FUTURE PROOF
your home
For many homeowners, aging in place or being able to stay in their homes well into their retirement years is the dream. To make this possible, there are special considerations you should take when building or renovating to ensure your forever home is not a drain on your finances, time or health in the future! We spoke with some of our experts and asked for their advice on things to consider when planning to age in place!
SELECTING FLOORING Falls and the resulting injuries are a common concern as we age. When selecting flooring for your forever home, it's important to consider possible future needs such as fall prevention and maneuverability. MINIMIZE TRANSITIONS Using different flooring from room to room can be a tripping hazard and make moving around difficult with a wheelchair/walker. Keeping flooring consistent from room to room will eliminate those hazards. PREVENT & PROTECT To minimize falls and the effects of falls when they
do happen, select flooring that offers slip resistance and a softer feel. This does not automatically mean that carpet is best as it can cause issues with moving around in a wheelchair or walker. Carpet that is very low pile is one option and others include cork flooring or a laminate with a soft underlay. TIMELESS STYLE While function is paramount, style and quality matter as well. We recommend choosing a quality product in a classic, timeless style rather than something that is trendy to ensure you won't need to replace it for many years to come. - Inspiration Flooring & Design Centre, www.inspirationflooring.ca
