Thresholds – Exterior
Posted on October 1, 2019

Article in The Country News

October 2019

Written by Patrick Simpson
Executive Director, SAFERhome Society

Situation – We are getting older and we are starting to have problems getting around the house.

I never used to think about getting in and out of the bathtub. It was just something you did, why would you think about it? Well that’s changed it seems. Now I’m starting to feel really unsafe and feel like I could slip and fall down at any time. Grabbing the soap dish or shower curtain has been my only option. I have lost count of the number of times I have had my heart in my throat with almost “wiping out” events. And now when I put my foot between the toilet and the bathtub and reach in to turn on the shower controls, I get this feeling that I’m on an edge and could fall into the tub. It didn’t used to be this way and so hard to balance and stretch…

So, what do you do in this situation? Should we sell the house and find something better or more appropriate? Yes! Absolutely! If you can find the right house in the right place and you have all the right info on what to ask for in a home. Currently its difficult for older people to climb over thresholds when they are using canes, walkers or scooters. For the most part they are unable to physically get into the developer’s sales offices or show suites. It appears that all the builders are building to the minimum standards so we as consumers cannot get or buy the housing we need to maintain and normal lifestyle.

The only developer that is actually doing some thing about that is Everton Ridge homes in Vernon BC.

They have the only show home that anyone can get into normally and be able to interact with a beautiful future proof more liveable home environment. If you want a fun field trip go to the top and visit their Turtle Mountain show home, they truly can welcome everyone.

The BC Interiors only Certified SAFERhome “Gold” Standard Builders.