2018 Dream Home Lottery the first in Ontario to offer fully VisitAble home prize

Bluewater Health Foundation’s 2018 Dream Home, this year located at 3866 Arie Court in Camlachie, is the first in Ontario to be fully VisitAble.

The ‘VisitAble’ home concept involves designing and building a home with basic accessibility, allowing for easier access to the main level for visitors of all ages and mobility. Those who rely on wheelchairs or walkers, or who have limited mobility due to age or other factors, will now comfortably be able to access the main level of the home, something that was never possible before.

“It was very important for us to ensure that all people in our community could access, visit, and be comfortable in our Dream Home, and up to this point, it wasn’t always possible,” says Kathy Alexander, Executive Director, Bluewater Health Foundation. “We’re proud to be able to lead the way in making dream homes more accessible for all of our guests.”

A ‘VisitAble’ home has three features: a no step entrance, clear passageways, and an accessible bathroom. In addition, the modifications will also allow for the home owner to more easily transport furniture or strollers into the home, and will be of benefit to those who may have temporary difficulty walking (such as due to a broken leg).

“We’re thrilled that our first time being involved with the Dream Home Lottery is also the Foundation’s first time building a fully VisitAble home,” says Nelson Peters, President, Elite Homes. “We’re so proud to be involved in a project that is paving the way in providing VisitAble, universally designed homes.”

VisitAble houses are environmentally, financially and socially sustainable, providing benefit to communities with older citizens, allowing people to live at home longer. Having a no step entrance can help reduce the number of falls by seniors.

“More and more, as the population ages, we see the need for increased accessibility and supports for people to stay in their homes longer,” says Mike Lapaine, President & CEO, Bluewater Health. “This home’s design supports our desire for Sarnia-Lambton to have a robust care-at-home strategy where families can age and remain in their homes and community for longer. We are proud to be supporting a home that is pushing the design envelope for accessibility.”

“I want to offer sincere congratulations to Bluewater Health Foundation on the opening of their innovative and sustainable Dream Home,” says Roger Gervais, Certified Aging In Place Specialist. “This is a commendable accomplishment which highlights the innovation in your organization, and is a wonderful example of the next important trend in new housing.”

For more information on VisitAble homes, visit visitablehousingcanada.com. Full details about the 2018 Dream Home Lottery will be announced in September. Tickets will go on sale October 2.

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