Marilyn Boxwell
The following is some good news for those of us who live on a low income, who are seniors or who have a disability.
The Province of British Columbia, in association with the Federal Government is currently offering a program entitled Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI). This program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants who wish to continue to reside in the comfort of their own homes.
As we grow older, our physical needs begin to change. Along with this, may be our need to modify our home environment by adapting the home’s accessibility with the overall intention of promoting safe and independent living.
If you or a member of your family is experiencing difficulty in performing day-to-day activities, the HAFI funding assistance program may be available to help. There are qualifications levied including completion of an application form which explains the applicants’ income level, value of the property and various adaptations which are directly related to your disability or diminished abilities.
Included items to be considered are ramps for ease of accessibility such as easy-to-reach work and storage areas in the kitchen including ramps, hallway or stairway handrails, level handles applied to doors as well as walk-in showers with grab bars or bathtub grab bars and seats.
All adaptations should be permanent and fixed to the home although some exceptions can be made for equipment designed to improve access to existing parts of the dwelling such as bath lifts. Note however, supportive care such as portable aids like walkers and household appliances are not eligible, nor are emergency repairs to roofs and furnaces or maintenance work.
Financial program assistance of up to $20,000 per home may be available. The exact amount is based on the cost of materials and labour necessary for the required adaptations. If the home is rented, the landlord can apply for the grant on your behalf. The assistance awarded arrives in the form of a grant or forgiveable loan, however ,it is important to note that you first must be qualified to take advantage of the program and that the application must first be approved before the funds are forthcoming.
Contact BC Housing (Homeowner Protection Branch) at 604-646-4789 for further information. To request the application forms be mailed out to you, call 604-646-7055. Download the documentation from www.bchousing.org.HAFI.
