Real Life Renos : The Podcast artwork

Real Life Renos : The Podcast

35 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago -

Living and aging in the perfect place often means renovating. Karen, an Aging in Place and Accessibility Strategist, knows that the renovations will involve not only the physical space where we live but also the way we think about how we live. Success is in the details!

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Episodes

Ramps

March 04, 2024 20:13 - 1 hour - 85.9 MB

Often built in a hurry and usually an eyesore, ramps are the subject of my conversation with Ron Wickman. We'll talk about why the entry to the home needs to be given more thought, how to blend ramps in with your exterior and we'll suggest alternatives to that front yard monstrosity.

Who Is Calling The Shots

February 12, 2024 15:18 - 18 minutes - 25.1 MB

I haven't done a specific video or podcast on the very basic question of the why behind the need for all of us to think about our future in terms of access within our own homes. I'm going to talk about that today, and then I'm going to talk about the most basic action. Starting. Where do we start and how do we start?

Hopes, Dreams & Wishes for Accessibility in 2024

January 29, 2024 14:29 - 51 minutes - 71.3 MB

Ron Wickman and I have lots of things on our individual lists of hopes, dreams and wishes for accessibility in 2024. Join us as we discuss the top three on each list.

Working With Accessibility Professionals

October 30, 2023 16:53 - 52 minutes - 71.5 MB

Architect Ron Wickman and Contractor John Kupchenko both specialize in accessibility. They join us to discuss some of the ins and outs of building accessible homes.

6 Most Asked Questions

August 22, 2023 14:00 - 18 minutes - 165 MB Video

As an Aging in Place and Accessibility Strategist, I am frequently asked questions by those who aren't sure where to start with planning for the years ahead. The questions vary but 6 of them are frequent flyer questions so this episode answers those 6 for everyone.

Izzy Camilleri

August 04, 2023 18:17 - 27 minutes - 42.7 MB Video

Izzy Camilleri is a world-renowned Canadian fashion designer who turned her creative talent and energy to adaptive and inclusive clothing in 2004. Izzy believes that people of all ages and abilities should have access to clothing that is well-fitting and great looking in addition to being functional.

Bathrooms

July 10, 2023 17:54 - 53 minutes - 83.5 MB Video

Planning for future needs is, perhaps, nowhere more important than the bathroom. Today Ron Wickman, an Architect who specializes in barrier-free design, and I discuss building a new bathroom as well as renovating an existing bathroom. We talk about challenges, language, styles, and yes, pricing.

Ron Wickman : Vertical Movement

July 06, 2023 18:15 - 33 minutes - 51.7 MB Video

Our series with Architect Ron Wickman continues with a dive into making vertical movement within a house accessible.

Ron Wickman : Entry

June 28, 2023 14:35 - 28 minutes - 44.8 MB Video

We continue our series on accessible housing with a deep dive into making the entry to a house accessible.

Ron Wickman : Shopping for a House

June 19, 2023 13:07 - 48 minutes - 66.1 MB Video

You want to buy a house but you already know that anything you buy will need renovations to accommodate your needs. Ron takes us through the first blush of assessing homes.

History of Accessible Housing

June 08, 2023 17:29 - 1 hour - 98.8 MB Video

Ron Wickman, an Architect specializing in barrier-free design, joins us for the first of a series on accessible housing. Today we review the history of accessibility in the residential space.

Episode 215 : Spring To Do List

April 05, 2023 13:38 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MB

Spring is coming and with it comes the need to make sure that independence, safety and dignity can be maintained throughout the spring and summer seasons. Join us to review the 'honey do' list.

Ron Wickman 2

March 12, 2022 16:35 - 1 hour - 76.6 MB

We're welcoming Ron Wickman back with us today to take a deeper dive into exactly when and how a barrier-free entrance to a home can be achieved. It's a complicated process. We'll also take a look at a few different housing developments and see what it takes to put accessible design on the map.

Diane Bergeron

January 13, 2022 14:45 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MB

Diane has a Master of Arts in Leadership and has put that to good use working in government administration at the municipal and provincial levels before accepting her current position as President, CNIB Guide Dogs and VP, International Affairs also for the CNIB. Her role involves national and international advocacy, a responsibility she has undertaken on behalf of other organizations as well. Diane’s appetite for adventures that few of us would undertake is what caught my eye. To say she is ...

Ron Wickman

January 13, 2022 14:32 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MB

Ron Wickman was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. He graduated from the Technical University of Nova Scotia with a master of architecture degree. Like many in professional fields, Ron specializes, and his interest was very clear in his master's thesis, which was entitled Beyond the Ramp. It has since been published and is available through his website now. I ordered a copy of it and I was just so mesmerized by it. I found it very thought-provoking because it not only identifies the probl...

