One in seven Canadian adults currently lives with a mobility, vision, or hearing disability. These Canadians struggle every day to find appropriate, safe and comfortable housing because of physical barriers to accessibility. Within the next 20 years as our population ages, the number of Canadians with disabilities is expected to grow to more than 9 million - or one in five of us.
Whether disability is caused by the natural effects of aging, or by an accident or injury, the simple truth is that each of us will experience disability at some point in our lives and will need our homes to be accessible so that we can continue to participate and live full lives. Providing access to safe, comfortable and accessible housing ensures that everyone can live with dignity.
Our caring pros are dedicated to meeting all of your home modification and accessibility service needs. Call today!
What Is Accessible Home Modification?
Accessible home modification refers to converting or adapting the environment in order to make performing tasks easier, reduce accidents, and support independent living. Home modification ranges from low-cost to more expensive adaptations and includes:
- Removing hazards (e.g. clutter, throw rugs)
- Adding special features or assistive devices (e.g. grab bars, ramps)
- Moving furnishings, changing where activities occur (e.g. sleeping on the first instead of second floor)
- Renovations (e.g. installing a roll-in shower)
In some cases, modifying the home may also require repairs such as improved wiring to eliminate the need for dangerous extension cords or fixing loose stair treads.
Barrier-Free Accessibility
The goals of home modification are to enhance the quality of life for the individual in their home, allow them to participate in valued activities, and provide barrier-free access. The concept of “barrier-free accessibility” addresses the notion that a disability is a handicap only if it prevents a person from doing what others are able to do freely. If the barrier is non-existent, so is the handicap.
As Certified Aging in Place Specialists, we are trained to assess and plan home modifications for those people who wish to remain in their homes, safely and comfortably, regardless of age or ability. Many of the features that make an accessible home for a disabled person are also great modifications for seniors. Barrier-free bathrooms, for example, allow for wheelchair access to the shower as well as reducing tripping hazards for seniors. Grab bars offer support for all ages and abilities.
Are you or a loved one aging in place? We provide those services too!
