Wo-Built Inc: Clients' Advocate for making their Dream Home happen: Help For Independent Living For Seniors

Tuesday, 7 October 2008

Help For Independent Living For Seniors

Screenshot: Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence
Credit: Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation

If you are 65 years or older, and you have some health issues that might prevent you from living in your home independently there may be some help for you out there.

A program called HASI (Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence Program) can help senior homeowners or landlords with senior tenants, put in the necessary alterations to a dwelling if they meet the mandatory eligibility requirements. This will help make independent living for some lower-income seniors with age-related disabilities a greater possibility.

What kind of help is available? Assistance in the form of a forgivable loan of up to $3,500 may be available to a homeowner or landlord if they meet the eligibility conditions. The loan will be forgiven as long as the homeowner agrees to reside on the premises for a period of six months after the modifications have been completed.

The alterations should be permanently fixed to the home and should meet the needs of a senior with an age-related health issue. Some of the alterations that would qualify for this financial assistance are handrails, lever handles on doors, walk-in showers with grab bars and/or bathtub grab bars and seats. If your home requires more extensive modification, such as wider doorways and increased space for wheelchair accessibility consulting the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities might give you more options.

If you are 65 and over, and you find that normal daily living activities are difficult, but still want to remain independent in your own home, you might be an eligible candidate.

In some areas of Canada, funding for these programs is provided jointly by the Government of Canada and may vary slightly. For more information contact your Band Council or the local CMHC Office or go to
http://www.toronto.ca/health/hsi/pdf/ths_2001family.pdf

We at Wo-built can help you with assessing your needs and doing the necessary renovations to make your golden years more comfortable in your own home.