Posted by: Janet Sutherland and Pat Eakins, SWOOS Housing Project Team members

The topic of housing models for older adults will be the subject of a series of presentations planned to take place at the Abbotsford Seniors Centre during the month of May. Abbeyfield Riverside, a not-for-profit based in Old Ottawa South, is exploring the potential for an Abbeyfield-style residence (abbeyfield.ca) to be established in the area, possibly in the new tower planned for the west side of Bank Street at Riverside. Before we proceed too far along this path, we are planning the following series of presentations at Abbotsford Seniors Centre to provide information on various housing models for older adults, from living independently in the community to living in a shared residence with a range of supports.

May 17, 2023 Housing options for older adults in Ottawa Considering your next move? Hoping to age in place or explore alternatives? Housing options for older adults with moderate incomes will be outlined and discussed, using the Council on Aging Housing Guide, checklist and resource list. You are strongly encouraged to review these in advance of the presentation at coaottawa.ca/committees/housing/housing-options-in-ottawa. Come with your questions and ready to learn more about what’s available in our community. The speaker will be a representative of the Council on Aging of Ottawa’s Age-Friendly Housing Committee.

May 24, 2023 Barbara Steele, DID ARIDO IDC Registered Interior Designer & Chantal Trudel, BA, BID, MSc., Associate Professor, Carleton U School of Industrial Design will be presenting the concept of universal home design. Universal design is how spaces made for the 30-year-old, fully able-bodied you, become spaces for you (or anyone!) at any age or level of ability. Your home should be a place where you feel safe and comfortable. What if, over time, it gets harder to live in your home? Are stairs and bathtubs becoming a challenge? Are you having a hard time getting to what you need in the kitchen to make dinner?

May 31, 2023 JP Melville, director of Abbeyfield Canada, will discuss the Abbeyfield concept of shared living and the status of Abbeyfield housing model. He will share the evolving nature of the Abbeyfield concept. You will meet someone from a local Abbeyfield residence in Ottawa: and hear about a day in the life of a fully operational household. Terrance Hunsley, chair of Abbeyfield Riverside, will discuss the progress of a new provisional Abbeyfield initiative in our local community. He will present the status of the project, including location options, potential models, timeframe and living costs.

Information for all three speakers series:

  • sessions will be held LIVE and on ZOOM simultaneously at 1:00 – 2:30 pm
  • free but registration is required
  • Registration at the Abbotsford Reception Desk, 950 Bank Street OR by telephone 613-230-5730  OR for Abbotsford Centre members online with your key-tag: myactivecenter.com (look for Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre)