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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Carpentry Questions >> Home office / study for a Parkinson’s sufferer https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1208196473 Message started by Dolallytap on Apr 14^th, 2008, 7:07pm

Title: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s sufferer
Post by Dolallytap on Apr 14^th, 2008, 7:07pm

I have been commissioned to design and make a home office for a client which I have done many times before but this one is different, The client is a Parkinson’s sufferer and is losing control down his left-hand side. I have had a long talk with the client regarding accessibility etc. He still wants to use his left-hand side for as long as possible so all the furniture will be made to be adaptable left-hand or right-hand use. The wall mounted cupboards to have sliding doors (by all accounts he keeps hitting his head on wall mounted cabinet doors when they are open due to his brain telling one thing and his eye sight saying something else) The client is in the early stages of the disease.

The computers 22”monitor will be wall mounted on a tilt and turn bracket which will be also mounted on a slide so it will have lateral movement the full width of the desk / worktop (1600mm) The tower will be housed in one of the mobile pedestal units so will be the printer and scanner, both mounted on pull out shelves. The computer system will be voice activated and I am already in discussion with the IT guys regarding there requirements. All power sockets will be placed within easy reach.

That’s the background and as the design stands at this moment. I am about to put lines on the AutoCAD.

I was wondering if there should be anything else I could take into account or if any one has had any experience in designing such or similar items for a Parkinson’s sufferer.

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by sparky415 on Apr 14^th, 2008, 7:46pm

Im sure there will be some other good ideas along soon

And I have no experience of Parkinsons,

But what about good lighting I know as we all get older our eyes require better lighting,
Maybe take in to account reflections off of the monitor from a central light (and shadows)?
Under cabinet lights? (fluorescents not spots as spots can be ‘glarey’ if that’s a word)

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by Dolallytap on Apr 14^th, 2008, 9:13pm

sparky415 wrote on Apr 14^th, 2008, 7:46pm:

Hi Sparky

I don’t know how to describe this so bear with me. How about a inverted light box, like you see in an hospital for displaying x-rays, but mounted on the underside of the wall mounted cupboards ?

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by big_all on Apr 14^th, 2008, 9:41pm

things like a 2" overhang on the top to allow gentle radius curves on the top springs to mind

self closing drawers and doors that fully open out the way

build the desk around a seat with arms that will give the nesesery support and comfort

plan the important equipment on the rhs with any equipment on the l h s facing towars the centre incase it require it rerquires lh operation

also things like 6 way sockets firmly affixed and fairly handy incase of one hand operation

you realy need to find out if he wants to be able to connect and disconnect components or just use the computer in a normal way and rely on someone else for more complicated operations
a multi socket with a master plug would be a nice touch so when the master plug is turned off [computer ] everything else turns off and on screen printer sound ect

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by sparky415 on Apr 14^th, 2008, 9:47pm

That would work but maybe try something like this

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/37663/Lighting/Internal-Lighting/Utility-Lighting/T4-Linkable-Striplight-30W

comes in different lengths

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by woodsmith on Apr 14^th, 2008, 10:20pm

I would have thought self opening drawers would be an advatage for someone who is finding it hard to grip things.

http://www.omlfittings.co.uk/product.php?prodId=861

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by Dolallytap on Apr 14^th, 2008, 10:21pm

sparky415 wrote on Apr 14^th, 2008, 9:47pm:

That would work but maybe try something like this

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/37663/Lighting/Internal-Lighting/Utility-Lighting/T4-Linkable-Striplight-30W

comes in different lengths

Hi Spark

The office is on the first floor and will be on the gallery so when you come up the stairs you will see the underside of the wall cupboard. So I would like the lights to look good. I use these lights already but you must admit that they are not the best looking.

Have used these fittings before on projects page 60 - 64

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by Dolallytap on Apr 14^th, 2008, 10:26pm

woodsmith wrote on Apr 14^th, 2008, 10:20pm:

I would have thought self opening drawers would be an advatage for someone who is finding it hard to grip things.

http://www.omlfittings.co.uk/product.php?prodId=861

Hi Woodsmith

Have a couple of pairs on order with the hettich rep as samples also looking at self opening doors i.e. push to open.

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by big_all on Apr 14^th, 2008, 11:19pm

woodsmith wrote on Apr 14^th, 2008, 10:20pm:

I would have thought self opening drawers would be an advatage for someone who is finding it hard to grip things.

http://www.omlfittings.co.uk/product.php?prodId=861

quite possibly i was thinking more along removing sharp edges incase of spasms

but i must admit apart from being muscle wasting disease i dont know the exact effects or possible side effects of the medication taken to contol it :-? :-?

