ARE MOM AND DAD SAFE AT HOME?

Are Mom and Dad Safe at Home?

This is my Mom, Wynne. Born in 1929, she is a remarkably vibrant yet fragile 97.  Although one of her favourite expressions is, "I'm tough, I'm British."

She remembers British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announcing the outbreak of the Second World War while neighbours gathered around a radio beside a coal fireplace.

Her first job, as a pre-teen, was delivering milk to homes in glass bottles—with the cream on top—accompanied by a driver, horse and buggy. It’s true.

Today, she still lives alone, with the help of family, friends and some angelic PSWs. I sleep over once a week. The dining room has become her bedroom, and a comfortable recliner has taken up residence in the living room.

Remarkably, she still has a wonderful memory, most days. She only started using a walker last year after a fall that broke her wrist and cracked a couple vertebrae.

We’ve tried retirement living —once after a hip replacement at 89, and again while she recovered from her fall. But she wants to remain in her townhome. So, for now, we’re doing our best to make that possible.

Aging in Place Is A Family Conversation

Helping families navigate the transition that comes with aging has become a regular part of our real estate conversations. And interestingly, that conversation often has very little to do with selling a house.

Our real estate team frequently helps families think through how a parent can remain safely and comfortably at home for years before it makes sense—or becomes necessary—to sell.

Sometimes, the best place to start is simply by looking at the home differently.
What could make it safer? What could make everyday tasks easier? Where might additional support be needed?

A Few Simple Aging-in-Place Considerations

Floors & stairs
Make sure area rugs have non-slip backing.
Consider broadloom or other secure flooring on stairs.
Remove anything that could create a tripping hazard.
Kitchen
Add pull-out inserts to lower cabinets.
Consider glass-front cabinets or easy-access storage for everyday dishes and condiments.
Move frequently used items to easily accessible locations.
Bedrooms & bathrooms
Consider creating a bedroom on the main floor.
Could a shower be added to a main-floor powder room?
Install grab bars near toilets, in showers and tubs, and wherever they may be useful.
Living Spaces
Arrange furniture to create clear, unobstructed walking paths.
Consider removing or replacing potentially dangerous pieces, such as glass coffee tables.
Make sure electrical cords are safely tucked away.
Outside the Home
Pay attention to exterior steps, railings, lighting and entryways.
Assure there is a safe and accessible route in and out of the house.

And perhaps most importantly, listen to what Mom and Dad want.

Aging in place isn’t simply about keeping someone in their home. It’s about helping them remain as independent, safe and comfortable as possible, for as long as possible.

For our families, we’re taking it one adjustment at a time.