According to AARP research, nearly 90 percent of seniors wish to stay in their homes as they age. “Aging in place” allows seniors to stay an active part of their current community, stay close to family and friends, and continue to live independently. However, aging also presents new challenges in terms of mobility and health which may make it difficult for many seniors to stay in their current place of residence without home modifications. Let’s explore how every home can be transformed with barrier-free design to help seniors stay at home:
Barrier-Free Bathroom
Traditional bathroom design is not accommodating for seniors with mobility issues. Tight corners, slippery flooring, and traditional bathtub/shower set-ups can be improved with bathroom safety products and barrier-free bathroom modifications. AMG Aquasense Raised Toilet Seats and Frames make the toilet easier to use. Bath steps, grab bars, safety rails, bath seats, bath benches, and shower stools from trusted medical equipment manufacturers like Drive and AMG make the bathroom safer and more comfortable to use for seniors.
Additional, bathroom modifications such as improved lighting, the installation of slip-proof flooring and a walk-in or roll-in wheelchair accessible shower will make the bathroom safer for seniors to use independently as part of their daily routine.
Safe Kitchen
An important component of independent living is the ability to safely and comfortably cook meals at home. However, traditional kitchens are not always the most accommodating. High countertops and stoves are difficult for people in wheelchairs to use, and even traditional faucets can be hard for people with arthritis to operate. Kitchen safety products like a Drive Medical One Touch Jar Opener can make food preparation and cooking more convenient.
Modifications in the kitchen such as improved lighting, lowered countertops, stove-front controls, hands-free faucets, and touch latches on drawers can make a big difference. A tall kitchen stool also makes working in the kitchen more convenient, safe, and comfortable.
Mobility Friendly Staircases
Unless living in a bungalow, the presence of a staircase in the home can be difficult for seniors to navigate around. Fortunately, safety products ranging from simple Drive Medical Glow Tape to illuminate the risers, to the installation of a Bruno Stair Lift help seniors maintain their freedom and independence.
Accessible Exterior
Even with the inside of the home modified to be barrier-free, the exterior of the home can still be problematic – especially in the tough Canadian winters we see in Toronto, Markham, and throughout the GTA. Exterior wheelchair or walker ramps and exterior platform lifts such as the Bruno Residential Vertical Platform Lift can make the travelling outside of the home safer and more accessible for seniors.
Funding Options
Seniors, Family Members and government (agencies) all want Seniors to stay safely in their home for as long as they choose and as long as it can meet their needs. Programs and financial incentives are available for the senior and in some cases for adult children caring for a senior or person with a disability.
- March of Dimes Home and Vehicle Modification Program
- Ceridian Cares
- CMHC
- Home Modification Tax Credit
- Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit
Call MEDability today at 905.471.5224 extension 23 to schedule a free in-home assessment. A representative will meet with you to evaluate your home and recommend barrier-free modifications to make your home more mobility friendly.