Frequently Asked Questions
Our goal in creating an FAQ link was to address some of the most frequently asked questions, but also address questions that some may be afraid to ask. We trust these FAQ’s are helpful.
To be clear, this is not an exhaustive list of FAQ’s, but is a list nonetheless that applies to all those surrounding AIP/Aging In Place as well as both injury and illness related mobility challenges…but with those challenges, a host of solutions and resources.
If you have a question you think needs to be on our list; we openly welcome your suggestion, or simply call us. We want this web portal to be just that; a portal of information that is as inclusive as possible on every mobility-related concern; and with the concern; a resource-rich array of solutions.
General
How much does it cost for accessibility construction in Calgary?
The cost of hiring us depends on various factors, such as:
- The size and scope of the project
- The type and quality of materials
- The design and layout of the space
- The specific needs and preferences of the client
We offer a free consultation for anyone who is interested in our services.
How long does it take to build an accessible home?
The project estimate depends on various factors such as:
- The type and extent of home
- The specifications of the project.
We will work with you to create a realistic schedule that minimizes disruption and inconvenience. We will also keep you updated on the progress and status of the project throughout the process.
What are the key features of a My Lifetime Homes home in Calgary?
Our accessible homes will have features like ramps, grab bars and safety rails in place. Thus ensuring that the home you or your loved one moves into will at minimum have basic barrier-free components.
Do you offer financing for renovations in Calgary?
Yes, we do offer up to $100,000 of financing for accessibility renovations in Calgary. Click here for more options. For more information, contact us at (403) 720-8789.
Is My Lifetime Home licensed, insured and bonded?
Yes, our accessibility construction company is licensed, insured and bonded. We are a licensed contractor with the City of Calgary, and carry $5 million in liability insurance and WCB coverage for all our employees and subcontractors. We are also bonded by the Alberta New Home Warranty Program, which provides protection for homeowners against defects in workmanship and materials.
My preference would be to live in my home for my foreseeable lifetime. What are some early planning stages you can help me with?
What government resource sites cover discussion and data around Secondary Suites, Aging in Place, Accessibility and more?
- CMHC’s resource site: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/developing-and-renovating/accessible-adaptable-housing
- 15 Minute Video from CMHC: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/developing-and-renovating/accessible-adaptable-housing/accessible-housing-by-design
- City of Calgary: https://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Home-building-and-renovations/Secondary-Suites.aspx?redirect=/suites
I understand that falls are the leading cause of injuries to aging adults; what are my options?
- Education on Fall Prevention: https://silvercross.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Silver-Cross-Seniors-Living-Choices-Infographic.pdf
- https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/five-step-process-home-owner/
- https://101mobility.com/calgary/
I don’t use a wheelchair, but I have other physical and/or neurological challenges. Do I still need an assessment?
We do suggest you have a proper long term plan which starts with an O/T assessment of your concerns and conditions and how your home will function for you; visit either:
I really don’t think my current home can work for what I see given my current and future mobility challenges; can you help me with alternative solutions?
- Case study Videos:
- Deciding Between Renovating or Relocating: https://www.pinnaclerenovations.ca/renovate-or-relocate
- Our 5-Step Process: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/five-step-process-home-owner/
I, or my loved one, or family member has sustained a MVA, sports or activity injury and does not have insurance coverage; what are my options, and what can I do immediately to help me access my home?
- https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/finance/
- https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/five-step-process-home-owner/MyLifetimeHome/FiveSteps.ca
I, or my loved one, or family member is either in Rehab or about to be released from Rehab as a result of a debilitating illness or injury; what are my options?
I, or my loved one, or family member has been diagnosed with a genetic illness that will need mobility solutions over the next months or years; can you help me?
Media & Organizations focused on Active Adults and Boomers
Where can I find articles and Videos about AIP/Aging in Place and related resources?
- Zoomer Media: https://www.everythingzoomer.com/
- Canadian Association of Retires Persons: https://www.carp.ca/
- CMHC: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/developing-and-renovating/accessible-adaptable-housing/aging-in-place
Professionals Section
My patient or client is either in Rehab or about to be released from Rehab as a result of a debilitating illness or injury; what are my options?
- The MyLifetimeHomeTM 5-Step Process: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/5-step-process/
I would like to better educate myself in seeing what adaptations are commonly known for an insurance or legal case. What single government resource site covers discussion and data around Accessibility, Secondary Suites, Aging in Place, and more?
- CMHC’s Multi-resource site: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/developing-and-renovating/accessible-adaptable-housing
- 15 Minute Video from CMHC: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/developing-and-renovating/accessible-adaptable-housing/accessible-housing-by-design
I am an O/T and need a design created for my client who is about to be discharged to their home; can you provide consulting for me?
- The MyLifetimeHomeTM 5-Step Process: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/5-step-process/
I am an Injury Lawyer and need temporary solutions for my client’s home while I work out their settlement; can you provide solutions and a temporary outcome for my client?
- The MyLifetimeHomeTM 5-Step Process: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/5-step-process/
- Funding & Grant Resources: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/finance/
I am an Injury Lawyer and have been able to secure an awarded claim for my client and need permanent solutions for my client’s home. Do you have the required team to provide the best outcome in a one-stop solution?
- Learn about us: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/about/
- The MyLifetimeHomeTM 5-Step Process: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/5-step-process/
Budgets & Financing
Personal & Self-financed queries:
How do I access funding resources from various organizations for accessible equipment?
