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 objectives of home modifications are to improve the individual’s living experience within their home, enable participation in meaningful activities, and ensure unobstructed access. The idea of “barrier-free accessibility” emphasizes that a disability is only considered a limitation if it hinders a person’s ability to engage in activities that others can do without restriction. If there are no obstacles, then the disability ceases to be a limitation.
As Certified Aging in Place Specialists, we have the expertise to evaluate and design home modifications for individuals who wish to live in their own homes safely and comfortably, regardless of their age or abilities. Many features that facilitate accessibility for individuals with disabilities are also beneficial modifications for elderly individuals. For instance, barrier-free bathrooms provide wheelchair access to the shower while also minimizing tripping risks for seniors. Grab bars supply assistance for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Are you or a loved one aging in place? We provide those services too!