Survey shows 85 per cent of Canadians plan to age at home, yet few are considering changes
HomeStars partners with CARP on report highlighting
trends and solutions for Canadians planning to age at home
TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Just like taxes and change, you can count on this fact: we are all aging. This spring, Statistics Canada revealed that for the first time in the country's history, seniors (65+) outnumber children (14 and under). The growth is substantial with the number of seniors increasing a staggering 20 per cent since 2011. This historic increase is most significant among the country's oldest Canadians with 19.4 per cent growth for those over 85 and 41.3 per cent growth for those over 100 years of age.
Cue the Aging-in-Place report; a collaboration between HomeStars (Canada's leading online community connecting homeowners with home service professionals) and CARP (formerly the Canadian Association for Retired Persons) focused on supporting and providing education around Canadians planning to age in their homes.
"We know that the vast majority of aging Canadians want to stay in their homes as long as possible, but it's often not simply a case of staying put, there are adjustments that need to be made," says Nancy Peterson, CEO and founder, HomeStars. "Together we hope to help aging Canadians, their families and caregivers, gain access to the resources they need to not just survive, but thrive."
Some of the report highlights include:
- 72 per cent of respondents indicated the "convenient location" of their home was the primary reason for wanting to stay, followed by the more emotional response of "I love my home" at 66 per cent
- Just two per cent of respondents indicated they would move in with family or friends
- 56 per cent of respondents consider themselves proactive as it relates to aging in place renovations, yet 37 per cent of homeowners have never seriously considered home renovations to make it easier to age in place
- The most popular areas of the house for aging-related renovations were the bathroom along with stairways and entrances
- Regarding smart home technology, 64 per cent of respondents indicated that it was related to aging in place in that it could simplify life at home, yet 67 per cent of respondents had not considered installing it.
- 62 per cent of HomeStars respondents and 56 per cent of CARP respondents were unaware of tax benefits or grants to help subsidize aging-related renovations
"While undergoing a renovation can seem daunting, in the long run it can be more cost-effective than moving into a retirement facility if you are still able to care for yourself; even if you need some help around the house," says Anthony Quinn, Director of Community Affairs at CARP. "Unfortunately, there's a fair way to go regarding education on the financial support available, as over half of our members surveyed were unaware of tax credits for renovations to help them age at home."
For the full report, including details on financial support available, please visit: www.homestars.com/aging-in-place.
Editor's Notes:
The majority of the data in the report is based on an online survey conducted by HomeStars. This survey was conducted nationwide with HomeStars' client base, from June 15, 2017 – July 13, 2017 among 2,441 respondents. Two versions of the survey were sent: one to Service Professionals (280 responses) and the other to Homeowners (2,161 responses). Of the homeowner respondents, 76 per cent were between 50-79 years of age.
CARP also surveyed 2,924 of its members, from October 3, 2017 – October 10, 2017 on the subject of downsizing. The majority of respondents (73 per cent) were between 50-74 years of age.
About HomeStars
HomeStars, an ANGI Homeservices company, is the leading online community connecting homeowners and home service professionals in Canada. Homeowners can find reputable professionals through a database of two million companies and hundreds of thousands of reviews, as well as write reviews based on their experiences – both good and bad – to help others make better hiring decisions. To learn more, visit @HomeStars on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
About CARP
CARP, formerly Canadian Association for Retired Persons, is Canada's largest Advocacy Association for Canadians as we age. CARP advocates for better healthcare, financial security and freedom from ageism. CARP members engage in polls and petitions, email their elected representatives, connect with local chapters and share stories and opinions on urgent issues. CARP members also get more than 100 benefits and discounts in healthcare, lifestyle, travelling and many more. To learn more, please visit us on Twitter and Facebook.
SOURCE HomeStars
or for a PDF copy of the report, contact: Lauren Wasley, Carlaw Communications on behalf of HomeStars, 647-883-9439, [email protected]
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