Before you pick up a hammer or call a contractor, decisions must be made. In this podcast, we talk with Aging in Place expert, Linda Kafka, about the thinking and conversations we all need to have.By Karen L Brown

Ron Wickman joins us to recap his experiences at the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and Alberta Association of Architects conferences. Multiple people discussed accessibility! Ron also lets us in on whether or not he puts accessible design features into client projects without their knowledge.…

Part two of our conversation with Robert Lipka and Ron Wickman focuses on the issues small towns have with becoming accessible. Toward the end of the conversation, we talked about words and how they matter when discussing accessibility.By Karen L Brown

Outdoor spaces must be accessible for those who enjoy gardening, socializing or sitting outside reading a book in nice weather. Some of those outdoor spaces are being reduced by the push toward infill housing. Today's podcast looks at both of these issues.By Karen L Brown

Often built in a hurry and usually an eyesore, ramps are the subject of my conversation with Ron Wickman. We'll talk about why the entry to the home needs to be given more thought, how to blend ramps in with your exterior and we'll suggest alternatives to that front yard monstrosity.By Karen L Brown

I haven't done a specific video or podcast on the very basic question of the why behind the need for all of us to think about our future in terms of access within our own homes. I'm going to talk about that today, and then I'm going to talk about the most basic action. Starting. Where do we start and how do we start?…

Ron Wickman and I have lots of things on our individual lists of hopes, dreams and wishes for accessibility in 2024. Join us as we discuss the top three on each list.By Karen L Brown

Architect Ron Wickman and Contractor John Kupchenko both specialize in accessibility. They join us to discuss some of the ins and outs of building accessible homes.By Karen L Brown

As an Aging in Place and Accessibility Strategist, I am frequently asked questions by those who aren't sure where to start with planning for the years ahead. The questions vary but 6 of them are frequent flyer questions so this episode answers those 6 for everyone.By Karen L Brown

Izzy Camilleri is a world-renowned Canadian fashion designer who turned her creative talent and energy to adaptive and inclusive clothing in 2004. Izzy believes that people of all ages and abilities should have access to clothing that is well-fitting and great looking in addition to being functional.…

Planning for future needs is, perhaps, nowhere more important than the bathroom. Today Ron Wickman, an Architect who specializes in barrier-free design, and I discuss building a new bathroom as well as renovating an existing bathroom. We talk about challenges, language, styles, and yes, pricing.By Karen L Brown

Our series with Architect Ron Wickman continues with a dive into making vertical movement within a house accessible.By Karen L Brown

We continue our series on accessible housing with a deep dive into making the entry to a house accessible.By Karen L Brown

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.By Karen L Brown

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.By Karen L Brown

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.By Karen L Brown

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.By Karen L Brown

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 underta…

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 …

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.By Karen L Brown

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.By Karen Brown

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

Are you a grandparent? I need your advice.By Karen L Brown

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

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.By Karen L Brown

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

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

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.By Reno Studios

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

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.By Reno Studios

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.By Real Life Renos

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.By Real Life Renos

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.By Real Life Renos

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 als…

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.By Real Life Renos

Welcome to the first episode of Real Life Renos! Today Karen and Melissa introduce themselves to you. Learn why they are so passionate about renovations to buildings and to the way we think about how to move forward successfully.By Real Life Renos