Episode 179 : Glass Half Full

December 01, 2021 17:50 - 5 minutes - 5.01 MB

Are you a glass half full or glass half empty kind of person? As we dive into the holiday season, not to mention winter, it matters.

Episode 178 : How Good Is Your Tread?

November 24, 2021 19:35 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MB

Tread matters! It will keep you on your feet or fail to prevent you from falling. Falling can often be a serious thing for older adults so check that tread.

Episode 177 : Who Is There For You?

November 24, 2021 19:30 - 10 minutes - 9.54 MB

We all need people to support us but not everyone can identify who that might be.

Episode 176 : Grandparenting

November 24, 2021 19:22 - 4 minutes - 3.79 MB

Are you a grandparent? I need your advice.

Episode 175 : The Oldish 2021 Gift Guide

November 24, 2021 19:14 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MB

It's time to make a list and check it twice! Let us help with suggestions for older adults.

Episode 174 : Rational Thought

November 24, 2021 18:52 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MB

Decision-making is a process with many shades of grey.

Episode 173 : The Turf You Claim Is Crucial

November 24, 2021 18:28 - 15 minutes - 14 MB

Time to get real about the place you hang your hat

Episode 172 : Your Health and Wellness

November 24, 2021 18:22 - 17 minutes - 16 MB

Our own health and wellness is often not paid attention to until something happens. The air in our homes can often be more polluted than the outdoor air, as an example.

Episode 171 : Forward Movement Isn't A Straight Line

November 24, 2021 17:48 - 8 minutes - 7.45 MB

Moving forward in life is always the goal but how often have you been sidetracked by jogs in the road?

Episode 170 : The Power of No

September 30, 2021 18:03 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MB

No is a complete sentence but it doesn't come without obligations and consequences.

Episode 169 : How Many Medications Are You Taking?

September 30, 2021 17:57 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MB

Time to clean out your medicine cabinet. Medications that aren't needed can affect balance and quality of life potentially leading to loss of independence.

Episode 168 : The Best Money I've Spent Lately

September 30, 2021 17:49 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MB

Want to know the best money I've spent lately? For my health, independence and ability to live my life the way I choose.

Episode 167 : Boundaries

September 29, 2021 14:39 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MB

Boundaries are a critical part of all relationships. We teach people how to treat us and now may be a good time to review your boundaries.

Aging & Pets

May 31, 2020 17:29 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MB

Veterinarian Dr. Ellen Shapiro joins us to discuss both sides of aging and pets. Pets get older and need special care. Humans also get older and find great comfort in the company of pets but there are some lessons to learn about choosing pets, keeping them happy and providing for their care in the event that life throws us a curveball.

Project Lifesaver

May 31, 2020 17:18 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MB

Sergeant Andrew McIsaac of the Ontario Provincial Police is our guest today as we learn about Project Lifesaver. A premier search and rescue program, Project Lifesaver is operated internationally and is strategically designed for at-risk individuals prone to wandering.

Is a Reverse Mortgage for You?

May 31, 2020 17:13 - 28 minutes - 39.2 MB

Reverse mortgages can make use of the equity in your home to help with modifications to help your home work with you and whatever challenges you and your family face. Yvonne Ziomecki from Home Equity Bank joins us today to explain the possibilities.

Lesya Dyk Explains the Role of an OT

May 31, 2020 16:56 - 25 minutes - 35.7 MB

Our guest, Lesay Dyk, is an Occupational Therapist. An OT can be your best ally when you need home modifications in a hurry but can also help you stay in the home of your dreams.

Building and Reno Ideas, Oh My!

September 19, 2019 17:45 - 53 minutes - 73.5 MB

Today Melissa and Karen are at the Stratford and Area Builders' Association Picnik where they are joined by contractors and renovators who work with consumers looking to transition into a physical space that is better suited to the years ahead. Join us and meet Larry Otten of Larry Otten Contracting; John Meinen of Pinnacle Quality Homes who is also the current president of the Ontario Home Builders' Association and incoming president of the Canadian Home Builders' Association; Brett Bickell...

Gary Sharp Talks About Renovating

September 19, 2019 17:33 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MB

Our guest, Gary Sharp, is the Director of Renovator Services at the Canadian Home Builders' Association. On this episode, Gary talks about renovations including what consumers should consider when hiring and what certifications a renovator or contractor should have.  

Meet Karen and Melissa

September 19, 2019 15:06 - 22 minutes - 30.6 MB

Welcome to the first episode of Real Life Renos! Today Karen and Melissa introduce themselves to you. Learn why they are so passionate about renovations to buildings and to the way we think about how to move forward successfully.