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Making the Bathroom a Safe Place

https://renosgroup.ca/2014/10/">October 9, 2014
By Keith Melanson
In Bathrooms, Home Renovation Blog, Mobility, Renovations

Water and a slippery surface make for very dangerous conditions. Your bathroom can be quite hazardous especially for the young, elderly and disabled. If you would like to make your bathroom a safer place for your family, RenosGroup can provide a number of minor renovations that will help you avoid accidents.

Hand Rails/Grips

It can be extremely difficult at times getting in and out of the shower or bathtub, especially if the floor is slick and if there is nothing to hold on to. Hand rails and grips can be placed on the bathroom walls to allow for easy access in and out of the tub. In certain cases it is also a good idea to add them beside the toilet to make it easier for people to sit and stand. Rails are textured to allow for a sturdy grip without the fear of your hands slipping.

Hand rails offer numerous benefits beyond mobility assistance.

Increased Confidence: The assurance of support fosters a sense of confidence and independence, especially for individuals with balance issues.
Reduced Risk of Falls: Rails reduce the risk of slips and falls, creating a safer environment for everyone using the bathroom.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that loved ones have the necessary support promotes peace of mind for both users and caregivers.

Invest in safety; invest in well-being.

Handrails and grips are not just safety features; they are investments in well-being and independence. Incorporating them into your bathroom, creates a space that fosters confidence, dignity, and peace of mind for all users.

Acrylic Bathtubs/Showers

Traditional bathrooms involve intricate tile work which can be very expensive and slippery. Thankfully, acrylic baths and shower walls are an affordable and safer option. These acrylic instillations can be completed in as little in one day, which greatly cuts down on man hours, and labour costs. You can also add special safety features such as bars and handrails and non-slip tub or shower floors.

Acrylic to the Rescue:

Thankfully, acrylic bathtubs and shower walls offer a compelling alternative. They are:

Affordable: Compared to the cost of materials and installation for tile, acrylic offers a much more budget-friendly option.
Safer: The inherent non-slip properties of acrylic minimize the risk of slips and falls, creating a safer bathroom environment.
Quick Installation: Unlike tile, which can take days to install, acrylic tubs and showers can be completed in as little as one day, reducing disruption and labor costs.
Customization Options: Don’t think that “affordable” means sacrificing style. Acrylic comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures to match your bathroom’s design.

Enhanced Safety Features:

While acrylic itself is safer than tile, you can further enhance safety by incorporating additional features:

Grab Bars and Handrails: Strategically placed bars and rails provide added support for entering, exiting, and maneuvering within the shower or bathtub.
Non-Slip Tub/Shower Floors: Invest in textured or etched tub or shower floors for even greater slip resistance.

Non-slip Flooring

Non-slip flooring in the bathroom instantly adds a huge safety factor that can take many worries off of your mind. Although you may think a bath mat or towel on the floor might do the trick, this is just one other thing people can slip on. Non-slip flooring in the bathroom makes gives your wet feet something easy to grip that can save you and your family from slips and falls.

Non-slip bathroom flooring is not just a safety upgrade; it’s an investment in the well-being of everyone using your bathroom. By prioritizing safety, you create a space that fosters confidence, independence, and peace of mind. So, step confidently into a safer future with the right non-slip flooring solution.

Additional Tips:

Place bath mats strategically near shower and bathtub exits, but ensure they have a non-slip backing.
Regularly clean and maintain your chosen flooring material to maximize its slip resistance.
Consult with a flooring professional to discuss your specific needs and the best options for your bathroom.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and safe bathroom environment for all.

Lots of Open Space

If mobility is an issue RenosGroup can offer suggestions on how you can open up your bathroom allowing for easier wheelchair access. Extra space also works well for those with walkers.

When mobility is a concern, making the most of your bathroom space becomes crucial. At RenosGroup, we understand the importance of accessibility and can offer various solutions to transform your bathroom into a safe and comfortable haven.

Open Up the Doorway:

Widen the entrance: Aim for a minimum doorway width of 36 inches (91 cm) to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers comfortably.
Consider alternative doors: Sliding doors or pocket doors eliminate swinging door clearance issues and maximize usable space.

Clear the Clutter:

Minimize unnecessary furniture and fixtures: Evaluate whether every item serves a purpose and remove anything that creates obstacles.
Utilize wall-mounted storage: Opt for shelves, cabinets, and towel racks mounted on walls to keep the floor clear for easy maneuvering.
Choose transparent shower doors: This helps visually expand the space and creates a feeling of openness.

Heat Lamp

Heat lamps are also a great idea as they can help you dry off more quickly. This means there will be less chance of water dripping when you get out of the tub or shower. It will also make it easier to towel dry and keep you warmer on chilly days.

