12 Jul Housing Adaptations for Seniors
A friend recently asked“What kinds of supports are there for housing adaptations?”. Here are some ideas and resources that may help you, too.
Occupational Therapist
See if your physician can refer you to an occupational therapist. Such an expert can both assess a senior’s functioning ability, and make recommendations for home adaptations tailored to that particular senior.
Government housing resources
Check with your provincial and/or municipal government for informational and financial supports.
For example, Housing Nova Scotia has a Senior Citizens’ Assistance Program to help low-income people make necessary home renovations to enable them to stay in their home.
Nova Scotia also has a provincial Access-A-Home Program for renovating homes to be suitable for wheelchair users.
CMHC resources
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a wealth of on-line resources, including a Maintaining Seniors’ Independence – Self Guide for home adaptations to help seniors continue to live in their homes.
CMHC has also prepared a Flex Housing check list and cost comparison for new construction so that a house can be readily adapted to changing needs over the life course. Note that the costs are outdated, but the cost comparison may may help you make decisions. The check list helps you know which factors to consider.
Home safety
The Canada Safety Council has created a home safety checklist that you might also find useful.
Please let me know which, if any, of these resources are most helpful to you.
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