Mobility

Staying Safe in the Bathroom

10 Handy Tips for Staying Safe in the Bathroom

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada, more seniors are injured at home than at any other location. About half of all seniors falls happen at home. Environmental hazards in the home are the most common environmental risk factor for falls, and nowhere are these hazards more prominent than in the bathroom. Here are ten handy tips so you can stay safe and prevent falls in your home bathroom:

Throw Out Throw Rugs


According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, throw rugs are the number one cause of household falls in the US. If you like the look of the rugs and don’t want to remove them, you can secure the rugs in place with slip-resistance backing or double-sided tape.

Non-Slip Shower


Water and soap are both slippery, which makes taking a shower a pretty big risk for falls. For this reason, you should place a non-slip mat or anti-slip shower treads on the floor of the tub or shower. If you plan a mobility renovation, you can choose to have slip-resistant tiles installed. These tiles are coated with an abrasive material for safety purposes.

Clean Tub


If you don’t clean your tub regularly, soap scum can build up and make the tub slippery. So clean it on a weekly basis. As an added safety bonus, you’ll also clear away mould and mildew growth.

Dry Floor


It’s no surprise that water on the floor creates a hazardous condition. Make sure you keep your bathroom floor dry and mop up any wet spots if they appear. To prevent water from the shower dripping on the floor, purchase a weighted shower curtain.

Mobility Renovations


Grab bars and rails around the toilet, shower, and tub are important safety features, especially for seniors. They help you maintain your balance so you don’t fall. If you do accidentally slip, you can reach out and grab a bar to regain your balance. Remember, items like towel bars are NOT substitutes for proper grab bars.

Lighting


You should place nightlights in the hallway to easily guide you toward the bathroom at night. Within the bathroom, place a nightlight or install an illuminated switch so you can safety turn on the light and conduct your business.

Higher Toilet Seat


Trying to crouch down onto a low toilet seat isn’t only uncomfortable for people with mobility limitations, it can also lead to a fall. Invest in a heightened toilet seat or use the opportunity to upgrade to a new toilet that not only sits higher, but is more energy efficient.

Bath Seat or Bench


Your mobility renovations should also include a bath or shower seat or bench. This gives you a place to rest if you feel tired, and you can also bathe yourself comfortably while sitting down safely.

Handheld Showerhead


If you are trying to get your whole body clean with a stationary showerhead, it requires a lot of movement on your part. A handheld showerhead is much more convenient, and can easily be used from the comfortable perch of a bath seat or bench.

Slow and Steady


When you try to rush, you are more likely to cause an accident. Go slow and steady and make sure you are safe and balanced. Make sure you allocate more time in the bathroom for yourself by waking up ten minutes earlier, for example.

These ten tips should help keep everyone safe in the bathroom. For more handy tips regarding mobility renovations, contact RenosGroup.ca today.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Mobility Makeovers

5 Signs your Home Might Need a Mobility Makeover

Whether you have someone in your home with mobility issues or are trying to live in your home well into your retirement, there are a number of signs that indicate you might need a mobility makeover. A mobility renovation can assist in handling mobility issues including:

Poor Lighting


From a safety standpoint, poor lighting is not a good idea in any home. If your home has dark halls and staircases, it can be very easy for someone to trip and fall. Having new lighting installed such as pot lights will greatly improve visibility in key areas of the home to help avoid accidents. Having light switches that are easy to reach for those with mobility issues is also very important.

Narrow Doorways


People in wheelchairs or who use walkers need a wider berth to manoeuvre comfortably. By adding wider doorways throughout the home, people with mobility issues will be able to get from room to room without issues.

Stairs


Stairs both inside and outside the home prove to be a major barrier for those with mobility issues. Having ramps to enter your home as well as specialty lifts will allow those with mobility issues to remain more independent and have full access both inside and outside the home.

Counters


The level of counters in the kitchen can also prove a problem for those in a wheelchair. Not only can high counters be inconvenient, they can be quite dangerous when knives and hot pots and pans are involved. Adjusting counters or adding a special spot where people can sit and do prep work such as chopping will make it easier for them to remain independent.

