News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By John Kurvink

Conventional wisdom tells us that the elderly do best when they can stay in their own home.  However, many factors go into making that decision, and it is important to consider the myriad of options available and assess the financial, emotional, and physical needs of individuals on a case by case basis. 

When assessing if an elderly parent, relative, or friend is able to remain in their home, and age in place, the first step is identifying the support network that will assist them in maintaining their independence. It is crucial that there is a willingness among family and friends to accept the obligations that come with acting as a caregiver to an elderly individual. 

It is then crucial to identify potential barriers to a successful living arrangement. The home and property should be assessed for hazards, especially those that can increase the risk of falling. When assessing the property for safety, take into consideration such things as: whether or not stairs have sturdy handrails; sidewalks and the driveway should be even, with no surfaces to trip over; the bathtub and toilet should be easily accessible; flooring should be slip proof, and flooring transitions should be smooth; automatic shutoffs for appliances, such as the stove, should be installed; and an alarm system and/or emergency response system should be installed. 

In addition to safety considerations, the home should also be made “elder friendly” by ensuring that doors are easy to open and close; displays and buttons on home appliances and telephones should be large and easy to read and use; shelves should be easily accessible; if the homeowner is unable to maintain the yard, arrange for landscaping; flower beds and planters should be raised; and medication reminders should be in place, so that all prescriptions are taken at the right time and in the right amount.  

For many families, it is worthwhile to bring in an occupational therapist (OT) to evaluate the home for hazards. OTs can also identify areas where design changes can make the home safer and easier to live in. Local health authorities often cover the cost of this assessment through their home support programs, but there may be a waitlist, as these professionals are usually in short supply. If you don’t qualify for a government subsidized assessment, private pay OTs, and other elder care consultants, are also available to assist in an evaluation of the home. 

Once an evaluation has been made and repairs identified, seniors, or their family, should contact Canada Mortgage and Housing and inquire about the Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence program, which provides forgivable loans to seniors who qualify. This can help offset some of the expense, but costs can quickly add up. Seniors can also defer paying their property taxes, which can free up several thousand dollars each year in cash flow, or use a reverse mortgage to free up equity frozen in the value of the property. 

When deciding if an elderly relative should remain in their home, there are many things to consider, and no two situations are the same. If the decision is made to keep an individual in their home, their physical ability and health status should be monitored as it can change quickly, and what works today might not work in the future. No matter how safe and elder friendly the home is made, at some point the medical and social needs of the person may outweigh any benefits to aging in place. 

John Kurvink is a chartered accountant and has his masters in health administration. He is the chief executive officer for Chantelle Management Limited, which owns and operates seniors’ complexes.

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