As more seniors in Canada embrace the concept of aging in place, ensuring that their homes meet their changing needs becomes essential. By adapting your homes to meet specific accessibility and safety requirements, you can maintain your independence. If you are considering a whole house renovation to accommodate your evolving lifestyle, read on to learn the essentials to make informed decisions.
Which Home Modifications are Right for You?
The first step in your whole house renovation journey is thoroughly assessing your home. Identify areas that may pose challenges for aging, such as narrow doorways, steep stairs, dark hallways, inaccessible cabinets, or slippery floors. Prioritize these issues to ensure effective improvements. Better mobility, functionality, safety, and accessibility are essential factors for the whole house renovation process.
5 Home Renovation Tips for Seniors
Accessibility
As you age, mobility may become a concern. To ensure easy movement throughout the house, consider widening doorways and installing ramps or lifts for any stairs. This modification enhances accessibility, allowing you to navigate your home with greater freedom and independence. You ensure a seamless transition between rooms and floors by eliminating barriers.
Bathtub and Showers
Traditional bathtubs can pose a safety risk due to their high sides and slippery surfaces. You can swap them out with the following:
- Walk-in tubs – feature a door that allows you to enter without stepping over a high edge.
- Barrier-free showers – have no raised lip, provide easy entry and exit, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
Doorknobs and Lever handles
Simple tasks like opening doors can become challenging with reduced hand strength or arthritis. Replace traditional doorknobs with lever handles to make accessibility effortless. They require minimal effort to operate, making them ideal for seniors. This minor adjustment can significantly improve the ease of moving around the house and add convenience to everyday activities.
Flooring
This is an essential whole-house renovation factor to prevent accidents like slips and falls. Look for slip-resistant materials, such as non-slip vinyl or textured tiles, especially in moist areas like bathrooms and kitchens. These options provide better traction, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safer home.
Lighting
Adequate and well-placed lighting is essential for your safety and comfort. Install bright fixtures in hallways, staircases, and frequently used areas to improve visibility, especially at night. Consider adding motion-activated lights to prevent mishaps in the dark. In addition to helping you avoid accidents, it enhances the overall ambiance and creates a warm and welcoming home.
How Does the Government of Canada Help Canadian Seniors?
If you are over 55 and live in Canada, various government programs and resources support your home renovations. It helps to know that the rules may depend on the province of your residence. Look for tax subsidies, grants, and reverse mortgages to access funds for renovations while still residing in your home.
Our Whole House Renovation Services Can Upgrade Your Home
Connect with renoWOW! To explore our tailored renovation solutions designed to suit your unique needs. We offer whole house renovation services to ensure our customers have a functional and aesthetically pleasing place.
Call us at 1-866-352-1251 to learn more about us and how we can help transform your home. You can also discuss your needs with our Owner and Founder, Sam Beninato, a CHBA Certified “Adaptive Home Living” Professional Renovation Specialist, through a virtual consultation by filling out our online form.
