SPH can advise homeowners on work related to planning, designing and constructing home adaptations – including the preparation of architectural or concept plans using a qualified designer, architect, occupational therapist or interior designer.
Whether you require an adaptation to your existing home environment, or you are planning to construct a new home that is barrier free and visit-able, contact us at info@sph-planning-consulting.ca for more information on how we can help you achieve your goals. SPH incorporates the principles of universal design to all new construction or proposed adaptations to existing environments, to ensure your home will meet your needs for safety, health, and independence.
A sample of useful information that we are often asked to provide can be found in the following resources:
The Accessibility Design Guidelines can be used by all sectors to conduct accessibility audits and to plan developments as we work towards making Toronto a "barrier free" community.
Visitability is a movement to change home construction practices so that virtually all new homes, whether or not designated for residents who currently have disabilities, offer a few specific features that make the home easier for people who develop a mobility impairment to live in and visit.
The MHRC is encouraging the use of visitable design, as shown by several of its recent initiatives. Houses have been built under the Affordable Housing Initiative’s Infill Housing Program to include these basic visitable design features. Renovations to MHRC-owned properties are now incorporating basic visitability at a minimum. Future new residential construction, funded with public contributions, will promote the use of visitable design. The MHRC is promoting quality, affordable housing that includes visitable features and demonstrates that these housing designs can benefit people of all ages, including visitors with mobility restrictions.
This program helps homeowners and landlords pay for minor home adaptations to extend the time low-income seniors can live in their own homes independently. Click here for more detailed information.
The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for Persons with Disabilities offers financial assistance to homeowners and landlords to undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy by low-income persons with disabilities. More detailed information can be found here.
Many seniors wish to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible. However, most homes are not designed to meet their changing needs as they age and home adaptations / modifications are required.
The Home Adaptation Checklist, developed by the Canada Safety Council, identifies adaptations that will assist in the prevention of accidents and enhance independence for seniors in their homes. This material is posted for general information only, recognizing that each homeowner’s situation is very unique.
Click on the links below to go directly to that section in the checklist or for other related information.
Kitchen | Bathroom | Entrances | Stairs and Hallways | Bedroom | Basement and Laundry Area | Closets and Storage Areas
Kitchen
- Install lever-type faucets, or a faucet with a single lever to control flow and temperature.
- Install pull-out shelves under counter to enable you to work from a seated position.
- Home Adaptability in the Kitchen Lower existing cupboards.
- Install "D" type handles on cupboards or drawers.
- Provide electrical outlets for small appliances in more convenient locations.
- Install a smoke alarm outside, but close to, the kitchen.
- Install a fire extinguisher near the kitchen exit.
Bathroom
- Install shelves beside basin for storage.
- Install a grab bar within easy reach.
- Home Adaptability in the Bathroom Install additional light fixtures near the mirror or medicine cabinet.
- Install non-slip flooring throughout the bathroom.
- Install lever-type faucets or a faucet with a single lever to control flow.
- Adjust the hot-water heater or install a device that will prevent the water from reaching too high a temperature.
- Install a hand-held shower on adjustable rod or high-low mounting brackets.
Entrances
- Add a ramp to bypass existing steps.
- Install light fixtures or floodlights to illuminate entrances, steps and walkways.
- Add a grab bar or handle near steps or doorway.
- Install a delayed-action door closer.
- Install lever-type door handles.
- Install easily accessible light switches or sensors to control outside lights.
Stairs and Hallways
- Improve lighting in stairs.
- Install two-way light switches at top and bottom of stairs.
- Install or repair existing rails or install new rails.
- Extend handrails beyond the top and bottom of steps.
- Install "swing clear hinges" on doors to widen doorways.
- Install handrails along corridor walls.
Bedroom
- Use a night light to provide a lighted path from the bedroom to the bathroom.
- Home Adaptability in a Bedroom Free the path from the bedroom to the bathroom from obstacles.
- Relocate bedroom to main floor level.
- If your area does not have 9-1-1 service, keep a list of important contacts near the telephone (police, fire, etc.) in large print.
- Keep a flashlight nearby for emergencies.
- Install a personal response system that would allow you to call for help if you needed it.
Basement and Laundry Area
- Provide shelves or storage near appliances so that washing supplies can be conveniently located.
- Home Adaptability in the Basement and Laundry Area Consider a basement telephone to save climbing steps.
Closets and Storage Areas
- Install bi-folding or accordion doors.
- Add or lower shelves.
- Install lights in closets.
- Add or lower rods.