Accessibility: Living Independently at Home

Canada’s national housing agency, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is committed to helping Canadians access a choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.

To help older Canadians maintain their independence, their health and stay safe at home, CMHC provides publications with renovation and adaptation tips as well as assistance programs to help in modifying and adapting housing for low-income seniors.

Publications

Home adaptation can help seniors remain independent, and provide greater safety, security, convenience and comfort. The following free guides can help.

Maintaining Seniors’ Independence Through Home Adaptations: A Self-Assessment Guide

The guide identifies difficulties seniors can experience in their homes
Describes adaptations to overcome them and provides checklists to address individual needs
The guide is of interest to seniors, their families and caregivers
(order #61087)

Preventing Falls on Stairs – About your House series

The common causes of falls are described
Strategies are provided to prevent them
(order #63637)

At Home with Alzheimer’s Disease: Useful Adaptations to the Home Environment

Practical, low-cost adaptations are described that can be made to a house or apartment to address the needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers
(order #60849)

Assistance Programs

You as a homeowner, or your landlord if you are a tenant, may be eligible for government financial assistance. Various programs are available to assist in undertaking major repairs to substandard housing or minor home adaptations to meet the needs of seniors with an age related disability. These programs are allocated to low-income seniors who meet eligibility requirements.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for Secondary and Garden Suite

Assistance in the creation of affordable housing for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities
Provides financial assistance to convert/develop existing residential space that can accommodate a secondary self-contained unit
Assistance is in the form of a fully forgivable loan which does not have to be repaid, provided the owner adheres to the conditions of the program

Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence Program (HASI)

Funding towards minor home adaptations is provided to extend the time that low-income seniors with age-related disabilities can live in their homes
Assistance is in the form of a forgivable loan of up to $3,500

Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (Homeowner RRAP)

Offers financial assistance to low income homeowners for repairs that will extend the useful life of their homes
Aimed at people who live in substandard dwellings and cannot afford repairs necessary to make their homes safer and healthier

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (RRAP-D)

The program offers financial assistance to homeowners and landlords to undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy by low-income persons with disabilities

(To order a publication or to obtain more information on assistance programs call 1.800.668.2642 or visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation site).

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