For senior citizens or the loved ones of seniors that may be weighing different options as they give thought to living accommodations as the golden years progress, there is of course an alternative to moving into a retirement home and for those who may not be aware, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers a Home Adaptations for Senior’s Independence program that could provide some assistance.
Essentially, through this program anyone who is renovating a home for the convenience of someone over the age of 65 that is a low-income senior can apply for a forgivable loan of up to $3500.00. Renovation items can include walk-in showers with grab-bars, walk-in bathtubs, wheelchair ramps and the retrofitting of doors and cabinets, etc.
For more information on the Home Adaptations for Senior’s Independence program, please click:
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_004.cfm
For more extensive renovations such as widening doorways and relocating plumbing for laundry and/or a bathroom on main floor, CMHC also offers the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities.
For more information on this program, please click:
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_003.cfm
As a substitute or in addition to retrofitting, there are additional options that can provide an accommodation solution, including moving into in-law suites in the homes of family members as well as utilizing a service sector that is rapidly expanding to meet the needs of our growing demographic of seniors: home-care providers. More information on these options to be provided in an upcoming post.
Myles Slocombe is a Sales Representative with Royal LePage R.E.S./Johnston & Daniel Division. Myles is also a regular contributor to the Muddy York Blog. Myles’ web site is located at www.keystoneconnect.ca
