There is no place like home, and sometimes it seems like there is no place safer; however, the house is where many common injuries occur – like falling. Changes that are a part of the routine aging process, such as declining vision, hearing and bone density, can increase the risk of injuries. Injuries that were once minor become more seniors because as the body ages, it takes longer to recover from an injury.
The Government of Canada has created a guide called Safe Living Guide – A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors. This guide offers checklists to help inspect the home for evidence of hazardous areas that can cause injury.
Click the button below to download the checklist that can be given to a senior client or their family:
Sometimes, a senior client believes that selling their home is their only option when it becomes not as safe as it once was. However, there are many programs offered to seniors with mobility issues that will allow them not to have to sell their home.
Halton Accessibility Repair Program
Grants and loans are provided to improve the accessibility of home and promote independent living.
The following must be true to be eligible for a grant or loan:
- You are the sole owner(s) of the house
- You have not started home modifications
- All members of your home are legal Canadian citizens
- Household income is less than $92,200
- The value of the property is less than $834,839
- Your property tax, mortgage payments and home insurance (for the full amount of the property) are all paid up to date
Applications are based on a first come, first serve basis, and there is limited funding available. If you do not receive funding for the year you apply, you will be placed on a waitlist and receive funding when possible.
For more information on the Halton Accessibility Repair Program, click here.
Home and Vehicle Modification Program
Offered through March of Dimes Canada, provides funding for necessary home modification and is intended to assist permanent Ontario residents with a substantial impairment that is expected to last one year or more.
The following must be accurate to be eligible for a grant or loan:
- You are a permanent Ontario resident
- Ongoing or recurring disability/impairment that is anticipated to continue more than one year
- Your disability/impairment impedes mobility and results in substantial restrictions in activities of daily life
It may be possible to qualify for up to $15,000 towards home modification:
- If you have a gross annual income of over $35,000, you may be required to contribute towards the cost of the requested home modification(s)
- If the applicant receive ODSP Income Support, Ontario Works, or the Old-Age Security Guaranteed Income Supplement as their only source of income, you are not required to complete the Financial Calculation Worksheet
For more information on the Home and Vehicle Modification Program, click here.
Exercise and Fall Prevention Programs
Seniors (65+) can join free classes to help maintain balance and strength to help prevent falls. A physiotherapist or other health professionals teach fall prevention classes and provide information on preventing falls for seniors.
There is no referral needed.
Click here for exercise and fall prevention programs in Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand and Brant.
These programs, no matter how large or small the effect is, can help seniors live at home independently longer and will give ease to their family. A client will appreciate the concern REALTORS® have in regards to senior safety in their home.