Bathroom Safety


Safety in the bathroom is always a concern for anyone with mobility issues. Having handle bars, proper toilet seats and room to move around in a wheelchair or with a walker is a must if you want to make mobility possible. Adjustments must also be made to tubs and shower stalls to make them level for easier access. Even for those without mobility issues, the bathroom has plenty of slippery surfaces making it dangerous for slips and falls. Having safe surfaces that provide more traction will help avoid injury.

If your home has any of these issues then you should consider having a consultation for a mobility renovation. You will learn what changes can be made to make your home both safer and more comfortable as well as to help people maintain their independence.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Preparing your Home for Retirement Years

Preparing your Home for Retirement Years

More and more people are choosing to continue living in their own homes during their retirement years. They love remaining independent, as well as enjoying more financial freedom in a rent and mortgage-free home. If you are looking forward to enjoying your retirement years in the comfort of your own home, you can start preparing your home for retirement years

Bathroom Comfort

The bathroom can become difficult to navigate as you get older. You can make a number of simple adjustments to help make your bathroom feel safer. First, you can look for flooring that is not as slick and that provides more traction to help avoid slips and falls. Your shower or tub area can also be made safer by making it a walk in without any lips or steps when getting in and out. You can also add bars to make it easier to get in and out of the tub as well as for sitting on the toilet. These are very affordable changes that will make you feel more secure in your home.

Tiresome Stairs

Many seniors will find going up and down stairs becomes more challenging as they get older. There are a number of changes that can be made to make your stairs safer. First, it is important to ensure they are not too slippery. Hardwood treads, for example, can be made a little less dangerous with properly installed carpeting. However, poorly installed carpeting can be just as dangerous as it can lead to tripping and falling. Make sure any stair solutions are installed by a professional contractor to avoid these problems. A chair lift is always a great update. On shorter steps leading to landings, you can add ramps.

Poor Lighting

It might not seem very important, but when it comes to safe and comfortable living, excellent lighting is a must. You will be very pleased if you have the proper task lighting in rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. You will also feel safer in poorly lit halls or areas such as the basement. Good lighting will also update your home and give it a more modern look. Adding safety lighting outside is also a good idea so you do not have difficulty unlocking your door at night.

It just takes a few simple home renovations to update your home for senior living. You will be safer, more comfortable and able to live independently for years to come.  Please don’t wait to give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to get the ball rolling. You can also use this form to request a free in-home consultation and estimate.

How Mobility Renovations Can Help Seniors

How Mobility Renovations Can Help Seniors

Surveys indicate that the vast majority of seniors wish to remain in their homes. This desire may be hampered by space restrictions, accessibility issues, and safety concerns in many homes. Fortunately, mobility renovations are a great way to allow seniors to maintain their independence and safety while remaining in their beloved homes. Even better, Ontario seniors are eligible to receive up to $1,500 through the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit. Here are some of the fantastic ways mobility renovations can help seniors:

Bathroom

Your bathroom is an integral part of your daily hygiene routine. However, traditional bathroom features can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues to use. Slippery floors can put your safety at risk. Mobility renovators can install non-slip flooring and walk-in bathtubs, or shower stalls to protect your safety. Bath seats and benches improve safety; while grab bars in the shower and by the toilet can also help. Hands-free faucets make everything easier for people with mobility limitations.

Kitchen

Being able to safely make meals is an important part of happy and independent living for seniors. Mobility renovators can improve the accessibility of your kitchen so you can continue to enjoy cooking as the years pass. Existing countertops and cupboards can be lowered to make access easier. As with the bathroom, hands-free taps can be installed. There are also many customizations that can be made to improve accessibility for seniors, like installing touch latches on drawers and cupboards.

Staircases

Staircases can be quite difficult for seniors with mobility limitations. Mobility renovators can mount safety handrails, improve lighting, or install a mechanical stair lift. It is also possible to widen the stairway and lay down reflective non-slip tape to make it easier to walk up and down the stairs.

