More Canadians are looking at ageing in place
I recently read an article about a survey conducted by the National Institute on Ageing at Toronto’s Ryerson University saying that COVID-19 has more people thinking about ageing in place. The survey of 1,517 Canadians suggests more seniors want to continue living at home as they age, rather than move to a retirement home or long-term care facility.
Sixty per cent of respondents said the pandemic had changed their opinions on whether they would arrange for themselves or an older loved one to live in a retirement home. Seventy per cent of respondents aged 65 and older said they would try to live safely and independently in their own home as long as possible.
Do you feel the same about your own ageing process? The good news is, you can stay in your present home as long as you want if you design it to meet your future lifestyle needs. Here are some things to consider.
Washrooms
You can make your washrooms safer and help prevent falls by having smooth transitions between floor finishes. Installing a curbless or roll-in shower is a great idea if you want to remain independent. You might want to have a seat in the shower and install a hand-held spout lower on the wall for easier access. And, a floating vanity provides easy wheelchair access.
Access
Consider wider doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs. Think about stairlifts and elevators for the future. When it comes to the kitchen, you can install upper cabinets that lower with a slight pull on a handle for easier access. Lastly, think about a dual-height kitchen island or counter to accommodate both those in a wheelchair and everyone else in the family.
Tax credits
The provincial government recently announced the Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit, which can help you make your home safer and more accessible. The tax credit is worth 25 per cent of up to $10,000 in eligible expenses for a senior’s principal residence in Ontario. The maximum credit is $2,500.
This is only a short list of what you need to consider. We could get into more detail, such as addressing lighting quality to help with visual impairments, or other potential situations that need special consideration, but the best thing to do is to work with a RenoMark renovator who has a certified ageing in place specialist on staff. These professionals know what to do, have the correct licences and will ensure that you do it legally and correctly the first time. Your home and safety are not places to cut corners. Find out more by visiting renomark.ca.
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Dave Wilkes is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the voice of the home building, land development and professional renovation industry in the GTA. For the latest industry news and new home data, follow BILD on Twitter, @bildgta, or visit the website. |
Jesse Abrams is Co-Founder at Homewise, a mortgage advisory and brokerage firm based in Toronto. 
As the pace of life quickens and our homes shrink in size, the outdoors is literally the last frontier – and the reason why we're spending so much more on making the backyard, or deck or balcony a destination oasis.
Out with the white plastic chairs and plexiglass tables, in with the fire pits and heaters giving us a much longer outdoor season, deep-seated sectional sofas, teak dining tables and chairs, and strings of lights. Outdoor furniture manufacturers have been eager to meet our need to linger outside with a wider range of furniture, with longer lasting frames, fabrics that retain their shape and water resistance, and cushion foam that stays comfortable.
Here's what you need to know:
1) Plan out your space according to how you intend to use the deck. If you are a big reader or sun worshipper, but don't like eating al fresco, set up your space with more living room type furnishings, and tuck a small dining table off to the side and out of the way.
2) Check materials carefully. There's teak, treated pine, metal mixed with wood, solid aluminum, stainless and wrought iron. Of these, teak and aluminum last the longest, and are probably the most expensive. Teak you need to baby a bit, while aluminum just wipes clean.
3) Consider modular furniture – pieces that fit together as a sectional or stand alone as chairs – for flexibility. You can change the seating arrangement to suit the occasion or your mood.
4) Decks aren't just for daytime. Small white lights are magical when strung from house to tree. Add candles around the edges of your deck or patio – flameless ones are safer. An ethanol fire pit not only creates mood, but keeps feet warm and can easily be moved around.
5) Music really adds to the ambience – not so loud that your guests can't hear each other or the neighbours complain, but as background.
6) As for styles, the sky's the limit, and they can reflect your dream destinations, or they can reflect the decor of your home. Fancy a week in the Hamptons? Check out sectionals in whitewashed and weathered greys – made from resin wicker – with East Coast fabrics such as navy and white stripes (in water repellant fabrics). Prefer life in a Park Avenue brownstone? Then wrought iron with deep charcoal cushions set amidst a row of boxwoods might be better for you.
7) Don't forget the floor – wood flooring tiles are easy to install, and create an immediate room setting, especially with the concrete of a condo balcony. Add an outdoor rug to pull it all together.
8) There's nothing like dining al fresco, and if you're the type who likes tons of people over, an expandable table might be the best choice. Classic wrought iron tables look great and last forever but are pricey. There's always teak, but it's pricey, too, so check out budget-friendly teak alternatives that work equally well. If your deck is on the small side, go for stackable dining chairs.
9) Stow outdoor dining essentials – bright coloured table mats and napkins, covered lanterns or candle holders – near the back door or in a waterproof storage bench. Make sure to keep throws handy to ward off the evening chill.
10) An umbrella will shade the table from the sun and rain; one with a tilt arm that can be adjusted to follow the sun all day. The new pergolas do the same and more, especially when fitted with a retractable canopy system or screen to protect against bugs.
11) For privacy, especially on a condo balcony, you can create a privacy wall by positioning a row of evergreens in matching containers along the edges of your deck. Erect lattice or bamboo screening, then add wall mounted planters and a water feature for an instant retreat.
12) Depending on the space you have, hammocks are well worthwhile for the downtime they afford – snoozing or watching the stars. Add colourful pillows and a sea of planters for a cosy destination.
13) Containers are the way to go for gardening. They come in all shapes and sizes and materials (remember that resin is lighter and therefore easier to move). Depending on the direction they face, condo balconies are ideal for herbs and tomatoes, but they need a lot of water, so make sure you have proper drainage. Tropical plants love sun and add a festive air to your deck – you can also bring them in come fall. If you have less direct sunlight, fill tall tapered containers with ornamental grasses for a clean, modern and minimalist look.
14) Just like inside, the deck is made livelier with the addition of some artwork, such as wrought iron grills, architectural salvage, window frames (with or without mirrored glass).
In the end, if you choose any of these tips, who needs a cottage?
