Planning for Aging at Home

Aging in place well may mean some changes now for a safer, more functional future.

Seniors over the age of 65 are the fasting growing demographic in our society.  Baby Boomers are living longer and healthier lives and many plan on remaining at home as long as possible.
The whole “Aging in Place”  movement  is about more than just stubbornly staying at home in old age, its about living safely and comfortably as well.

To achieve this goal, it takes planning.  There are many ways to make a home safer and more comfortable for seniors.  But first it has to be decided if the current home passes the 10-year test.  Will you be able to climb the stairs or fit a walker through the kitchen door if necessary?

An honest evaluation of a home will let you know if the house will fit the needs of its residents or if another independent living arrangement should be explored. 

Experts in senior home remodeling can come up with a plan to create a safe, accessible home for all ages.  In fact, in Ontario and British Columbia, seniors are eligible for up to $10,000 a year in tax credit for home renovations that “allow a senior to gain access to, or to be more mobile or functional within, the home or on the land; or they reduce the risk of harm to a senior within the home or on the land.”

Check out the Canadian Tax Foundation for more information on senior tax credits at www.ctf.ca.