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by Dolallytap on Apr 14^th, 2008, 11:44pm

big_all wrote on Apr 14^th, 2008, 11:19pm:

woodsmith wrote on Apr 14^th, 2008, 10:20pm:

I would have thought self opening drawers would be an advatage for someone who is finding it hard to grip things.

http://www.omlfittings.co.uk/product.php?prodId=861

Matron “s.w.m.b.o” as stated would this type of drawer be more of a hindrance than a help i.e. if touched by accident would it pop out and be a safety issue ?

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by woodsmith on Apr 15^th, 2008, 7:38am

As far as I know the drawer does not "pop open" but just projects enough to be able to grasp the top edge to open it; but I must admit to never using them personally, so I can not say for sure. Perhaps you will let us know what you think of them when you get the sample.

This is always the dilemma when designing for disabilities that whilst something is an advantage in one aspect is is a disadvantage in another.

Initially Parkinson's is characterised by muscle tremors, ultimately it is all consuming and the person is confined to a wheelchair. How much a person could use an office once they get to that stage is debatable. There are treatments available now which may help, my aunt had it 10 years ago and it was truly distressing.

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by sparky415 on Apr 15^th, 2008, 9:43pm

Dolallytap

Those lights look great
Were you thinking of making something like the fitting on page 90 but built in?
You can get sheets of ‘prismatic diffuser’ from electrical wholesalers (for office ceiling grids)
I have used a Stanley but you would probably use a fine-toothed jigsaw blade

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by Dolallytap on Apr 15^th, 2008, 11:31pm

sparky415 wrote on Apr 15^th, 2008, 9:43pm:

Hi Spark

I don’t know if I will be using the fittings on page 63 they are only 18 x 14mm or 62 or 79 used them all before they are ok.

I will mount the light fittings in the underside of the wall cupboard so they will illuminate the desk / work top. Treated the electrician I work with to a coffee and a cream cake this afternoon to discuss the project. At this moment in time I am considering putting the tower, printer, scanner and another in single mobile pedestal unit. Housed in the base will be 3 twin 13amp sockets feed or supplied via a trailing lead. These sockets will be operated via grid system “?” mounted in the drawer. These will not only turn the power on or off for the computer etc but also the monitor and the lighting under the cupboards. Each of the switches will be illuminated and ladled so the client can see what is live and what isn’t. There will also be a main switch that will cut the power to all the appliances. I know this sounds as clear as mud, all know is that electricity works with 2 peaces of wet string, 1 elastic band with a knot in it, 2 tin cans which 1 must a beans tin and I some case a mirror.

If you are interested I can publish the design and specification when completed.

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by sparky415 on Apr 16^th, 2008, 6:20am

Sounds like your sparks has it sorted

Some of the lads I work with have the same ideas about electrickary as you do :D

A finished picture would be good

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by Dolallytap on Apr 16^th, 2008, 8:55am

Hi Sparks

Still very much concerned about reflections as you mentioned in your first reply. I have had what the electrician calls “one of those thoughts” at which point he puts his head in his hands and heads of to the door.

As mentioned I have concerns regarding reflections so I was wondering if I could use the fittings as mentioned but set them at 45 deg so the light produced would be reflected off the underside of the cupboard, thus hopefully keeping any reflections on the monitor to a minimum.

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by CWatters on Apr 16^th, 2008, 5:18pm

I had an elderly relative with Parkinsons. I'd be thinking long term... perhaps a combined bedroom/office/TV room with ensuite on the ground floor. Parkinson can cause you to shuffle so perhaps watch for trip hazards - perhaps not your responsibility.

I'm not sure I would bother wall mounting the monitor if it's just going to be used with the computer. I'm using a 22" Samsung LCD (great monitors) on the desk stand that came with it. I don't think I've moved it in six months. Might be different if I wanted to use it as a TV as well while sitting in another chair/bed.

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by sparky415 on Apr 16^th, 2008, 9:47pm

I was thinking that offices with monitors have those nasty fluorescents with the grills
They also use up lighters and wall washers that reflect the lights off of the walls and ceilings (probably no good for you but it shows that reflections and glare is a problem with monitors)

I don’t know what you both have in mind; hopefully someone else will have some suggestions

But here are my thoughts
Just a couple of ideas for you and your customer to think about

Will your office look anything like this?

I was thinking maybe your built in light boxes for ambient lighting?
How about a bookcase light for some task lighting? The top cabinet should keep reflections off the monitor

I would have a play with various lights combinations and angles especially if you have a few odd lights hanging around
Hope I am helping and not making things more confusing :-/

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by Dolallytap on Apr 16^th, 2008, 10:15pm

CWatters wrote on Apr 16^th, 2008, 5:18pm:

The client is prone to accidents due to his illness and that’s why I was thinking of mounting the monitor on the wall.

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by Dolallytap on Apr 16^th, 2008, 10:16pm

sparky415 wrote on Apr 16^th, 2008, 9:47pm:

Hope I am helping and not making things more confusing :-/

Hi Sparky

Firstly you are doing a grade job if it was not for your first post I would not have given reflections a thought until it was some way down the yellow brick road.

