I am happy to welcome Sue Squires as my guest blogger for this week. She has lots of great insights to share!
Hi! My name is Sue Squires.
I started a company called EasierLiving At Home.
My business focuses on home modifications for changing lifestyles. I understand the importance of remaining in our homes and familiar surroundings for as long as we are able. I am also very realistic in knowing that as we age there is a point when we can experience mobility issues or other disabilities which may present challenges in our own homes.
My mother broke her hip by slipping on a kitchen mat. A few years later, she suffered a stroke. She did recover quite well, but later there were recurring physical issues which required her to have a walker and later a wheel chair. We quickly realized the difficulties of navigating their home, which was not set up for those with mobility devices. Soon, my brothers and I learned that it was also difficult for her to access our homes – difficult at family gatherings and special occasions. Here is a photo of Mom and I last Christmas.
This eye opening experience led me to become a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Home Builders Association and I have been trained in the unique needs of the older adult population, Aging In Place home modifications, remodelling projects and solutions to common barriers. I also have an Interior Design diploma, and feel it is important to blend aging in place features with a homes’ style, in as seamless a manner as possible.
EasierLiving At Home can do a home assessment to gather pertinent information about your home and provide options for safety features and modifications you might consider. We can coordinate resources by teaming together with the contractor, and sourcing products required which meet your short and long term objectives.
What is Aging In Place?
- Aging In Place means remaining in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level, as long as you wish and are able.
- It means the pleasure of living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years, continuing to enjoy the familiar daily routines that enrich your life.
If you are a boomer or a senior, you may have already decided that you want to continue living in your own home for as long as possible. But, have you planned ahead for or thought about changes that may occur as you age, such as health or mobility issues?
For most of us, it’s difficult to envision aging and most of us don’t want to face the reality that one day it might be more challenging to get around the house and live independently.
What if we don’t focus on aging and just focus on the choices we have for our retirement years. If we choose to stay in our own home for as long as possible, what do we need to do to successfully plan ahead and achieve that lifestyle? We will have much better outcomes if we plan ahead, and in the event of an unexpected fall or other crisis, our homes will be set up for easier living. Or more importantly, by making our home safer, perhaps we can prevent a fall from occurring.
Did you know that 50% of falls causing hospitalization occur in the home and 30% of seniors who are hospitalized as the result of a fall end up in Long Term Care?.
So, are you a planner or a procrastinator??
If you are a planner there are several home modifications that can increase access and maneuverability
. Checklist when considering home modifications:
- Are your exterior entrances and walkways safe, well lit and barrier free?
- Are you concerned about preventing falls?
- Would you like your bathroom to be safer?
- Would you like your kitchen to be more functional?
- Would you like to add a bedroom, bathroom or laundry room to the main floor?
- Will friends and/or family benefit from your modifications?
- Have you considered a budget for home modifications?
One product that I love and promote is this Comfort Series walk in tub from American Standard.
Did you know that by 2026, seniors aged 65+ will account for 25% of the population compared with 14% in 2011? (CMHC) This wave of seniors is expected to have major implications for the housing market. Age friendly homes will certainly be in demand, and if they are modified using a Universal Design approach (a well integrated usable environment for broad market appeal), these should in turn add to the value of your home.
If you have questions or comments I welcome you to contact me directly!
Sue Squires
EasierLiving At Home
CAPS, Certified Aging in Place Specialist
BPHE, Interior Design Dip.
Check out our spring promotion! Book a 6 hour Matter of Order package with us and we’ll give you a $100 Gift Card for Solutions – The Organized Living Store!. There is a location at The Boardwalk in Kitchener! Get your home organized PLUS have $100 to spend on FUN NEW PRODUCT for your organized space!! Special Spring Promotion applies to jobs that are booked between April 4 & April 20th (work can happen any time!)
Book now to make your Spring Organizing Goals a reality!!