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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.
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