The Manitoba government has announced that eligible seniors can now apply for the Safe and Healthy Home for Seniors Program, a $1.5-million program to help cover the cost of home accessibility and safety upgrades.
“Our government is committed to taking better care of seniors and providing more support to age at home and in the community,” said Asagwara. “This program is one part of our plan to support vulnerable seniors. Sometimes, simple modifications or additions are all that’s needed to make a home safer. We know this can make all the difference to preventing injury in the home and as a result, taking pressure off emergency rooms. It’s also important for a senior who’s ready to leave the hospital and recover at home or to a senior who needs to make some adaptations to remain more independent.”
Seniors aged 65 and older and family members who have seniors living with them can apply for funding of up to $5,000 ($6,500 in rural and remote areas) to help fund basic home adaptations that are essential for daily living. Applicants can apply for a grant every three years, to a lifetime maximum of $15,000. To be eligible, the applicant must have a combined household income of $60,000 or less.
The funding can be put toward the cost of essential accessibility solutions and could include:
- adaptations that increase safety, like grab bars, bathtub safety rails and increased lighting; or
- accessibility improvements for daily activities, such as zero-threshold showers and widening doorways.
The program will be administered by March of Dimes Canada a national charity committed to championing equity and empowering ability.
“March of Dimes Canada has a proven track record of transforming lives through home adaptations,” said Jason Lye, vice president, community support services, March of Dimes Canada. “Even the simplest home modifications can be life-changing in enabling someone to live safely and independently at home. We look forward to helping Manitoba seniors do just that.”
For more information on the Safe and Healthy Home for Seniors Program including details on how to apply, visit gov.mb.ca. For more information about March of Dimes Canada, visit marchofdimes.ca or call 1-866-906-6006.
