Creating a Barrier-Free Home

According to a recent housing survey, a large majority of seniors want to stay in their current homes for the rest of their lives. And why not? Their homes are comfortable and convenient, and they feel secure and independent there. But as people age, physical limitations make it necessary to consider some design modifications.

Fortunately, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provides assistance to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to maintain an independent lifestyle. The CMHC offers the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for Persons with Disabilities to assist with special modifications to homes, for both homeowners and landlords. The national housing agency can provide you with a modification checklist that covers nearly every square inch of a home. Remember, though, that not all modifications are covered, as some are simply too expensive to be considered for the program.

For starters, let’s look at access to the home and mobility within it. Naturally, it starts at that front door. If there are stairs to get up before reaching the door, there are several options. A simple ramp can be built right over the steps if there are only a few of them. An angle ramp can do the job if there are several stairs. Another choice is a porch lift, which is essentially a mechanically operated lift that raises and lowers to provide access to the front porch. Once you’re at the doorway, there may also be a doorsill to contend with. Here, the installation of a threshold ramp is an ideal solution, offering a quick entrance and exit for wheelchair-bound residents. The threshold ramp is simply a beveled strip fixed over your existing threshold. You might want to also consider a canopy over the front entrance, to provide shelter when reaching for keys of opening doors, simple actions which can take longer than they once did.

Inside, the options and possible solutions are far greater. Of course, the greatest barrier by far is a flight of stairs. Where these exist for persons with either limited mobility or wheelchair restrictions, the “fix” is more complex. One option is a stair lift, riding on a diagonal rail that transports you up stairs from level ground on one floor to level ground on the next. Most feature a securing system for fastening a wheelchair to prevent movement while in transit. Still another option, which is truly a deluxe one, is an elevator. Great strides have been made in recent years to home elevator systems. One fact remains: putting in an elevator will undoubtedly involve major construction or redesign of a home. Still, the welcome convenience of an elevator cannot be denied.

Of course, you don’t need to go to the extent of cutting holes in your floors to make a home more barrier-free. There are also quick solutions that make getting around simpler and more convenient. For example, you might want to start by removing area rugs form your floors. One of the top culprits in causing slips around the home, the humble rug can also make moving with wheelchairs, walkers or even canes difficult, as they can be a nuisance when they catch or snag.

In areas like kitchens and living rooms, the simple rearrangement of furniture can go a long way to improving access and mobility, especially for wheelchair users. Ideally, a wheelchair user should be able to turn a complete circle in every room of a house or apartment, and sometimes that only involves minor redecorating.

A good idea is to begin with a checklist. Identify the areas in your home that present problems or look like they might become troublesome one day. Once you’ve completed the list, talk to building contractors about large projects and get their opinion on potential solutions. But before you commit any money to a project, be sure to check with the CMHC, as funding may very well be available to assist you.

Your home can present many challenges, but there’s a good chance it can be modified with features that will improve your access to it and ability to move around inside it. If done properly, the solutions can be attractive additions to your home that do more than increase the pride you take in you home. The best thing about creating a barrier-free home is that it can cost less than moving and more importantly makes if far less expensive emotionally.