picture provided by Binns Most of use think of beautifying or increasing the resale value of a home when it comes to home renovations. However, an increasing number of homes are being modified for accessibility and “barrier free living”. This area of residential modification may be an investment worth investigating when considering the expected rise in our geriatric population. In terms of accessibility, people with disabilities require modified homes to enable them to do tasks that most of us are lucky to take for granted such as taking a shower, or using the stove top. The use of some some types of wheel chairs can make standard levels and sizes for home components unreachable so that daily tasks become difficult or nearly impossible to do. Last year, a local Toronto television news program reported on the increase of home elevators being installed and showcased some new Beaches condos being outfitted with them. Some were luxury symbols and others were for practical concerns; it brought great convenience and independence to the life of one paraplegic woman who was interviewed for the

segment. For the aging population, living more comfortably in one’s home and safeguarding against injury with such devices as safety tubs can mean prolonging the need for moving to an assisted living facility. And today’s modifications are just as beautifying as they are purposeful. One such local company, which has been building and renovating gorgeous high-end homes for decades in Toronto, Barabco , has created a new division ( Barabco AccessAbility ) to specialize in creating barrier free homes. Dr. Stuart Siegel, a certified Aging in Place Specialist, remarked, “Barabco AccessAbility homes are designed to create a magnificent custom home with ‘invisible accessibility t hat will allow aging or disabled individuals to live in their homes for as long as they desire.” See how modifications of this nature can be suitable to everyone and be beautifying all at once.? For some ideas and more details on a bathroom project, visit HRG’s accessible bathroom renovation story (pictured above). For information on walk-in bathtubs visit Safetybath.com .

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Barrier Free Living