Real Life Renos : The Podcast

You want to buy a house but you already know that anything you buy will need renovations to accommodate your needs. Ron takes us through the first blush of assessing homes.

Ron Wickman, an Architect specializing in barrier-free design, joins us for the first of a series on accessible housing. Today we review the history of accessibility in the residential space.

Spring is coming and with it comes the need to make sure that independence, safety and dignity can be maintained throughout the spring and summer seasons. Join us to review the 'honey do' list.

We're welcoming Ron Wickman back with us today to take a deeper dive into exactly when and how a barrier-free entrance to a home can be achieved. It's a complicated process. We'll also take a look at a few different housing developments and see what it takes to put accessible design on the map.

Diane has a Master of Arts in Leadership and has put that to good use working in government administration at the municipal and provincial levels before accepting her current position as President, CNIB Guide Dogs and VP, International Affairs also for the CNIB. Her role involves national and international advocacy, a responsibility she has undertaken on behalf of other organizations as well. Dian...

Ron Wickman was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. He graduated from the Technical University of Nova Scotia with a master of architecture degree. Like many in professional fields, Ron specializes, and his interest was very clear in his master's thesis, which was entitled Beyond the Ramp. It has since been published and is available through his website now. I ordered a copy of it and I was just...

Are you a glass half full or glass half empty kind of person? As we dive into the holiday season, not to mention winter, it matters.

Tread matters! It will keep you on your feet or fail to prevent you from falling. Falling can often be a serious thing for older adults so check that tread.

We all need people to support us but not everyone can identify who that might be.

Are you a grandparent? I need your advice.

It's time to make a list and check it twice! Let us help with suggestions for older adults.

Decision-making is a process with many shades of grey.

Time to get real about the place you hang your hat

Our own health and wellness is often not paid attention to until something happens. The air in our homes can often be more polluted than the outdoor air, as an example.

Moving forward in life is always the goal but how often have you been sidetracked by jogs in the road?

No is a complete sentence but it doesn't come without obligations and consequences.

Time to clean out your medicine cabinet. Medications that aren't needed can affect balance and quality of life potentially leading to loss of independence.

Want to know the best money I've spent lately? For my health, independence and ability to live my life the way I choose.

Boundaries are a critical part of all relationships. We teach people how to treat us and now may be a good time to review your boundaries.

Veterinarian Dr. Ellen Shapiro joins us to discuss both sides of aging and pets. Pets get older and need special care. Humans also get older and find great comfort in the company of pets but there are some lessons to learn about choosing pets, keeping them happy and providing for their care in the event that life throws us a curveball.

Sergeant Andrew McIsaac of the Ontario Provincial Police is our guest today as we learn about Project Lifesaver. A premier search and rescue program, Project Lifesaver is operated internationally and is strategically designed for at-risk individuals prone to wandering.

Reverse mortgages can make use of the equity in your home to help with modifications to help your home work with you and whatever challenges you and your family face. Yvonne Ziomecki from Home Equity Bank joins us today to explain the possibilities.

Our guest, Lesay Dyk, is an Occupational Therapist. An OT can be your best ally when you need home modifications in a hurry but can also help you stay in the home of your dreams.

Today Melissa and Karen are at the Stratford and Area Builders' Association Picnik where they are joined by contractors and renovators who work with consumers looking to transition into a physical space that is better suited to the years ahead. Join us and meet Larry Otten of Larry Otten Contracting; John Meinen of Pinnacle Quality Homes who is also the current president of the Ontario Home Builde...

Our guest, Gary Sharp, is the Director of Renovator Services at the Canadian Home Builders' Association. On this episode, Gary talks about renovations including what consumers should consider when hiring and what certifications a renovator or contractor should have.