Exterior

Especially in our tough Canadian winters, it can be very difficult for seniors to travel to and from the car to the house. Mobility renovators can make this process less strenuous by installing an exterior wheelchair or walker ramp to facilitate entrance into the house. Doorways can also be widened to make it easier to get inside the house in a wheelchair. Finally, outdoor light fixtures can be improved and locks can be changed to make them easier to use.

Home mobility renovations can help seniors live many happy and independent years in their homes without having to move to senior care facilities.  If you need some help please don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

How to Plan Mobility Renovation

How to Plan Mobility Renovations

How to Plan Mobility Renovations? Some home designs can be quite unfriendly for your loved ones with mobility limitations. Staircases, high countertops, slippery bathroom floors and poor lighting can hamper the independence of your loved ones. Thankfully, many of these issues can be solved through mobility renovations.

Mobility renovations can significantly enhance accessibility and independence, empowering you or your loved ones to navigate daily routines with ease and safety. Whether you’re anticipating future needs or tackling current limitations, meticulous planning is crucial for a successful outcome.

Follow these steps to plan, design, and execute successful mobility renovations:

Determine the Needs of Your Loved One

Everyone has different challenges and needs that can be aided or solved thanks to mobility renovations. Perhaps your loved one is a senior who simply needs their kitchen to be a bit more accessible. Maybe your loved one uses a wheelchair and needs doorways and staircases to be altered. Once you have taken stock of your loved one’s mobility needs, it becomes easier to determine what changes should be made to make their home safer and more accessible.

Remember:

  • Involve your loved one in every step of the process. Their input and preferences are crucial.
  • Prioritize safety and functionality. Aim for solutions that promote independence and minimize risk of falls or injury.
  • Start small and scale up as needed. You don’t have to renovate everything at once. Begin with the most pressing needs and expand as necessary.

By carefully assessing your loved one’s needs and planning renovations accordingly, you can create a home that fosters independence, dignity, and safety for everyone. This investment in their well-being will bring immense value and peace of mind to both of you.

Consider Future Needs

Our needs can change as we age, sometimes quite dramatically. If you’re planning mobility renovations, an important consideration is to consider future needs in addition to current ones. Your loved one may currently be able to walk, but may need a wheelchair in two or three years’ time. While current space may be adequate, a wheelchair may require wider doorways and more ample turning space. If your loved one plans to remain in the home for a considerable period going forward, it is advisable to account for potential changes in mobility.

Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit

1. Progressive Conditions: If your loved one has a progressive condition like arthritis or Parkinson’s, anticipate gradual changes in mobility. Opt for modular or adaptable solutions. For example, choose doorways with removable side panels to widen them later, or install countertops with adjustable heights.

2. Multi-functionality: Think beyond “accessibility features” and embrace flexible design. For instance, a wider doorway wouldn’t just benefit wheelchair users, but also make carrying furniture or bulky items easier for everyone.

3. Universal Design Principles: Incorporate elements that cater to a wide range of abilities, not just your loved one’s current needs. These include lever door handles, accessible sinks, and step-free entry points. This inclusive design benefits everyone and adds long-term value to your home.

4. Future Medical Equipment: Consider potential needs for specialized equipment like hospital beds, hoists, or oxygen tanks. Ensure doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate them, and leave space for maneuvering within the room.

5. Age-friendly Lighting: As vision can deteriorate with age, install brighter lighting with dimmer switches to adjust for changing needs.

6. Technology Integration: Smart home features like voice-controlled lighting, thermostats, and appliances can significantly improve independence and ease of living as mobility declines.

Remember: Flexibility is key. By planning for potential changes, you create a resilient and adaptable home that supports your loved one’s comfort and independence, now and in the future. This not only fosters well-being but also increases the home’s overall value and marketability.

