5 Ways to Renovate your Home to make it safer for Canadians 55+.

While 86% of Canadian baby boomers prefer to age in place in the homes they love, not many plan for home renovations that simplify their lives during these golden years. It is not just about preparing for a disability or mobility issue. It is about including standard components and amenities that boost the accessibility and comfort of all ages and making your day-to-day living more pleasurable. 

Here are some helpful home renovation ideas for Canadians 55 and over: 

1. Reposition electrical switches and outlets: Re-arrange your light switches at a height that does not require you to stretch your arms excessively above your shoulders. Try to keep electrical outlets high enough that you do not need to bend down to reach them.  
   
2. Make your life in the kitchen a breeze: Consider lowering the height of the countertops and cabinets to make the space more comfortable. Within the cabinetry, install shelves for ease of use and organization. Getting close enough to the prep spaces can add to your comfort while working in the kitchen. 
   
3. Plan for safer bathrooms: Replace one bathroom shower with a curb-less or walk-in model. Fold-down shower seats, elevated toilets, or grab bars are other home improvement opportunities for people requiring minimal investment and can make your bathroom safer as you age. 
   
4. Focus on flooring: One of the essential items on the home repairs checklists for Canadians 55+ should be fixing and updating your flooring to remove any height changes, dips, odd transitions, or curbs. Look into slip-resistant materials, such as textured tiles or gentle-on-the-feet cork flooring. If you prefer area rugs and carpets, try to have a non-slip rug pad underneath to prevent slips. 
   
5. Plan features that enable single-level living: Some carefully prepared home renovations for aging in place could allow single-level living even in a multi-level home. This includes: 

• Moving the laundry space to the main floor. 
• Remaking an existing guest room or unused dining room on the main floor into the primary bedroom. 
• If space permits, then extend the powder room into a 3-piece with a shower stall. 

Other home renovations for aging in place that will make living at home a lot more comfortable are: 

• Extending the width of doorways 
• Installing ramps for entranceways 
• Adding stair lifts or home elevators 
• Maintaining threshold-free doorways 
• Switching to lever handles for your interior doors for a better grip while entering or leaving the rooms. 

Even with grants or provincial loans, you may need extra money to renovate your home for your future needs. If you’re a homeowner aged 55-plus, the CHIP Reverse Mortgage® from HomeEquity Bank is a great option to provide you with the funds you need. You can borrow up to 55% of your home’s appraised value and never have to make any regular mortgage payments. When you move out or sell your home, you only pay what you owe. 

Contact your DLC mortgage expert to find out how the CHIP Reverse Mortgage by HomeEquity Bank can be a viable option to help you live your best retirement!