Whitby Free Press, Wednesday. November 10, 1993. Page 19 A HOME DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT FEATURE Agingpopulation dmadsidependence athome Recent resuits of a Statistics Canada survey show that nearly eight million people in Canada were aged 45 or over ini 1991 -- close to one-third of the popul1ation in this country. Close te, three million are aged 65 or over -- one-third living in private households with sanie form of' heaith or activity limitation. 'Open' housing is growing in importance as the large baby-boomer sector of our population demnanda practical solutions for convenient and mndependent living at home -- for new and for the future. "Thoughtful, creative and often simple . renovations are daaialy increasing the comfort and safety of existing dwellings," says Lou Frustaglia, a member of the Greater Toronto Home Builders Association (GTHIBA) renovation and redevelopment council and 1992 Canadian 'Renovator of the Year.' "At the same time, professions] renovators are laying the groundwork for tomorrow's needs with today's renovation designs, techniques and produets," ho adds. Opening doors A porch or overhang above an entrance door provides shelter frein the elements while homeawners locate keys or manoeuvre-niobility equipment. .Electronically-operated garage doors are a welcome security feature. Wide doorways, pocket doors that slide back, pop-latch cuphoards, levers rather than knobs, pull-out shelves and closets and puil-down shelves and clothes racks can aIl make a real difference for those who have difficulty around the house. Simple switches Push-pad light contrais are easier te, operate than conventional toggle switehes for many people. Convenient three-way switches make it possible te contrai the porch or garage light froni inside or outside the house or te, turn interior ights on and off froni different levels of the home. Light switches can aIso, ho lowered and electrical outlets raised ta ho within easy rach. Ini thekidtchen Lowering kcitchen cabinets can make them mare accessible, as can installing pull-eut cabinets or pop-latch cuphoards. Side-by-side refrigerator/ freezers, levered taps and faucets and stove teps with front or side centraIs can aise be easier to use. Sinka cen ho instalied ta, aliow for wheelchair clearance underneath, with the underside and water pipes insulated te, guard against burns. I the bathrooni Statistics Canada research shows that a bathroom renevation is the. most often undertaken fer fhysical cemfort and cenvenience.ý The tub is the most cammon fixture te ho modified, and Canadian manufacturers offer a range of preduets te, accommodate special needs. A bath seat built areund the tub makes it easier te swing the legs over the side, and water contrais cen ho placed within easy reach. Rail-in showers and pull-down seats in the shower and tub cen ho instafled. Tilting mirrors, shallow sinka and raised teilet fixtures aise improve accessibility. Many renovaters recommend insta]ling 15.8 mmn (5/8 inch) plywoad or strandboard behind drywall in the bathreem (te accemmodate grab bars) and worldng adequate turnaround space fer a wheelchair into any new bathream ayeut te allow fer future needs. Throughout the hSSa Renovating for convenience can include redesigning doorways and roani iayeuts te allow for wheelchair clearance, insta]ling elevaters or chairlifra and layin slip-resistant flooring - wood unglazed ceramic te, cushion flooring or short-pile, anti-static carpeting. We at Lafontaine wish to thank ali of our r customners for your continued support Please jom us Saturdiay, November 15/993 L With each purchase enter your ballot to win Battenbur lace "bcd in a basket' (complete lineèn ensemble - $260 value) *RSFRZESHMENTS e SALE ITEMS eANNIVERSARY DRAW ASSORTED VASES & URNS UP TO 50% OFF CHECK OUF OUR? CHRISTMAS STOCK L Lafonitaine ka)oPtai-pe IL06 Dunds St. W., r 43"774 PO 5T I IURS: Mon.-Wcd. 10-5:30 Thurs. 10-8 Fr1. 10-9.00 Sat. 10-5:30 (c-xtcrzded hours durinig Deoember) Computer contrai panels for heat and lights and audio and visual security alert devices can aise, improve convenience and safety in the home. For more information on home adaptations for seniors, contact the GTHBA at (416) 391-HOME. ITTickonRd Not of autonRd WALTER CAMPBELL POSTERS M I 4 y I I SPECIAL * lease join us on *Saturday, Nov.3thI Pk *to elebra te our FOIJRTH ANNTVERSARY. Expires Nov. 30/93 Harwood Place Mail ACCEPTED 4 ~27-1663 cr ofBayly & Harwaod, Ajax Introducung Lightlines Designer Series, They're Iight years ahead. SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE!' Cu«l fMr ,uvFIÀEESTIM A TEr to dy! Wedding Day