With National Seniors Day having just passed on October 1 (along with Grandparents’ Day this past September 13), now may be a good time to have that conversation you may have been putting off.
With Canada’s population aged 85 and older growing at the fastest rate of any age group, more families are facing important decisions about how and where their loved ones should live as they age.
According to Statistics Canada, seniors could represent from 21.4% to 23.4% of the total population by 2030.
While assisted living or downsizing are often seen as common next steps, many seniors want to remain in their homes, provided the space is adapted to meet their changing needs. With thoughtful planning and targeted upgrades, aging in place can support both independence and quality of life, but sometimes downsizing is ultimately the way to go.
Here are some things you can do to keep your elderly loved ones in their home, and give you some tips about when it’s best to find them a new living arrangement.
Common issues seniors face at home
As our loved ones get older, the homes they’ve lived in for years don’t always meet their changing needs. If you’re starting to think about how to make their space safer and more comfortable, first consider if they are struggling with any of the following:
• Falls on stairs or uneven surfaces – Reduced mobility and balance issues make stairs and cluttered hallways very hazardous.
• Bed and chair falls – Getting in and out of beds or chairs can be challenging, especially without supporting furniture.
• Bathroom safety – Showers, tubs and toilets are common areas for slips and falls.
• Heavy lifting and chores – Tasks like laundry, cleaning dishes, and carrying groceries have more hazards than one might realize.
• Door and home security – With an increase of technology in the home, remembering alarm codes or managing locks can become confusing and increase vulnerability.
• Outdoor maintenance – In Canada, things like snow removal, lawn care, and other yard tasks can be physically demanding and dangerous without assistance.
• Memory and daily reminders – Seniors may forget to turn off appliances, lock doors, or take medications, creating safety and health hazards.
Sheila Mullin, a REALTOR® in central Ontario with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) certification, says these issues are often underestimated until something goes wrong.
“A lot of times seniors don’t pre-plan, they are reactive,” Mullin said. “They have a fall or health challenge, and then they are faced with, ‘Do they renovate? Do they put ramps or chair lifts on the stairs?’”
Turning challenges into solutions for seniors who want to live at home
That being said, each problem also points to opportunities for home-based solutions.
• Bathroom safety upgrades – Upgrades like walk-in showers, grab bars, raised toilet seats, and non-slip flooring can prevent the majority of bathroom-related accidents.
• Stairs and mobility aids – Consider installing handrails on both sides of staircases, using non-slip treads, or even adding a stair lift to significantly reduce fall risks.
• Smart home technology – Motion sensor lights, medial alert systems and smart locks make daily life safer and simpler. To avoid any confusion with new technologies, a lot of these devices can be automated or monitored remotely.
• Declutter and adapt space – Widening hallways, removing obstacles and choosing supportive furniture prevent unnecessary falls, while allowing seniors to move freely within their own hom.
• Outdoor maintenance – Hiring seasonal services for outdoor maintenance reduces physical hazards.
How elderly people can get support for living at home
After identifying home-based solutions, it’s helpful to know that various forms of support are available too.
Families are not alone in navigating these decisions. Several Canadian programs aim to support seniors who wish to age in place.
Here are some Canadian health organizations and initiatives that help support these measures:
• Canadian Falls Prevention Curriculum The Canadian Falls Prevention Curriculum is an evidence-based training program trained to equip the elderly in preventing falls.
• Provincial Grants and loans for senior living support To encourage seniors to live independently, Canadian provincial governments are providing grants and loans for those requiring home renovations.
Though eligibility requirements differ per program, Canadians can find more information on their provincial directory website.
Despite these supports, access can vary depending on where in Canada you live.
“It depends on each community,” Mullin said. “In some places, there just aren’t enough resources, and it becomes the onus of them and their families.”
When staying at home is proving to be too hard, is it time to downsize?
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, there may come a time when making those renovations may no longer be of help. Frequent falls, difficulty managing tasks, costly renos, cognitive decline, or social isolation may signal the need for downsizing or assisted living.
In times like these, connecting with a REALTOR® who has the SRES certification, can help ease some of your worries and be your best course of action.
Beyond logistics, one of the most overlooked aspects of aging at home is the emotional attachment seniors have to their space.
“Oftentimes, I feel like the family looks more at what’s practical, and it doesn’t sit well with the senior,” Mullin said.
“For instance, making a bedroom out of the dining room so they don’t go upstairs — for the senior, that’s the dining room. That means no more large family gatherings. It’s emotional.”
These decisions, she notes, require sensitivity and open communication, and REALTORS® with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation have the added expertise on how to navigate this.
“Families need to start talking and thinking about this early on,” Mullin said. “Usually logic doesn’t take over in a crisis; planning ahead allows for better decisions.”
Seniors Real Estate Specialists can help with evaluating families’ options, identifying accessible properties, and making the sale and transition process simpler. Visit www.winnipegregionalrealestatenews.com to connect with an SRES-certified REALTOR® today to help you along this journey.
— REALTOR.ca