Schedule an In-Home Consultation

Do not use a mobility renovation company that gives you an estimate over the phone or by email without having met you or having seen your home in person. An in-home consultation is very important to accurately assess the mobility and accessibility limitations of your home and to give you a proper quote. Alleviate the stress of your loved ones and make sure everything is done right the first time by scheduling an in-home consultation.

  • Unique Homes: Generic estimates miss your home’s nuances. Professionals need to see the space to assess challenges, measure accurately, and consider layouts.
  • Tailored Solutions: Without seeing your home, companies can’t personalize solutions for your loved one’s needs and preferences. In-home consultations lead to customized recommendations for optimal functionality and comfort.
  • Accurate Costs: Phone estimates can be inaccurate, leading to budget overruns or inadequate solutions. In-home consultations ensure the quote reflects the project’s complexity, avoiding surprises.
  • Build Trust: Meeting professionals face-to-face allows you to ask questions, gauge expertise, and build trust. This is crucial for informed decisions and peace of mind throughout the process.
  • Uncover Hidden Issues: In-person assessments can reveal unforeseen structural, electrical, or plumbing issues missed by phone estimates. Early detection saves time and money down the line.

In-home consultations are an investment in peace of mind. They ensure accurate quotes, tailored solutions, and the confidence that your loved one’s needs are met effectively. Don’t settle for generic quotes – schedule an in-home consultation for a successful mobility renovation from the start!

Ask Others

You likely know many people who have had their houses improved thanks to mobility renovations. If you don’t, you can ask around on the internet, through friends, or through local connections. They can advise you about the benefits of mobility renovations and perhaps even offer advice on some things you had not considered – like opting for a stove with front controls instead of knobs at the back that are harder to reach.

  • Seek diverse perspectives: Don’t limit yourself to one source. Gather information from a variety of individuals and professionals to gain well-rounded insights.
  • Ask specific questions: Tailor your questions to your specific needs and concerns. This will help you get targeted and relevant advice.
  • Be mindful of online advice: While online resources can be valuable, remember to verify information with qualified professionals before making any decisions.

By leveraging the wisdom of others, you can gain valuable inspiration, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of what to expect. This collaborative approach will ultimately lead to a more successful and personalized mobility renovation for your loved one.

If you follow these steps, you can help plan mobility renovations that help your loved one maintain their independence and safety in their own home.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Mobility-Friendly Renovation Checklist

The Mobility-Friendly Renovation Checklist

Unfortunately, very few homes are designed with concern for mobility limitations. Steep staircases, tight spaces that limit maneuverability, and designs that cause safety issues abound in most homes. If you want to make your home friendly to loved ones with mobility limitations, make sure to follow this mobility-friendly renovation checklist:

Schedule an In-Home Consultation

An in-home consultation is absolutely necessary to observe the mobility limitations of your loved one and assess the state of your home. Do not trust any estimate or promise that is made without having met you in person or without having seen your home. An in-home consultation with mobility renos experts can assure your renovation is done right the first time.

Ask Around

You may know people who have also had their homes renovated to accommodate mobility limitations. Ask around and see what features they love, what features they wish they had, and what they might have done differently. You can learn a lot from speaking with people who have been down the same path.

Plan for the Present and Future

You want your mobility renovation to suit your current needs, but you also want it to accommodate future changes. If you plan on living in your home for another decade, consider what your mobility needs will be at that time. It is better to do a full renovation now than to have to redo everything in five or ten years to accommodate new mobility issues. For example, it may be wise to increase the width of doorways even if your loved one does not require a wheelchair at the present time.

Bathroom Safety

One of the primary concerns for mobility limitations is being able to use the bathroom safely with dignity and privacy. For this reason, the bathroom is one of the key areas for mobility renos. Whether you wish to install lower sinks that can accommodate a wheelchair, build a wider toilet area, or construct a walk-in shower, these accommodations can vastly improve quality of life. Slip-resistant flooring is also important.

Ease of Access

It is important that your loved ones have the space to comfortable move around in the home. The house should be organized so that items are accessible and bending, reaching, or other difficult movements are not required. Some of this will not require renovation, but simply reorganizing the house from the perspective of someone with mobility issues. In the instance that renovation is required (such as doorway widening), mobility renovation experts can do the job right.

