HOME MODIFICATIONS TO AGE IN PLACE

Love your home? Not ready to move to a Senior Residence just yet? By making the following modifications to your home, you can age in place safely and independently for as long as possible.

·      Rearrange your furniture to allow for wide and clear paths.

·      Change door handles to lever-style handles.

·      Remove tripping hazards such as throw rugs or add non-slip backing.

·      Eliminate clutter.

·      Ensure cords are tied and tucked away from under your feet.

·      Change lighting to bright LED bulbs.

·      Make sure there are motion-activated and/or night light wall plugs in the bathroom and hallways.

·      Add double-handrails on all staircases or a chair lift if required.

·      If possible, move your bedroom to the main level and have modifications made to the main level bathroom to accommodate a shower.

·      Ensure there is a chair by the door to assist with putting on and off shoes and boots.

·      Install non-slip flooring in the foyer.

·      Install grab bars near the toilet, bathtub, and shower.

·      Add a shower seat.

·      Raise toilet seat height to 17-19 inches.

·      Change sink and shower handles to levers.

·      Add anti-slip coating to the tub and shower.

·      Rearrange kitchen cabinets so your most-accessed items are easy to reach.

·      Purchase pull-down cabinets for upper shelves

·      Purchase counter racks for everyday dishes

·      Move the microwave to counter height.

·      Install Lazy Susans for corner cabinets.

·      Get a low-profile bed that sits 20-23 inches from the top of the mattress to the floor.

·      Install a bed rail.

·      Add lighting to closets.

·      Have a phone beside the bed.

·      Have working table lamps.

·      Ensure emergency numbers are evident in the bedroom and in the main living room.

·      Hire a home cleaner to complete the more strenuous cleaning tasks like window washing, vacuuming, and laundry.

·      Hire a handyman to maintain your outdoor space.

Need help to get started? Give Downsizing Diva Durham a call.   We can assist with many of these tasks and help you find help for the ones we can’t.  Need financial support?  There are grants in Ontario such as the following March Of Dimes program.

Funded by the Ontario Government Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, March of Dimes Canada’s Home and Vehicle Modification Program provides funding for basic home and/or vehicle modifications. By reducing or eliminating physical barriers which create life safety risks, modifications, adaptations, and devices enable children and adults with mobility restrictions to continue living in their homes, avoid job loss, and participate in their communities.

The HVMP provides funding for basic and essential solutions directly addressing physical barriers within a home explicitly related to an applicant's disability and current mobility restrictions. 

Goals of the program include:  

·       Remove or minimize a life safety risk

·       Prevent hospitalization/institutionalization

·       Allow discharge from the hospital/institution

·       Avoid loss of employment and income

·       Allow a caregiver to meet the responsibilities of caring for a dependant with a disability

·       Supporting children and adults to participate in developmental/community activities

If eligible, you may apply for:  

·       Up to $15,000 lifetime maximum for home modifications, adaptions and devices  

·       Up to $15,000 for vehicle modifications every 10 years  

https://www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/am/hvmp