Therapist Honored With Remodelers Award
The National Association of Home Builders Remodelers Homes has named occupational therapist Marnie Renda, MEd, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM, of Destination Home, LLC in Cincinnati, the recipient of the Home for Life Award in the single space category for a bathroom remodeling project.
Renda and her team remodeled a 30-year-old bathroom to address the needs of a couple who were recovering from a stroke. The bathroom’s door opening would not permit wheelchair entry, and the toilet and shower lip created some difficulty in maneuvering as well.
Part of the remodel included installation of a zero-threshold shower, a wall-mounted toilet to allow extra floor space for wheelchair and walker access, wall-mounted grab bars, one-touch faucets and tilting mirrors to make personal hygiene tasks easier.
"This 48-inch-wide bathroom is a great example of how a bathroom can be designed to fit a budget, and look good while still meeting the accessibility needs of the homeowners," Renda said. "This bathroom meets the needs of one person who walks with a cane and another who uses a wheelchair. Occupational therapists specializing in home modifications are uniquely qualified to recommend design features and products to help people age in place successfully, even on a budget."