Beyond Drying Off:

While drying off quickly is certainly a benefit, heat lamps offer more than just practicality:

Warmth on Demand: Especially on colder days, the gentle warmth of a heat lamp instantly makes your bathroom more inviting and comfortable.
Relaxation and Soothing: The radiant heat can contribute to a more relaxing and spa-like experience, easing muscle tension and promoting circulation.
Reduced Risk of Slips and Falls: By minimizing the time spent wet on slippery surfaces, heat lamps potentially contribute to a safer bathroom environment.

Choosing the Right Heat Lamp:

Size and wattage: Select a heat lamp appropriate for your bathroom size and desired level of warmth.
Safety features: Opt for models with safety features like automatic shut-off and tip-over protection.
Style and placement: Choose a design that complements your bathroom’s aesthetics and position it strategically for optimal coverage.

These simple renovations will make your bathroom a safer place for the entire family. Why not 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.

Making Your Home Mobility-Friendly

https://renosgroup.ca/2014/07/">July 11, 2014
By Keith Melanson
In Custom, Home Renovation Blog, Mobility

If circumstances of your life have changed, or if someone in your family requires special assistance due to ill health or aging, moving homes may not be the right answer, and could actually do more harm than good. With the right renovation team adjustments can be made to your home in order to make it more mobile-friendly to help assist those with special health conditions. Although the decision to go with mobility-friendly renovations can be a daunting thought it may be the best solution to your given circumstances. Before you embark on a mobile-friendly renovation here are some tips on making your home mobility friendly:

Cost

Cost is definitely the most important factor when deciding whether or not it is possible to go through with the renovation. Look at your current funds available and discuss your options with your family and your bank. Compared to the monthly cost of a decent retirement home, making your home mobility-friendly ultimately saves you quite a bit of money in the long run.
Before you get started it is imperative you determine your maximum renovation budget before speaking to a mobility-friendly renovation team. By doing this you will see if the renovation is possible, and set aside a nest egg in case unexpected costs occur.

Necessity

Before you start the renovation you should have an idea of what needs to be changed, and what else you would like to be adjusted. Some examples of professional mobility-renovations include:

Design

Once you have considered your budget and needs you can speak to a mobility renovation professional to help you come up with the design you need that will be both mobility and design friendly. They will be able to make suggestions to help avoid making your home look too clinical. Design plans can include the latest trends in home health care design and convenience chosen to complement the look of your home. You will have the comforts and assistance you need for mobility while maintaining a home that you will still find comfortable and stylish.

These three important considerations will help prepare you for the changes your home will require. To make your home mobility-friendly please contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

10 Ways to Make your Renovations Mobility Friendly

https://renosgroup.ca/2014/06/">June 4, 2014
By Keith Melanson
In Custom, Home Renovation Blog, Mobility, Remodel

Living in a small home with little space can be difficult, especially if someone you live with someone who has mobility issues. If you have been considering moving to a new home to better accommodate a family member you should reconsider, as it is far easier to work with a renovations expert to customize your current home to meet your mobility needs. Here are 10 ways to make home and bathroom renovations mobility friendly:

1. Widen your doorways: This is a must to make moving from room to room easier for those in a wheelchair. It also works well for walkers and even crutches.

2. Adjust counter levels: By adjusting the counter levels individuals who are wheelchair bound are able to care for themselves and maintain their privacy when tending to their personal hygiene needs. One of the most affordable bathroom renovations.

3. Provide more light: This will increase visibility and help family members with mobility issues move throughout the home without fear of injury.

4. Install comfortable handles: When added to drawers and cabinets comfortable handles are a simple renovation you can add to any room especially kitchens and bathrooms.

5. Provide Handrails: Handrails are required on both sides of stairs to make it safer and easier for those who are still able to walk on their own to move up and down stairs with confidence.

6. Add reflective non-slip tape: Make it easier to spot the edge of each step or groove allowing people to move without fear of falling. Reflective non-slip can be used to indicate a change in flooring material such as going from carpet to tile; this can help prevent slipping.

7. Make flooring safer: The proper non slip flooring as well as floor covers will allow people to avoid slips and falls which are one of the most common accidents to occur in homes.

8. Use a chair for bathing: By installing a bath chair bathing will become easier and safer for people to shower independently, ultimately maintaining their privacy.

9. Bathroom handrails: Handrails are simple bathroom renovations in Ottawa homes that will make it easy to get in and out of the tub independently as well as to sit and stand when using the toilet.

