The right home modifications will enable you to enjoy and safely access your home while living with Disability. Here are a few recommendations that are worth considering, however we recommend a home visit from a homecare occupational therapist as well as consulting with your OT before undergoing any major renovations:
| Home Application | Common Examples & Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Home Entrances |
You may also find this article helpful to understand your choices. |
| Bathrooms | Grab bars | Standing Bars | Roll-in shower design |
| Transfer between rooms | In consideration of mobility aids, ensure that your doorways are, at a minimum, 32” wide. |
| Transfer between surfaces | Ceiling Track Lift |
| Transfer between floor levels | Home Elevator | Stair Glide |
| General Modifications | Consider installing Grab bars & Standing Bars throughout the home to increase safety during daily tasks |
You may also find it helpful to work with contractors who have experience with accessible design – some options are listed below.
As with any renovation, get quotes from more than one source before making a final decision. You may also choose to ask contractors about the possibility of equipment rentals or installing refurbished equipment instead of purchasing new.
Home modifications are just one way to modify your environment. If you are concerned about your safety at home, consult your clinical team.
Private Contractors
101 Mobility
Matt Dawson
905-421-9101
www.101mobility.com/pickering/
Home Editions
Dennis Benoit
416-410-7844
www.homeeditions.com
Ross Elevators and Lifts
Ross Therrien
613-334-8897
www.rosslifts.ca
Access Abilities
416-237-9654 (Etobicoke)
905-825-5335 (Oakville)
www.accessabilities.ca
Med+ Home Health Care
416-477-5960
www.medplushealth.ca/
Silver Cross – Canada-wide
1-844-352-7677
www.silvercross.com
Adapt-Able Design Group
416-781-3335
www.adaptabledesign.com
Rehab Medical
Sam Hanna
647-893-7507
www.rehabmedicalmobility.com
Total Access Centre
Daniel Wiskin
416-546-1000
http://www.totalaccesscentre.com
Funding Resources for Home Modifications
This is a general overview of funding options available in Ontario for home modifications. Each of these programs has its own criteria and processes, and eligibility is not guaranteed.
Please be aware that ALS Canada does not provide funding for home modifications
|
Agency |
Funding Type |
Description & Eligibility |
Value |
|
Grant |
Provides funding for basic home modifications for low-income Ontario residents with substantial limitations to mobility. |
Lifetime value of up to $15,000 |
|
|
Grant |
Opportunities will vary by region. Please click here to review |
Up to $5,000 |
|
|
Forgivable Loan |
Opportunities will vary by region. Please click here to review |
Up to $15,000 |
|
|
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
|
Tax Credit |
A federal tax credit for Canadian seniors (over 65), those who qualify for a disability tax credit, or those eligible for the caregiver amount. This tax credit can be applied to qualifying permanent renovations that improve a home’s accessibility or safety. Some accessibility renovations can also be claimed as medical expenses on federal and provincial taxes. |
Up to $10,000 |
|
Grant |
Provides financial assistance to homeowners in the York Region with low and moderate income who need modifications to make their homes accessible |
Annual value: $7,500 Lifetime value: $15,000 |
