CMHC Program Helps Seniors Stay Independent — and in Their Own Homes
The majority of Canadian seniors prefer to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible. But many homes in Canada were simply not designed or built to meet our changing needs as we age.
To help seniors stay independent and in their own homes for as long as possible, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) created Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI). The HASI program offers funding to help low-income seniors or their landlords adapt their homes in relatively simple ways that can make it easier and safer to carry out daily activities.
Home owners and landlords can qualify for financial assistance from the HASI program if:
- The occupant of the home to be adapted is at least 65 years of age and has difficulty with daily living activities;
- Their total household income is at or below the limits set for a given area; and
- The home where the senior lives is their permanent residence.
The adaptations should be fairly minor renovations related to the loss of ability brought on by aging. They must also improve the senior's access to basic facilities within the home, increase their physical safety and be permanently installed or attached to the home. Some examples of eligible adaptations include:
- Adding handrails in hallways.
- Building easy-to-reach work and storage areas in the kitchen.
- Installing lever handles on doors.
- Installing grab bars in the bathroom.
HASI financial assistance is available in the form of a forgivable loan of up to $3,500. The loan does not have to be repaid provided the home owner agrees to continue to live in the home for at least six months. For rental units, the landlord must agree not to increase the rent as a result of the adaptations.
For more extensive modifications such as widening doorways or making living spaces more accessible to a wheelchair, seniors can apply for further financial assistance through CMHC's Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for Persons with Disabilities.
For more information on adapting a home to meet changing needs or for a free electronic copy of the "About Your House" series of fact sheets on virtually every facet of owning, maintaining or renovating your home, visit our website at www.cmhc.ca or call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642. The "About Your House" fact sheets now include a series on Accessible Housing by Design which would be especially helpful to recipients of HASI assistance. For more than 60 years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada's national housing agency, and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise.
For story ideas or to access CMHC experts or expertise, contact CMHC Media Relations — National Office at: 613-748-4632 or by e-mail: media@cmhc.ca.
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