10. Hand held shower devices: Will increase independence so people can shower privately without the need for assistance.

These affordable home and bathroom renovations help Ottawa home owners have mobility friendly homes with little fuss or muss. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

How to Remodel a Bath for Accessibility

https://renosgroup.ca/2013/03/">March 4, 2013
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog, Mobility

An architect explains how he plans to remodel a bathroom for accessibity

by Duncan McPherson

Remodeling an existing house presents many design challenges. Modern living requires different functions and spaces than a house built 50, 20, or even 10 years ago. Designing homes and remodels that consider long-term livability has become a greater priority in residential design as we embrace an aging baby-boomer population.

Whether you’re looking to age in place in your current home, to accommodate aging family members, or simply to consider resale value and appeal to a broad market, issues of wheelchair access and accessible design are critical. Even if you don’t require accessible spaces today, you can design spaces that are functional, comfortable, and flexible enough to accommodate any accessibility needs that arise in the future.

Recently, I was charged with redesigning the existing full bath in the Fine Homebuilding Project House to create a more accessible master suite. This 1950s ranch has a floor plan common to many homes of a similar style and vintage. By looking at the problems with the existing bath and the solutions in the new bath, you’ll easily be able to recognize the flaws and opportunities in your own projects.

Identify problems with the existing bathroom

The existing bathroom has several problems. A narrow doorway leads to a claustrophobic space only 3-1⁄2 ft. wide at its widest point. All the services—the toilet, the tub, and the sink—would be extremely difficult to access if the user had limited mobility or were confined to a wheelchair. Adding grab bars to improve the functionality of this bath would be a hit-or-miss proposition because the blocking is missing from the appropriate locations. Also, despite the need for it, the bathroom doesn’t contain any storage for toiletries or towels.

A A bathtub is difficult and dangerous to navigate into and out of if mobility is limited.

B A narrow doorway inhibits easy access into and out of the bathroom, especially if a thick threshold is in place.

C A narrow floor plan prevents wheelchair-bound users from being able to turn around.

D A toilet in a narrow nook without grab bars is difficult to access from a seated position.

E A linen closet is outside the bathroom, but storage should be integrated into the bath space.

F The hallway is too narrow to navigate easily in a wheelchair and is unnecessary in the new master-suite plan.

Create an accessible plan with integrated solutions

The first step in designing flexible spaces is determining which design elements need to be included initially and which can be installed later if they are needed. For example, building a bathroom with access to a 5-ft. clear turnaround area that improves wheelchair maneuverability should be incorporated initially, because it would be difficult and expensive to make accommodations for such a space later. Below are the elements that make this new bathroom accessible while still maintaining a comfortable, style-appropriate aesthetic.

A Doorways have a minimum 32-in. clear width to accommodate wheelchairs.

B Swinging doors with levers, not knobs, are used instead of pocket doors because they’re less challenging to open from a seated position.

C Hallways and passageways are 48 in. wide to improve access.

D A 5-ft. clear turnaround circle integrated into the floor plan of the bath is best. If this isn’t possible, create a turnaround circle just outside the bathroom, as shown at right.

E A removable shower screen/partition provides better access to the shower if necessary in the future.

F Blocking for a future fold-down seat is integrated into the shower wall adjacent to the shower controls. Typical seat height is 18 in. above the floor.

Design an elevation that can adapt to change

The psychological influence a home can have on its residents is profound. Having a fully accessible bathroom before it is needed can be a looming reminder of aging and the loss of mobility. Well-designed spaces can create more positive responses, however. Like all properly designed accessible spaces, this bathroom is meant to be adaptable to change. For example, a vanity that is in tune with the modern style of the bath is built so that its middle cabinet can be removed, allowing easier wheelchair access to the sink. Until that need is necessary, the vanity reads as a contemporary cabinet fit for any home.

A Vanity provides plentiful storage that can be used from both seated and standing positions.

B Vanity is built so that the middle cabinet is removable to allow for knee space below the sink.

C Shower valves, light switches, and thermostat controls should be from 38 in. to 48 in. above the floor.

D There is less than a 1⁄2-in. transition between the bathroom floor and the shower floor to enable roll-in access.

E Blocking is integrated into the walls so that grab bars can be installed around the toilet and shower in the future. Typical grab-bar height is from 33 in. to 36 in.

F A linen cabinet integrates additional storage opportunities in the bath where none had existed previously.

G Two light fixtures mounted at eye level provide adequate illumination at the vanity.

