If you are like most Canadians, you want to age in your own home. A 2020 survey conducted by the National Institute on Ageing (NIA) at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), in conjunction with TELUS Health, found that 91 per cent of Canadians of all ages, and almost 100 per cent of Canadians 65 years of age and older, reported they planned on supporting themselves to live safely and independently in their own home as long as possible.
Is your house or condo ready to enable aging in place? There are many modifications, large and small, that you can make to your home over the years so that it meets your changing needs as you age. Your best bet is to start by having a conversation with a renovator, who will be able to guide you.
I encourage you to choose a RenoMark renovator. These renovation professionals are required to abide by the RenoMark Code of Conduct and provide you with a detailed written contract, a minimum of a one-year warranty on all work, carry all required licences and permits, as well as a minimum of $2 million in liability insurance.
The bathroom
While the entire home needs to support aging in place, the bathroom is a common area where homeowners begin modifications. Popular upgrades in all the home’s bathrooms include raising the toilet seat and installing grab bars. Smooth transitions between floor finishes and slip-resistant flooring can help prevent falls. A curbless or wheel-in shower provides easier access and more independence, as does seating in the shower and a hand-held shower head on an adjustable rod.
The kitchen
When it comes to the kitchen, the layout may need to be modified to allow free, clear access. Faucets and appliances should be easy to operate. For storage within easy reach, you could talk to your renovator about installing drawers and upper cabinets that lower with a slight pull on a handle. Consider a varying-height kitchen island or counter to provide both seated and standing working surfaces.
Covering the cost of renovations
Financial assistance is available to offset the cost of upgrades and renovations that increase accessibility. In Ontario, the Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit is available for the 2021 and 2022 tax years and is worth 25 per cent of up to $10,000 in eligible expenses per year for a senior’s principal residence. The maximum credit is $2,500 per year.
The Home Accessibility Tax Credit offered by the federal government can also be used to offset costs. Budget 2022 doubled the qualifying expense limit to $20,000, for a tax credit of up to $3,000 for the 2022 and subsequent tax years.
Have you decided to learn more about modifying your home to prepare to age in place? Find a RenoMark renovator near you by visiting renomark.ca.