Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
The Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI), part of the University Health Network (UHN), has one of the most technologically advanced rehabilitation research centres in the world. It is dedicated to revolutionizing rehabilitation and maximizing life for people living with the effects of disability, illness and aging–and to preventing injury by making homes, streets and workplaces safer.
Dr. Geoff Fernie (Institute Director) and Catharine Hancharek (Business Development Leader, Research) reviewed the architectural plans for 100 Perry Street with the developer and two of the buyers. Both of those buyers intend to “age in place” – remaining in the 100 Perry Street house as long as possible.
Geoff and Catharine offered valuable advice on several important safety and accessibility features. Geoff kicked off the discussion by pointing out that, if all five residents grow old in the house, “at least one of you will be in a wheelchair or scooter”. That provided the framework for the discussion.
The following is a partial list of the recommendations that Geoff and Catharine made. We haven't been able to incorporate all of the recommendations, but have included as many of these features as possible. Some (e.g. generator, hallway railings) will be installed after we build up our "contingency" fund a little more. We incude the full list here for others who may be planning a similar project.