Kate Chung and her spouse have resided in their condominium for 17 years. They invested $18,000 in modifications to enhance safety in their home, yet challenges persist. Issues such as narrow doorways, tripping hazards in the bathroom, and inconveniently stacked laundry appliances continue to pose obstacles.
Throughout the nation, baby boomers are growing older and entering retirement. Nevertheless, the choice to downsize is frequently obstructed by a lack of suitable housing alternatives. A report from the City of Toronto indicates that the majority of seniors in the area are not opting to downsize, mainly due to a shortage of improved options compared to their existing residences.
“We have nowhere to go,” Chung articulated, encapsulating the dilemma faced by numerous seniors. Advocates point out that older adults prefer to stay within their neighborhoods. They desire continued access to neighbors and vital services while preserving their independence.
Sal Amenta, co-chair of the Accessible Housing Network, remarked, “We need to be part of the community with the living, not isolated in an apartment, effectively banished from society.”
The idea of Universal Design is proposed as a means to create homes that are accessible. Such designs are tailored to meet the changing requirements of older residents. Features like lightweight lever-handled doors and countertops that can be adjusted in height are not only useful for seniors and individuals with disabilities but also for the general public.
These features facilitate aging in place and minimize the necessity for hospital visits.
Challenges in senior housing accessibility
In spite of the urgent need for accessible housing, Ontario’s construction standards mandate that only 15 percent of units in new residential developments must incorporate some accessibility features.
Critics contend that these standards are inadequate and lack the comprehensiveness needed to meet the requirements of an aging demographic. Moira Welsh, a housing advocate, points out that this situation often leaves many seniors unable to reside in most homes within their neighborhoods, resulting in potential health hazards. In response to these needs, the Daniels Corporation established an Accessibility Designed Program that goes beyond typical building code standards.
Their units feature roll-in showers, rollout balconies, power-operated doors, and wider door openings without incurring additional charges. Jake Cohen, COO of Daniels Corporation, noted that implementing these features shouldn’t be necessarily costlier. They have found acceptance among seniors, individuals with disabilities, and investors alike.
Toronto is also making progress toward enhanced accessibility. A recent report by Abi Bond, executive director of the Housing Secretariat, advises the creation of new standards for “barrier-free” units. These standards would surpass the Ontario Building Code requirements to ensure that such homes are genuinely livable for those with disabilities.
As the topic of senior housing continues to be a key concern, the demand for accessible and adaptable living spaces remains a vital discussion. Developers, urban planners, and community advocates are prioritizing the development of environments that can adapt to the evolving needs of an aging populace. The objective is to enable seniors to stay active and engaged within their communities.
