I am an occupational therapist who has focused on planning accessible home environments for 30 years.  If my client’s existing home cannot be modified appropriately, I often need to find another home that is a better starting point for renovations, e.g., a condo, or a bungalow with wider hallways and space for an accessible bathroom.  The cost of these options is always an issue, especially if outside funding may be available.

When considering a new home, I consistently speak with Jeff Kerr about my client’s needs – to seek his advice, and often arrange a real estate search and documentation of listings and costs.  Jeff knows the market very well, and what to look for in a property that will be further customized.

Jeff’s book “Barrier-Free Real Estate – Achieving Freedom at Home (2^nd Edition)” is a brain dump of what he has learned about home accessibility over his 22 years in the field, along with extensive research done during the COVID-19 lockdown in the spring of 2020.   I’m impressed by the depth of his knowledge, and his sensitivity to disability-related needs and issues.  Jeff’s unabashed endorsement of people and products is helpful for sure, and can be used as the basis for your own discussions, research and analysis.

Although having a personal copy is ideal, “Barrier-Free Real Estate – Achieving Freedom at Home (2^nd Edition)” is recommended to community occupational therapists (for reference and to loan to clients), seniors centres and public libraries in every community.  If you already have a copy of the 1^st Edition, I can tell you that the new version is worth buying too.  There is new material in every chapter, and several completely new chapters (including accessible kitchens, home offices and gardening!), excellent colour photos, and an international initiative worth considering here.

Jeffrey Kerr’s ” Barrier Free Real Estate ~ Achieving Freedom at Home”,  showcases the simple changes you can make to your home, to successfully age in place. This book is both timely and informative.  It is chock full of ideas and practical steps for adapting your existing home, or finding the right place that gives you the choice to stay there. A straightforward book of about choosing an accessible house or condo, or finding a suitable home to renovate, financing renovations, and various design and smart home technology considerations.  This book is perfect for the baby boomers who are considering their options and planning ahead.

Sue Lantz

An absorbing read providing a fascinating insight of how to respond to sudden changes in lifestyle, but also, how to prepare for the future and protect your investment.

Kerr’s knowledge is undeniably substantial, whether through personal experiences or his passion to help others. As legislation and real estate advances moving forward, Barrier Free Real Estate ~ Achieving Freedom at Home 2^nd Edition is a must have in everyone’s collection. It has provided me with a greater understanding and appreciation of how thoughtful design changes can fulfil your needs and last a lifetime.

Jacques Leblanc

A must in Barrier-Free Real Estate!

Real Estate can be daunting to anyone at the best of times, but when you are disabled like myself and so many other Canadians, it can be even more challenging! In this book, Jeffrey lays out all that you need to know (practical tips but also how to approach it) in a confident, reassuring and easy-to-understand manner.

Informative, approachable, knowledgeable. A must for anyone in the home market with accessibility needs!

After surviving a motor vehicle crash, many survivors are left to face numerous physical barriers with housing being one of them.  Achieving Freedom at Home is such an informative read which covers every barrier that you may face.  Jeff Kerr does an outstanding job explaining the importance of living comfortably, safely and independently at home.  It’s a must read!

This was a practical, straight-forward read with useful information for anyone wondering what they should look for when choosing an accessible home. This book will be particularly helpful for anyone new to accessibility, whether that’s individuals with new injuries, youth with disabilities leaving home for the first time, people looking for information about aging in place, or people looking to make their homes more accessible for guests.

Veronika Lukacs

Amazing!

I, UnstoppableTracy, as an accessibility author and advocate authority highly recommend this book! It’s engaging, it’s informative, it’s inspiring, and it offers numerous unique solutions! Jeffrey, I can’t thank you enough for sharing this with the world. A difference maker is an ordinary person that provides an extraordinary service that results in positive change. That’s you Jeffrey, a difference maker! Anyone actively aging or in the field of increasing accessibility, this is a must have for your bookshelf

Unstoppable Tracy and Jeffrey Kerr

Fantastic book!

If you are thinking about accessibility for your own living space, your parent’s home, (or in our case), ensuring our home is accessible for visiting relatives – this book should be your go-to resource! Barrier Free Real Estate includes extensive information, tips and guidance. From accessible solutions for every room in your house, to technology, and creative market-leading resources, Jeff covers it all. We have experienced first-hand Jeff’s expertise and are so pleased he has captured so much incredibly helpful information in a comprehensive guide to be able to share broadly.

Lauren McDougall

Thank you Jeffrey Kerr – Barrier Free Real Estate for writing the 2nd edition – Achieving Freedom at Home. The information was helpful and interesting. The book generated more conversation with our families about accessibility, independence and the need for accessible homes. Jeffrey – you are always dedicated and knowledgeable making access as a priority. Thank you!

May we collectively thank Jeffrey for gifting the world with his invaluable and comprehensive knowledge about barrier free living. This is an essential read that will undoubtedly raise much needed awareness about the importance of accessibility and inclusion of spaces where we live, work, learn, and play. Read it, pass it along and help build a movement of change.

Luke Anderson, Jeffrey Kerr, Holly Kerr

As a career Occupational Therapist and an individual who has just finished renovating her home of 30 years, Jeff Kerr’s Achieving Freedom at Home (2nd Edition) is a superb resource for those looking for answers and strategies on whether, given their physical challenges or age, may continue to live independently and safely within their home.

Achieving Freedom at Home fosters valuable discussion not only for home owners, physically challenged or elderly but also for their loved ones, family members and caregivers who are considering the possibility of having to relocate to a long term care facility or downsize to another home.

Achieving Freedom At Home addresses head on the challenges faced by the elderly and those with physical limitations offering the solutions and insights that are available based on Jeff Kerr’s experience as a builder and real estate professional in this highly specialized real estate field.

Jeff outlines in easy, understandable and relevant chapters how to make your home accessible and safe including indoors (i.e. bathroom solutions and kitchen design) and addresses the outside surrounding space including walkways, lifts and garden spaces.

I would definitely recommend this very resourceful book for anyone considering renovating their home for the long term or looking to find the perfect downsized home or condominium for renovation purposes.

A Great Resource!

Whether through age, illness, disease or injury – the reality for most of us is our mobility will be limited in a way that affects our daily lives and how we use and access our homes. Jeff’s book, Barrier Free Real Estate ~ Achieving Freedom at Home, Second Edition is an informative read that acts as a road map if you are in the fortunate position to be planning ahead and thinking of your aging in place needs – Or a crash course – if you have experienced a sudden misfortune and discovering the challenges, barriers and most importantly, solutions to accessible living needs.