17/1/02
Mandurah residents Joseph and Joan Haslam have had their lives made easier, thanks to some essential design modifications carried out on their Homeswest home.
Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens visited Mr and Mrs Haslam's home today to see first hand the modifications required to accommodate Mr Haslam's wheelchair.
"Late last year, Mrs Haslam approached the Department of Housing and Works as her husband was going to require a wheelchair and their current home would not be able to accommodate this," Mr Stephens said.
"The Haslams have been tenants of Homeswest since 1978 and they have occupied their two-bedroom home in Fifth Avenue for the past 17 years.
"You can understand the Haslams have made numerous friends as neighbours over the years and were reluctant to move to a new place.
"They have also spent a considerable amount of time and money on the property.
"The Department of Housing and Works arranged for an occupational therapist to assess the Haslams' needs, had some plans drawn up and the work was put to tender."
In the meantime, Mr Haslam's health deteriorated and he was admitted to hospital, requiring leg amputations and rehabilitation.
"Mr Haslam has recently come home from hospital and was pleasantly surprised to see his home had been modified for his wheelchair," Mr Stephens said.
"The modifications included the removal of the bath and the wall separating it from the toilet and the removal of doorways.
"This has resulted in a larger combined bathroom/toilet with a centralised sliding door.
"The bathroom now has a large shower recess where the bath used to be, a new vanity and there is improved access to the toilet.
"A concrete ramp has also been installed to provide access to the front door.
"The Department of Housing and Works acted swiftly to make sure the home could accommodate Mr Haslam comfortably and as quickly as possible.
"Mr and Mrs Haslam, aged 80 and 76 respectively, are extremely pleased to be able to remain in their home of 17 years among their many friends."
Minister's office: 9213 6500