Enjoy a safe, comfortable, and accessible home with the help of mobility renos experts in Ottawa.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Designing a Home with Mobility Limitations

Designing a Home with Mobility Limitations

When your loved one has mobility limitations, you want to do everything possible to make their home life safe, comfortable, and accessible. When it comes to mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners should make sure the following areas are covered:

Maneuverability


Especially if your loved one needs a walker or wheelchair, it is important that they have enough room to navigate safely and comfortably around the house. You may consider enlisting the help of mobility renovation experts to widen doorways and made it easier to move from room to room. Swinging doors can be difficult for people in wheelchairs or walkers to open, so you may consider installing pocket doors.

Sinks & Counters


High countertops and sinks may be difficult for your loved one to use if they are in a wheelchair. Consider renovating to install lower sinks and countertops so they are easily accessible at wheelchair height. Your loved one can move around independently and not have to struggle with unreachable countertops and sinks.

Safe Flooring


Slippery flooring is a concern for everyone, but especially dangerous for people with mobility issues. Make sure to install slip-resistant flooring with non-slip coating to prevent your loved one from falling on slippery surfaces, especially in the bathroom.

Bathroom Accessibility


Bathrooms can be especially troublesome for people with mobility limitations. When they need mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners place bathroom concerns at the top of the list. Fortunately, the experts can install strategically placed handrails, wide walk-in shower stalls, bathtub seats, handheld showering devices, and lowered fixtures. All of these adjustments make it easy for your loved one to use the bathroom privately, safely, and comfortably.

Lighting


For individuals who suffer from declining vision, it can be difficult to navigate around the house with normal lighting. Mobility renovation experts can install brighter lighting to increase visibility, reduce safety risks, and improve quality of life.

Staircases


For your loved one with mobility limitations, it can difficult or even impossible to enter houses with stairs or go up to a second story. Mobility renovation experts can construct ramps, place reflective non-slip tape on staircases, and install handrails to make it easier to walk up and down the stairs safely.

When it comes to mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners now have all the information they need to design their home and make it safe, comfortable, and accessible to their loved ones.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Working with small spaces

Working with Small Spaces

Living in a small home doesn’t have to feel cramped with these easy tricks for working with small spaces:

Remove Barriers


Opt for furniture with open legs to give a feeling of airiness. Avoid items such as sofas with skirts and instead go for exposed legs. For rooms such as the kitchen get rid of heavy, overbearing upper cabinets and choose islands that look more like furniture. Use open shelves instead of cabinets to open up spaces.

Optimize Every Centimeter


Look at your home and look for hidden opportunities where you can take advantage of even the smallest space. Look at bay windows to insert a desk or add extra seating with a window seat complete with storage. Consider knocking out the wall beneath a stair well to add storage or even to place a desk as a small office. Look at foyers where hooks can be added for storing coats if you do not have space for a closet.

Look Up


Ottawa contractors can often explore the ceiling and floor to see if you can add height. Height adds a feeling of spaciousness and can also give way to areas for further storage such as bulk head upper cabinets. This works as long as you have extra ceiling height but can look crowded in standard room heights. You can also consider exposing your attic area for cathedral ceilings or creating an additional small loft style room.

Add More Light


Natural light is the small home’s best friend. Look for ways to bring in more natural light with light weight curtains as well as using mirrors to reflect light back into darker rooms. Mirrors also help to add the illusion of more space. Light installed along the perimeter of the ceiling brightens and lightens.

Camouflage


Ottawa contractors can add built-ins that blend into the walls to keep a space feeling open and hide clutter. You can also camouflage walls with vertical lines using beadboard or wallpaper (or a paint effect) that will add height to rooms that feel crowded. A large geometric wallpaper on a small wall at the end of the hall can often provide a sense of space as well.

