Express_2014_04_11

Eco-friendly renovations are better for your health

A safer home for the elderly

A few simple tricks can sometimes be enough to improve the quality of life of elderly peo- ple who live in their own homes. The biggest tip of all is to think about de- cluttering the living space. Low pieces of fur- niture, rugs, and electric wires on the floor are often the cause of falls. Pay particular atten- tion to high-traffic areas and the bedroom, especially around the bed. SAFETY ACCESSORIES Conveniently placed furniture and grab bars installed in strategic places facilitate an el- derly person’s movements around the home. Grab bars are also a priority in the bath- room, where devices that help prevent falls are vital. Anti-slip flooring is also essential. Baths can be suitable for those who do not have mobility problems; however, a hand- held shower can be much easier to use for an elderly person, especially if they can sit on a shower bench and have grab bars to use for standing up, sitting down, and getting in and out of the cubicle or bathtub. APPROPRIATE LIGHT FIXTURES Where possible, the bedroom should be on the ground floor and be located near

a bathroom. Not having to negotiate stairs, especially at night, is an important safety factor. Space and clutter can be maximi- zed by reducing a room’s furniture to the bare essentials. Wall lights are also a good idea, with switches placed in convenient spots to facilitate access. A bed with a remote- controlled base gives much-appreciated comfort when an elderly person wishes to read or watch television before going to sleep. Above all, keep comfort and safety in mind, without forgetting about the individual’s tas- tes, needs, and habits.

Having a good environmental conscience sometimes means asking yourself a few ques- tions when the time comes to do work around the house. Fortunately, manufacturers and retailers have begun to understand that the general public is concerned about the envi- ronment and have made many eco-friendly products and solutions available. When doing home improvement jobs, it is now possible to make sensible choices that won’t compromise the health of your family. The first thing to do for a more eco-friendly home is to improve its energy efficiency. Cutting back on heat and air-conditioning requirements is a green choice that will also reduce your gas or electric bill. After carry- ing out tests to detect where air and heat are escaping, a specialist can help you decide where insulation can increase your efficiency and whether a new roof, windows, doors, or floor coverings can have an impact. Installing faucets that limit water wastage in the kitchen and bathroom is also a priority. By choosing eco-friendly materials for the cabinets and vanities, you can avoid being

exposed to toxic products released when certain conditions are present, such as high humidity levels in bathrooms. No matter what type of work is needed inside or outside the home, you can now opt for recy- cled products or those that have been designed using fewer or even no toxic products. Choose natural materials wherever possible, such as real wood, and ensure that it is of good quality. And be sure to use house paint that is free of volatile organic compounds to ensure better air quality in the home.

MAURICE GUÉRIN RÉPARATION DE FONDATION Tél. : 613 632-8114 Cell. : 613 551-3576 Téléc. : 613 632-6319

PRIX COMPÉTITIFS

Entrepreneur général/General Contractor Finition extérieure/intérieure • Indoor/Outdoor Finishing

25 years experience Industrial Roofing Reg. I t i l i e . Prêt à vous servir ! Ready to serve you!

The Professional Roofing and Waterproofing Specialist. For All Types of Roofing and Waterpfroofing Requirements.

• Industrial / Industriel • Commercial • Residential / Résidentiel Jacques Labre, propr. | Tel. : 613 632-4013/ Cell. : 613 551-5090

Nettoyage de drain • Système de caméra

Let Us Evaluate All Your Roofing Needs! CERTIFIÉE IKO OBTENEZ 5 ANS DE

GARANTIE SUPPLÉMENTAIRE! ROOF MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS SNOW REMOVAL

NOUS PEINTURONS LES TOITURES EN TÔLE AVEC UNE GARANTIE DE 10 ANS WE PAINT SHINGLES WITH A 10 YEAR WARANTY

Aménagement paysager et vente de spas nordique. Tout pour agrémenter votre cour 613.676.2223 450.409.1236

Call NOW For A FREE ESTIMATE 192 JOHN ST., HAWKESBURY • 613 632 -UN UN TOIT NEUF (1139)

ESTIMATION GRATUITE

Tél. : 613 636-0092

Télec. : 613 636-0606

EXIT REALTY PREMIER BROKERAGE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATEDS 1 Main Street, Suite 300, Hawkesbury ON K6A 1A1

WWW.LOCATIONDUPONTRENTAL.COM E-mail: dupont@hawk.igs.net LOCATION DUPONT RENTAL 806 Main E. Hawkesbury, ON K6A 1B6 GILLES & JOHANNE DUPONT, Propriétaires/Owners Réparation des tracteurs à gazon, souffleuses à neige et petits moteurs. Repairs: Lawn tractors, snow blowers and small engines.

F REE ESTIMATE • E STIMATION GRATUITE V OULEZ - VOUS CONNAÎTRE LA VALEUR DE VOTRE PROPRIÉTÉ ? D O YOUWANT TO KNOWTHE VALUE OF YOUR PROPERTY ?

François Poirier

Direct: 613 677-1349 Web: www.fpoirier.com Email: info@fpoirier.com

Représentant des ventes bilingue Bilingual Sales Representative

Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker