Maintaining Independence by the Greater Victoria aging population is becoming increasingly an important topic in our conversations with present and prospective clients, so let’s look into some options and resources that might be of benefit for you and or your loved ones.
Over the past few years I have been asked to assist a number of dear clients with the sale of their home, because of an accident at home that they could no longer remain in their own home. It is staggering to realize how little it takes to have a small accident at home that can potentially be life changing, hence it is very important to take action to prevent problems rather than respond to issues once an accident has occurred.
That little side table, your nice hallway rug, the comfy soaker tub, the laundry in the basement, the steps to the front door, each of these items and many more can change your life in a split second.
Okay, I know that some may be a bit suspicious when a REALTOR® writes about, how you can maintain your independence safely and affordably, trust me we love selling homes, but I would much rather assist you when you are in good health while you make real estate decisions on your terms rather than being forced due to pain and suffering.
I know from personal experience that getting older isn’t much fun when you try to remain healthy, active and independent, but unfortunately it is a reality that nobody can avoid. The good thing is that there are some really simple adjustments that you can and should consider, that will make your life much safer, and as such better for a much longer time. 
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers 2 Free and Excellent reports (Maintaining Seniors' Independence Through Home Adaptations: A Self-Assessment Guide and Maintaining Seniors' Independence: A Guide to Home Adaptations) that can be downloaded from this link or if you rather receive a printed copy, I do have a few copies, that we will gladly mail or deliver to you, just pop us an email.
British Columbia Housing (BC Housing) offers financial assistance to eligible BC residents and landlords that require home alterations under a program called Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) . A handy website and brochure is available, but in short some financial assistance may be available for permanent alterations that benefit residents to a property (tenants or home owners) up to a maximum of $ 20,000.
For Greater Victoria Residents we offer a Free Copy of the Book “To Move or Not To Move”, published by Senior Living Magazine, this excellent book offers many tips and suggestions that offer great insight into the options and considerations that many people have when making lifestyle decisions. for your Free copy Call or Email Peter (250) 213 – 9490.
Here is a short list of areas or items around the house to consider for alterations :
When going thru your home, think about a dear loved one with a variety of mobility and or other limitations, and how he/she would be hampered by living or visiting at your home.
- Access to your home both front and secondary ( parking, steps, walkways, railings, grade, surface, width, lighting, etc.)
- Interior steps, hallways, landings (railings, surface, lighting, width, obstacles)
- Flooring, (material, elevation changes, slippery, layers)
- Doors, cabinets handles, knobs etc. (levers, grab handles, contrasting colours)
- Kitchen sink and Workspace use and access (height, seating space, material, lighting, pull-outs)
- Bathroom (grab bars, tub/ shower seats, raised toilets, prevent slippery area, lighting, levers)
- Bedrooms, (grab bars/poles, avoid layered flooring, telephone)
- Laundry area, (on main living floor, easy access shelving, lighting none slippery floors)
- Using a wireless phone to carry with you in the house.
- Sensor Lights that turn on when entering an area, closet or room.
This is obviously not a complete list, but as you can see, many of these adjustments are simple, common sense adjustments that would take very little time, expense and effort.
Too often we hear this statement “we should have”, please take a moment and download the guides from CMHC and together with a loved one take stock of your home/property and see how you can Maintain your Independence, Safe and Affordably in Greater Victoria…
Text or Talk To Peter if you have questions or just want to chat. Peter specializes in assisting boomers, seniors and those that care for them with their real estate plans and decisions. Over the past years Peter has successfully completed accredited educational programs (SRES, CPCA & ASA) that focus on assisting the aging with their specific lifestyle and real estate decisions.
Comments(0)