Drawings: Duncan McPherson

From Fine Homebuilding228 , pp. 90-94 May 17, 2012

To learn more about how to remodel a bath for accessibility, don’t hesitate to get in touch, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Renovations That Maintaining Seniors Independence

Renovations That Maintain Seniors Independence

https://renosgroup.ca/2012/09/">September 27, 2012
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog, Mobility, Mobility Page, Seniors

As our health and lives change, so do our housing needs. Across Canada, the overwhelming majority of seniors prefer doing renovations in order to continue to live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a number of tips on how to renovate a home to keep pace with changing needs, so seniors can stay safe, independent — and in their own home — longer, including: Repair holes or uneven joints in walkways that could cause tripping. Replace steep slopes with steps or a low-slope ramp. Add a ramp to bypass existing steps. Install light fixtures or floodlights with easily accessible switches to illuminate entrances, steps and walkways. Repair all unsafe stair handrails. Install handrails on both sides of the stairways. Replace worn or loose coverings and mark the edges of stairs with a permanent stripe in a contrasting colour. If you are planning a renovation on the stairs in your current home, or building a new home that has stairs, make sure that the back vertical portion of the step (the rise) is not too high and that the horizontal part of the step (the tread) has adequate depth. If you live in a two-storey home, consider creating a bedroom, a full bathroom, and having the clothes washer and dryer on the ground floor. Reduce the height of, or eliminate, high door thresholds at room entrances. Use a contrasting colour or texture on the edge of the floor wherever there is a change in the floor level. Adjust sinks, counters and cupboards to a more convenient height. Create a knee-space underneath sinks to allow you to work from a seated position (making sure to insulate any exposed hot-water pipes first). Install grab bars within easy reach of the bathroom sink and toilet and in the bathtub. Install non-slip flooring in the bathroom and in the bathtub. Install single-lever faucets to more easily control water flow and temperature. Add or lower rods or shelves in closets, and add off-floor shelves near entrances for shoes and boots. Repair windows and sliding doors so that they can open and close easily. Consider installing easy-to-grasp door handles, easy-to-operate door locks, as well as security grilles at windows that are vulnerable to forced entry. Lastly, if you have an aging parent, relative or friend, you may want to consider adding a garden suite on the same lot as your home. Garden suites are small, prefabricated, portable and self-contained homes that enable seniors to live close to their relatives or friends, while maintaining their independence and privacy — and giving family members or friends greater peace of mind. For more information or free copies of the CMHC Self-Assessment Guide Maintaining Seniors’ Independence Through Home Adaptations, the fact sheet Preventing Falls on Stairs fact sheets on universal design ideas that can make your home safer and easier to live in, or for general information on CMHC’s renovation programs, including those for garden suites, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit CMHC’s Web site at www.cmhc.ca. For over 60 years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency, and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Renovation Program for Persons with Disabilities

https://renosgroup.ca/2012/09/">September 27, 2012
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog, Mobility

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers financial assistance to allow homeowners and landlords to pay for renovations to make their property more accessible to persons with disabilities. These modifications are intended to eliminate physical barriers, imminent safety risks and improve the ability to meet the demands of daily living within the home. CMHC delivers renovation programs for persons with disabilities in Prince Edward Island, where the province cost-shares on a 75% federal / 25% provincial basis and in Yukon Territory.

In other jurisdictions, Provinces and Territories may choose to design and deliver renovation programs that are cost-shared with the federal government. Information on Provincially/Territorially designed and delivered housing programs are provided under Provincial and Territorial Affordable Housing Links and Agreements.
Who Can Apply?

Homeowners and landlords may qualify for assistance if the property is eligible. Your property may be eligible for RRAP-D if the property:

is occupied, or is intended to be occupied, by a low-income person with a disability;
is rented and the rents are less than established levels for the area; or
is owned and the house is valued below a certain amount; and
does not have major deficiencies to the structure and systems.

Eligible Renovations

Renovations must be related to housing and reasonably related to the occupant’s disability. Examples of eligible renovations are ramps, handrails, chair lifts, bath lifts, height adjustments to countertops and cues for doorbells/fire alarms.

If the cost for renovations is more than the maximum forgivable loan available, the owner will be required to cover the additional cost.
Ineligible Renovations

Therapeutic care, supportive care, and portable aid equipment, such as walkers and wheelchairs, are not eligible for funding.

Renovations carried out before the RRAP for Persons with Disabilities loan is approved in writing are not eligible.
Financial Assistance

Assistance is in the form of a fully forgivable loan and does not have to be repaid if you adhere to the terms and conditions of the program. Landlords must enter into an agreement that establishes the rent that can be charged during the life of the agreement and restricts occupancy of the self-contained rental unit(s) to households with incomes below a set CMHC level. Homeowners must agree to continue to own the house during the loan forgiveness period, which could be up to five years.

The loan amount you could receive varies according to the three geographic zones and if you are a homeowner or landlord

To learn more about renovation program for persons with disabilities don’t hesitate to get in touch, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Mobility