Written by Simrin Pardal, OT Reg. (Ont.)
As more Canadians choose to age in place and continue to live in their home, home modifications are becoming increasingly important.
According to the Institute of Aging, many older Canadians live in older homes, typically built between 1960 and 1990 [1].
These homes often lack design features that accommodate the needs of older occupants (e.g., good lighting, ramps or other features that enhance safe mobility).
Occupational Therapists (OTs) are positioned at the intersection of client’s values as well as those of families.
Our OTs at GLA Rehab are trained and experienced with Home Safety Assessment. They can identify potential hazards & risks in the home, develop a plan for Home Modifications and Adaptations, and suggest changes to the home environment to promote independence & safety, and reduce the risk of injury.
These modifications can range from installing grab bars and stair lifts to redesigning bathrooms and entryways, all with the purpose to improve safety, comfort, and quality of life.
There is some financial support available to help offset the cost of these. There are a variety of federal, provincial, and community-based programs, such as the Ontario Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit, which offer financial assistance related to home modifications. These grants are typically aimed at seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited income.
March of Dimes Canada offers an Ontario Home and Vehicle Modification Program which provides fundings for basic home and vehicle modifications for people with mobility restrictions [2].
The eligibility, funding amounts, and what specific accessibility renovations are funded varies by program. Our OTs can help you access these programs.
The Ontario Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit designed to help seniors, aged 70 years and older with making their homes safer and more accessible [3]. The expenses which are eligible for this credit are the same as those which can be claimed for the Ontario Medical Expense Tax Credit and include:
- * “attendant care (certification required),
- * care of a provincially authorized medical practitioner (e.g., nurse, occupational therapist),
- * dental, vision and hearing care (for example, glasses, dentures, hearing aids),
- * walking aids (for example, walkers, canes),
- * wheelchairs and electric scooters,
- * bathroom aids (for example, grab bars, grips, rails),
- * diapers and disposable briefs,
- * hospital beds,
- * oxygen and assisted breathing devices,
- * renovation or construction that improves a person’s mobility, access or functioning within the home because of severe and prolonged impairment,
- * service animals” [3].
Claimable medical expenses are the amount of medical expenses spent in the tax year over three percent of net income [3].
Additionally, the Disability Tax Credit is a federal non-refundable tax credit which helps individuals reduce income tax burden, specifically targeted towards those with severe and prolonged impairments in physical and mental functions [4].
Individuals approved for the Disability Tax Credit that are under 60 years old, may also be eligible for the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) which is a long-term savings plan targeted towards Canadians with disabilities [5].
Similarly, the Canada Disability Benefit provides financial support to individuals with disabilities between the ages of 18 to 64 years [6].
Qualification for many of these programs requires a medical practitioner or qualified professional to certify that an individual meets the criteria by completing required documentation.
Working with an Occupational Therapist can help with facilitating the process as they can assist you with identifying programs that you may be eligible for.
Our Occupational Therapists at GLA Rehab are able to support you with home assessments of your living space to better understand how you interact with your environment and identify what barriers exist to your safety and independence.
They can assist you with completing detailed reports that strengthen your application for these programs and also follow up after modifications are completed to ensure devices are installed correctly and meet your functional goals.
If you or a loved one are considering home modifications, connecting with an Occupational Therapist is a valuable first step.
References
[1] Government of Canada. (2026, April 23). Institute of Aging. Canadian Institutes of Health Research. https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/8671.html
[2] March of Dimes Canada. (n.d.). Ontario Home & Vehicle Modification Program. https://www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/am/hvmp
[3] Government of Ontario. (2022, September 20). Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit. https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-seniors-care-home-tax-credit#section-0
[4] Government of Canada. (2025, September 16). Disability tax credit (DTC). https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html
[5] Government of Canada. (2025, December 23). Registered disability savings plan rules. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/registered-disability-savings-plan-rdsp.html
[6] Government of Canada. (2026, April 30). Canada Disability Benefit. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability/canada-disability-benefit.html