particularly wanted the house to be renovated rather than move somewhere else because he lived there for 24 years and it was sentimental.
"He doesn't want to be in a hospital or another home when he passes away, he wants to be here, he wants to be here with his family," she said.
Miss Davis moved to Canberra for university but said her mother Rosemary Davis cares for Mr Davis in the house, and Miss Davis's brother Edward also lives there along with their pet chihuahuas.
"Both my parents lost two of my brothers to SIDs in this house and we also had my Dad's brother pass away in this house," she said.
"It is not just a house to our family, it is a home."
A NSW Government spokesperson said they are working with the household.
"An assessment of [the address] has determined the existing property is not structurally feasible to support the modifications required to meet the tenants' specific needs," the spokesperson said.
"When a tenant is seeking modifications that are not suitable for their existing property, alternative accommodation is identified and offered, in order to meet the tenant's needs.
"An alternative property in Orange has been identified that will accommodate the tenant's needs, including allowing pets, and safe and secure disabled access."
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...