Glass


Choose accent pieces with glass surfaces to keep things light. Glass tables such as coffee, dining and accent will open up a room.

Your home will suddenly open up with these easy tips designed for spacious living.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

4-tips-for-mobility-renovations

4 Mobility Renovations Tips

If you or a loved one has a change in their mobility you will have to make some changes to your home. Making your living space safe and accessible for people with mobility differences is easy with these four mobility renovation tips:

Open up the Space


When you are living with someone in a wheelchair or who requires a walker to get around you will need wider spaces to accommodate their needs. This is especially important for most doorways and hallways.

Use Safe Materials


For those with mobility differences you’ll also want to make sure that they are safe from falls. The best way to reduce the risk of slips and falls is to look at specialty non-slip products. Special flooring options can assist those with mobility differences by adding traction. However you can also consider the installation of non-slip grips and handle bars in the bathroom to assist with the added danger of wet surfaces.

Consider Their Perspective


For those in a wheelchair everything in the home becomes a little out of perspective. Consider some of their everyday tasks and look at how they will tackle them in the current home set up. Common challenges can occur with areas such as bathroom and kitchen counters where the work surface is too high. Other difficulties can include storage areas such as clothing closets, linen closets and kitchen pantries. You can lower hanging bars in closets, consider rearranging the food to lower shelves in the kitchen and look at other options that will keep everything at arm’s reach.

Hire the Professionals


Although you can make some changes that will make things a little easier, in the long run you will need some permanent changes. It is important to hire the professionals who specialize in mobility. They can assess your home and make recommendations based on you or your loved ones needs. Whether someone is in a wheelchair or uses a scooter or walker there are many safety, accessibility and space issues that they can consider in their upgrades. They can also consider access from the exterior of the home and make suggestions for the installation of ramps and automatic doors.

A change in mobility can be very difficult whether it is for yourself or a loved one. Mobility experts can make the necessary changes for your comfort and safety.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

3-ways-to-make-your-entrance-mobility-friendly

3 Ways to Make Your Entrance Mobility Friendly

If you or someone in your home has mobility challenges it is important to make your home as comfortable and mobility friendly as possible. For many homeowners the entryway can pose the biggest challenge for those with mobility issues. From steps leading up to the front door, to cramped, closed spaces in the foyer, there are a number of challenges your front entry can pose. Here are three ways to make your entrance mobility friendly:

Clear the Entryway

Maneuvering in small, cramped spaces is very difficult for people with walkers or wheelchairs. Take a look at your entryway and hall and look for anything that can be removed. This includes pieces of furniture, awkward mats and of course excess amounts of boots and shoes. When you remove clutter from the entryway you will open up the space so people will be able to move around more easily. Even someone who walks with a cane can be in danger of trips and falls with too much clutter. If space is very tight the professional renovations Ottawa contractors offer can knock down the front closet or walls to create extra space.

Add Hand Rails

When you are well and able to get around unassisted you might not even think about holding onto hand rails. However, for someone walking with a cane or with balance issues a hand rail is a life saver. Hand rails should be placed wherever there are stairs, steps or changes in levels. This will allow people to grasp onto something to help them safely enter your home. Hand rails should be placed both outside leading towards the door and inside to assist with coming and going.

Add a Ramp

Ramps can make getting into a building so much easier for people in wheelchairs, using walkers and scooters. Ramps are affordable renovations Ottawa home owners can install for easier access to your front door.

The professional renovations Ottawa contractors offer will help transform your entry making it mobility friendly. Arrange for a consultation for more suggestions on how your home can be made more comfortable for those with mobility challenges.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Contact us

Office Address:
251 Laurier Ave W, #900
Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6
Phone: (613) 727-9427

Follow us

Facebook-f Twitter Map-marker-alt Pinterest Linkedin-in Instagram Houzz

Recent Posts

RenosGroup Blogs

OUR REVIEWS

Homestars Yelp! Google Reviews

© 2024 RenosGroup.ca – Ottawa Bathroom, Kitchen and Basement Renovations

Scroll to top