Ageing, whether we welcome it or not, is a fact of life from which none of us are exempt. Though we as humans tend to feel much younger in mind and spirit than our bodies are, it is important to be realistic about the ageing process and envision the life we want after retirement. The relationship between the financial and emotional value of a home shifts as people age, with an increase in emotional value. While moving into a retirement residence is an excellent option for some, many would prefer to remain in their home – where a lifetime of cherished memories has been created – and adapt it to their changing needs. In Alberta, the Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) allows seniors to use their home equity to stay in their homes and maintain their independence via repairs, adaptations, and/or renovations.
For seniors who wish to upgrade their homes, there are a multitude of options available that can accommodate all sorts of budgets, ranging from major structural modifications to simple hardware additions and/or changes.
MOBILITY
For many people, increased age often comes with decreased mobility, and the need to use a mobility aid (such as a walker or a wheelchair) can be obstructed by the layout of a residence. Even if the use of a mobility device is not needed, older adults often have a greater risk of falling: falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians, with 20-30% of seniors experiencing one or more falls each year. Further, fifty percent of all falls resulting in hospitalization happen at home! Fortunately, there are many options available that can allow seniors to enjoy full movement in their homes with lessened risk to themselves.
Although commercial building code regulations exist to ensure that spaces are accessible for people with different mobility needs, these do not extend to private residences. To accommodate a mobility device, opening up floorspace via widening doorways and hallways is an excellent option.
While a one-storey home would prove most convenient for easy accessibility, the reality is that convenience is a luxury and many people have stairs which they must navigate daily. In some cases, a ramp may be installed to make an area more accessible; but this is not a practical solution for long flights of stairs. There are, however, a great range of modifications that can be made to increase the safety of existing stairways.
The age, type, and quality of flooring in a home can result in harmful slips and trips. Common culprits include:
The kitchen is the most-used space in a home, and, along with the bathroom, one of the most dangerous. There are many adjustments that can be made to decrease hazards, and increase comfort and safety.
For any person, old or young, the bathroom can be the most dangerous room in their home! There are numerous changes that can be made to ensure easy accessibility and increased safety.
Having the washer and dryer located on the main floor is important for easy access; but if this is not possible, there are other solutions. A dumbwaiter can eliminate the need to struggle up and down stairs with cumbersome loads, or a stairlift can be installed.
Improving the lighting in a home is an important consideration when it comes to ageing in place upgrades, and there are a multitude of choices available to suit all sorts of financial allowances.
There are several other changes that can be made to increase comfort and mobility inside & outside the home, including but not limited to:
The Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program is not limited to upgrades made to improve mobility and accessibility. Numerous other improvements that are reasonably necessary to improve the energy efficiency, maintenance, or structural integrity of a home are eligible and should be considered. Some of these include:
With an elderly population expected to more than double by 2040 in Alberta, it is vital to find alternate solutions to nursing and retirement homes for those who wish to maintain their independence in familiar, treasured surroundings. A phenomenon occurs as humans age, wherein time is perceived to move more quickly as the years go by. With the assistance available from SHARP, the multitude of choices available to suit a spectrum of physical needs and financial resources, and the knowledge that time is the most precious resource we have, now is an excellent time to consider how you plan to move into your golden years. Get in touch with Tara Construction, and we can work with you to determine the best options to suit your requirements and budget as you transition your home to meet your changing needs.
135 11th Ave NW
Calgary, Alberta, T2M0B7
Canada
ian@taraconstruction.ca
(403) 991-2813
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