- Funding for Accessibility Equipment in Canada: https://silvercross.com/getting-funding-for-accessibility-equipment-in-canada/
Can I get a quick overview of general financial solutions to modify my home for barrier-free accessibility?
- Funding & Grant Resources: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/finance/
I own my home; I have sustained an injury and expect an insurance settlement, what should I do in the interim as I need better mobility and access to my home?
- Consultation & more: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/five-step-process-home-owner/
- Quick Overview: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/finance/
- Reverse Mortgage quick myth-buster video: View Video
- Reverse Mortgage quick Tips: www.chip.ca
I own my home and am experiencing mobility challenges and need financing; what are my best options?
- Consultation & more: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/five-step-process-home-owner/
- Quick Overview: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/finance/
- Reverse Mortgage quick myth-buster video: View Video
- Reverse Mortgage quick Tips: www.chip.ca
I own my home; I have sustained a debilitating illness, or a short term or long term injury and need financing; what are my best options?
- Consultation & more: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/five-step-process-home-owner/
- Quick Overview: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/finance/
- Reverse Mortgage quick myth-buster video: View Video
- Reverse Mortgage quick Tips: www.chip.ca
Government Resources, Funding, Tax and/or Rebate Options:
Can I get a quick overview of general financial solutions?
- Quick Overview: https://www.mylifetimehome.ca/finance/
What resource sites cover Secondary Suites, Aging in Place, Accessibility and more?
- CMHC Multi-resource site: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/developing-and-renovating/accessible-adaptable-housing
- 15 Minute Video from CMHC: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/developing-and-renovating/accessible-adaptable-housing/accessible-housing-by-design
- City of Calgary: https://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Home-building-and-renovations/Secondary-Suites.aspx?redirect=/suites
I or my family or loved one is a Veteran; who can I contact for possible Veteran assistance?
I or my family or loved one is a resident of Alberta; who can I contact for possible home modification assistance?
- https://www.alberta.ca/residential-access-modification-program.aspx
- https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-aids-to-daily-living.aspx?utm_source=redirector
Does CRA offer tax help?
Philanthropic funding:
- Presidents Choice Children’s Charity: https://www.pcchildrenscharity.ca/
- Shriner’s Children’s Hospital: https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc
- Children’s Wish: https://www.childrenswish.ca/
- Kids Cancer Care: https://www.kidscancercare.ab.ca/
- MS Society of Canada: https://mssociety.ca/
- Easter Seals: https://easterseals.ca/english/about-us/programs-and-services/
- Spinal Cord Alberta: https://sci-ab.ca/
- Muscular Dystrophy: http://muscle.ca/
- Cerebral Palsy: https://www.cpalberta.com/funding-request/
- Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.ca/
- Spina Bifida: https://www.sbhabc.org/our-program/
- ALS: https://www.als.ca/research/apply-for-funding/
Accessibility Aids & Solutions
Specialized kitchen design ideas, accessories and accessibility solutions:
What resources and products are available to create a more accessible kitchen?
- https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/kitchen-remodel/universal-design-style-kitchens-pictures
- https://www.pinterest.ca/madaniinteriors/ada-kitchens/
- https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/housing-observer-online/2018-housing-observer/accessible-kitchens-through-universal-design
- https://www.pinnaclerenovations.ca/gallery-42
- https://www.pinnaclerenovations.ca/gallery-54
Specialized bathroom design ideas, accessories and accessibility solutions:
What resources and products are available to create a more accessible bathroom?
- https://www.invisiacollection.com/
- https://www.deltafaucet.com/bathroom/product/51900-PN
- https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNQa1QmKtC3Czpgs90VikAD4Ft2vEQ:1577930538788&q=delta+universal+showering&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQm_qp6ePmAhXHl54KHXgrCCgQsAR6BAgIEAE&biw=1160&bih=706
- https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/bathroom-remodel/ada-compliant-bathroom-layouts
- https://www.pinterest.ca/angelwebb1/ada
- bathroom/https://www.eastersealstech.com/2014/06/11/top-5-things-consider-designing-accessible-bathroom-wheelchair-users/
- https://www.pinnaclerenovations.ca/gallery-54
- https://www.pinnaclerenovations.ca/gallery-42
Home Automation and lighting services:
What resources and products are available to provide home automation solutions?
- https://digilife.ca/fast/
- https://www.access-board.gov/attachments/article/1350/adaag.pdf
- https://www.essentialaccessibility.com/web-accessibility-solution/
Vehicle Conversions:
I would like to convert or purchase an accessible vehicle; can you help me?
Rental Resources for accessible needs:
I don’t need long term solutions; just short term for ramps, lifts, handrails etc; can you direct me?
Elevator, Ramp and Stair lift installations:
I need long term solutions for multiple points of access to my home; can you direct me?
Renovate or Relocate
I am unsure if my home can be modified for accessibility, so I may need to move to find something more suitable. What resources can you provide for me?
- We always suggest beginning with our complimentary consultation via an initial phone call, or if you prefer; we can meet in person at your home or our design studio. We provide high-level renovation design solutions and budget ranges at this initial consultation. Depending on your overall requirements as either proactive measures to gracefully age in place or if you are currently living with a disability; we will determine who from our team is needed on that initial consultation call or visit.
- Renovate or Relocate Service: https://www.pinnaclerenovations.ca/renovate-or-relocate
- Videos on recent Renovate or Relocate case study: