RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

Internet Resources

Ageless Design (US)This Web site contains handy information on Alzheimer-proofing the home.

Alzheimer Manitoba
Alzheimer Manitoba gives presentations on alternative housing, offers housing research consulting on a fee-for-service basis, and has published a how-to booklet on the construction of a special housing unit for people with dementia.

AARP Webplace — Connections for Independent Living (US)
Publications from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) includes How Well Does Your Home Meet Your Needs?

Abilities
A resource for people with disabilities.

The Do-Able Renewable Home
A book featuring design concepts, products, and resources to make the home more comfortable for older people with physical limitations.

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
CMHC publications and videos include:

Maintaining Seniors’ Independence through Home Adaptations
This information kit includes a video, self-assessment guide and book on community resources.
At Home with Alzheimer’s Disease: Useful Adaptations to the Home Environment
An instructive booklet based on research findings.
Housing Options for People with Dementia
A guide to design concepts and new housing options for people with dementia.
Housing Choices for Canadians with Disabilities
A book showcasing success stories in accessible housing.
Housing for Persons with Disabilities
A guide for architects and builders.
Barrier-Free Housing
A video on wheelchair-accessible housing.
Free to Choose
A video profiling “housing with support-care” alternatives to institutional living for people with severe physical disabilities.
Canada Safety Council
This Website has a handy Home Adaptation Checklist.

March of Dimes
A Web site for people with disabilities.

National Resource Centre on Supportive Housing & Home Modification (US)
This site contains a wealth of practical advice and information on home modification for family caregivers, professional care providers, builders and remodelers.

The Safe Living Guide
A guide to home safety for seniors from Health Canada.

Other Resources

Financial Assistance for Home Modification

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers two national financial assistance programs for home modification. Funding is available for both homeowners and renters. Call (800) 704-6488 for more information.

Home Adaptation for Seniors’ Independence (HASI) makes a one-time forgivable loan of up to $2,500 for adaptations to the homes of Canadians 65 years and older, who are having difficulty performing the activities of daily living because of age-related disabilities. HASI can be used to cover modifications, such as handrails, grab bars, door lever handles, walk-in showers with shower seats; and to create easy-to-reach work and storage areas in kitchens. Certain age and income eligibility requirements apply.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities, Low-income Homeowners and Rental and Rooming House Owners(RRAP) provides a loan to a maximum of $12,000, $14,000 or $18,000 for modifications that will improve a disabled person’s accessibility to his own home. RRAP can be used for modifications, such as installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways and making adaptations to accommodate hearing and sight impairments. Low-income homeowners can repair their homes; owners can rehabilitate a property to a minimum level of health and safety. Certain income eligibility requirements, loan caps and repayment conditions apply.

Both programs provide financial assistance to Band Members of a First nation Community who live in substandard dwellings and cannot afford repairs necessary to make their homes safer and healthier.

Additional sources of funding for home modification may include service clubs and organizations, such as the March of Dimes, local community organizations and provincial home adaptation programs.

Publications

Your Time, Your Money, Your Investment
A handy booklet describing CMHC’s latest products and services. Read about Market Intelligence, Emerging Markets, Technical Know-How and the Renovation Zone. Call CMHC at (800) 668-2642 for a copy.

Breaking down the Barriers: Tools For Living Independently with Arthritis
This overview of adaptive devices for activities of daily living includes Smart Shopping Tips and approximate costs for assistive devices. Order from the Independent Needs Centre, Searle Canada, PO Box 3706, Station Industrial Park, Markham, ON L3R 9Z9. (800) 798-6282

Videos

Accommodation Part 1
Maintaining independence at home, adapting the home, the “granny flat” and alternative housing concepts are topics featured in Video #3 from the Aging and Caregiving TV/Video Series, featuring June Callwood and Dr. Irvin Wolkoff. To order, call (800) 757-4868. In Toronto, call (905) 602-1160