Independence Granted

Written by Shelly Paul

Seniors face difficult decisions on whether or not to leave their much loved, memory filled homes when they find it difficult to function due to restrictions of their mobility. Are they leaving their homes before they are ready? The good news is; this may not be necessary. Thanks to Canadian government and private grants, seniors are able to stay in their homes longer by taking advantage of several grant programs to modify their homes to suit their changing needs. The following grant programs must be applied for and each individual may have unique restrictions/eligibility based on situation, need and income/asset level. 4 current grant programs include: 1) Assisted Devices Grant (Public Health Agency of Canada 1-800-268-6021) This funding by the Canadian Government will reimburse eligible seniors for certain home related “assisted devices”, with the amount varied to the individual. These devices ease the strains of daily activities in the home and include medical equipment, mobility aids, information technologies and many other practical daily aids. Other examples include: Bathroom: grab bars, hand held shower heads, bath seat with arm rails, non-slip floor mat Kitchen: Side-opening oven doors, height adjustable cupboards and counters Moving/Physical Acivity: cane, walker, wheelchair, slip-resistant flooring Communication: modified telephones with automatic dialing, loud ring/flashing light indicator, large buttons & numbers Security: auto light device, personal alarm system, easy thermostat control, intercom 2) Home & Vehicle Modification Program (Ontario March of Dimes 1-800-263-3463) This program offers grants up to $15,000. tax free towards the cost of home or vehicle modifications. Funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services and administered by Ontario March of Dimes. Under the program, home modifications have included items such as ceiling track lifts, automated door openers, stair glides, environmental controls, and wheel-in shower stalls. Vehicle modifications have included van lifts, steering devices and lowered floors. 3) The Homes Adaptations for Seniors Independence Program (Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation 1-800-704-6488) This grant program pays for minor home adaptations and is a tax free amount of up to $3500.00. Both home owners and landlords are eligible. The adaptations include but are not limited to: handrails east to reach work & storage areas in kitchen lever handles on doors walk in showers with grab bars bathtub grab bars and seats 4) Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Dissabilities (also CMHC above) This grant program offers financial assistance for homeowners and landlords to undertake accessibility work to modify households. Maximum grants for homeowners $16,000., for landlords $24,000. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) also offers a wide variety of programs and services to veterans and other eligible clients. 1-800-522-2122 The grant programs above are designed to increase the independence and quality of life for seniors. Increased mobility and accessibility allow seniors enhanced quality of life by retaining their independence and extending the time seniors can live independently in their own homes.

 

© 2012 Shelly Paul | Website Design & Development