I have just got a few lines on paper in over words just started to play. As soon as I will have got something worth showing probably in the morning “that’s if I burn the midnight oil”. Then I will post it so you can get your mind round it when you know what it may look like.

Also the client will be reading this thread as I have told him that you are all putting your thinking caps on just to see if we can get the best for him.

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by big_all on Apr 16^th, 2008, 10:40pm

feed back on the exact areas that need development would be handy if he has read this thread he will understand our willingness to help as there for the grace of------------------------------ well you know what i mean :-[

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by Dolallytap on Apr 17^th, 2008, 12:17am

[quote author=big_all link=1208196473/15#19 date=1208382009]feed back on the exact areas that need development would be handy if he has read this thread he will understand our willingness to help as there for the grace of------------------------------ well you know what i mean :-[/quote]

I joined The Parkinson's Disease Society of the United Kingdom which have forum. I asked if I could post this same question on it and I was told No we do not allow post of a commercial nature.

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by Dolallytap on Apr 17^th, 2008, 12:37am

The first design attempt is enclosed the second page is the dimensioned drawing

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by sparky415 on Apr 17^th, 2008, 6:57am

Im making this up as I go along…..
If the monitor is on a bracket it will bring the front of the monitor 100mm forward?

Quote:

I don’t know if I will be using the fittings on page 63 they are only 18 x 14mm or 62 or 79 used them all before they are ok.

You could put your fittings near the back of the cabinets I think it should work ok with the monitor (if that looks good)

The picture above is a bookcase light from Ikea just to give you an idea of what I was thinking (one above the bookcase, two above the wall cupboards?)

Is there a center ceiling light? Will there be enough light for the desk?
As there is not a wall the only thing I can think of is a desk light but Im guessing you want to avoid them

Someone else will hopefully have some good ideas before I get home tonight
I better go and connect some lighting of my own ;)

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by Dolallytap on Apr 17^th, 2008, 7:36pm

sparky415 wrote on Apr 17^th, 2008, 6:57am:

Im making this up as I go along…..
If the monitor is on a bracket it will bring the front of the monitor 100mm forward?

Quote:

I don’t know if I will be using the fittings on page 63 they are only 18 x 14mm or 62 or 79 used them all before they are ok.

Hi Sparks

I am thinking of mounting the light fitting at the rear of the wall cabinet set at 45 deg but it may the cast a shadow due to the monitor. But there will a minimum of two fitting. There is a ceiling light set about central.

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by sparky415 on Apr 17^th, 2008, 8:16pm

I recon that if you had three under the three wall cabinets there wouldn’t be too much shadow under the monitor,
I don’t know if you like the idea of the bookcase lights?
I think if you had two switches, one for top lights and one for down lights?

Im also thinking that if you were using the worktop/desk you would be working in your own shadow so how about changing the center light to a trac with adjustable light fittings

You would want your spark to put a two-way switch on the desk for this, as I would turn it off when using the computer/monitor

He will love me! (I hate it when a customer says ‘I was on the net and they said……’) ;)

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by Dolallytap on Apr 17^th, 2008, 11:39pm

sparky415 wrote on Apr 17^th, 2008, 8:16pm:

Hi Sparks

I don’t think it is practical to change the centre light.

The client had the house built some tens years ago in a small village of a population of 47 in Lincolnshire. The house is built in a cottage style from local stone. So I don’t think the style of desk light shown in the photo would be in keeping. I think I can get in a single low voltage down light by extending the top of the cupboards over the bookcase. This would not only illuminate the bookcase but also the desk / work top at that end. It may also be possible to have an adjustable type of fitting?

Don’t worry about upsetting Paul since he as grown a very thick skin and extremely used to all things changing 4 or 5 times on my projects. To give you some idea of style this is an entertainment dresser I did for the client.

Full specification

I will be able to give further information after the week end when I have got more details on paper.

The client’s website

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by CWatters on Apr 18^th, 2008, 8:09am

The coating on modern LCD is pretty good. Main problem with reflections seems to be from windows or lights on the ceiling behind the person seated. Sun light falling directly onto the screen also. Perhaps worth sitting where the chair will be and using a mirror to see what you can see.

Personally I think I'd avoid built in lights as they can't be moved around easily if there is an unexpected problem.

Edit; I have 2 x 35W halogen spots on the ceiling I use. They are slightly in front of my head when seated so I'm not working in my own shadow. No problem with reflections from those.

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by sparky415 on Apr 18^th, 2008, 5:32pm

Sounds like it would be a good idea to play with a couple of fittings first to see what happens,
might save a costly mistake :)

Title: Re: Home office / study for a Parkinson’s suffer
Post by Dolallytap on May 10^th, 2008, 9:03am

Just a quick note to thank to all those members who have taken time and trouble in offering advice on this mater, it is most appreciated.