I have helped fix up homes several times so so an elderly parent could be moved in. Some homes are easy to modify. Some are more difficult and some are flat out impossible. In those cases we recommend the family move if possible.
If Linda felt so "trapped" she never would have moved her mother in in the first place. But she has had her there for three years.
If you want to believe the affluent Ms. Chavez couldn’t install a ramp, go right ahead. It’s easier than moving. I’d sooner do either than consign my mother to a nursing home.
There’s an old saying in Europe, about the dog having innumerable reasons to assault its own mother (or words to that effect).
I’ve been wondering for ages why more homes are not designed with this sort of thing in mind. If you’ve found/built the home you mean to die in why not make some architectural provision for this sort of thing?
In those damn McMansions there is certainly space for an elevator. I notice the front door is usually up a flight of narrow brick steps but the garage door entrance is easy enough. Even if one thinks one is gonna live forever one might make provision for that busted leg or two.
Even disabilities aside, you would think it obvious to make access easier and front doors wider with furniture moving in mind.