No place like home

Press, 12 June 1986, Page 16

No place like home

“Living Space”

by

PRUDENCE ROTHENBERG

Corners, corners, corners —• so many times I have advised against furniture with sharp corners. Mine is a case of “do what I say, not what I do.” For 14 years I have owned a glass and brass, square, coffee table that is in constant use in my sitting room. Occasionally I have looked doubtfully at the corners. Yes, late one evening, I did it — cut my leg on

one of those sharp corners. Doesone ever know how? Things happen very quickly. After a telephone call to a dear friend I was being driven to Outpatients. Next day I was admitted to Burwood Hospital for a skin graft on my leg. Leaving home so suddenly, and with a full appointment book, everything was left unattended. But how kind people are — a friend took over my everyday commitments. G.D., my Cavalier King Charles spaniel, went to her second mother in the country. My bed in the ward was surrounded by flowers, books, and goodies. The professionalism, thoughtfulness, and sense of humour of the nurses helped to while away the long days and nights. Patients at Burwood are treated as individuals.

For an active person, being in hospital is a discipline. Often I have thought it would be nice to have time to think, and time to read. When I did, the everyday treadmill seemed a far better way of life. But one can learn so much more about people. Hospital is definitely a learning experience. Before leaving hospital, if necessary arrangements are made for the district nurse to call, home help

and meals on wheels are organised.

I found that if there is any doubt that patients may not be able to manage on their own an occupational therapist will accompany them home for a day of assessment of activity in daily living. Help aids considered necessary are available on loan.

The Civilians Amputees Association is active in Christchurch. Their booklet, made available from the Sutherland Self Help Trust and the Lottery Board, has advice for amputees and is, I was told by an amputee, most helpful.

Hospital life becomes a world of its own. In ten

days an informal relationship develops between other patients and, nurses.

It is nice to be home. The appreciation of the atmosphere you have created is dominant. And can one ever repay friends for their kindness? • • •

There are two really worth-while furniture fairs in Christchurch this month. The annual furniture show at Canterbury Court, opening on Thursday, and the Alternative Show last week. About 5000 attended the Alternative Show. Sunday was especially popular.

Remember that once you have walked round and round a big furniture fair anything you sit on will feel comfortable. If you are considering buying, return again when you are fresh, and sit again. Do not buy a book by its cover. Remember that it is possible to select a cover of your choice to upholster your selected furniture. • • •

I am often asked how much furniture is required in a room. The answer is really yours. How many people are there in your family, do you entertain, how many visitors at a time ...?

Is your type of entertainment formal or informal? Is there enough

furniture to form a conversation area? Furniture that is too large will make the room, and other pieces of furniture, appear smaller. For an harmonious and restful feeling, a relationship in size must be maintained. Here are some suggestions on how to place furniture in a room.

• Each piece of furniture should be placed so as not to crowd with other pieces near it.

• Furniture should be practically placed and should not interfere with built-in furniture, doors, and windows.

• Keep the traffic lanes clear.

• Avoid placing large pieces of furniture across corners of the room. It wastes space, and adds confusing lines.

• A centre of interest, or a conversation area, can be built around a beautiful view, fireplace, a long wall, or windows.

• Have an agreeable balance between high and low furniture. To check the balance, draw an imaginary line from the centre of one side wall to the other, and a similar line between the other two walls, dividing the room into quarters. If each quarter seems of equal weight then the room is well balanced.

Look, enjoy, and observe the furniture at the fair. Do not buy on impulse and be sorry later.