Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today the launch of the Safe and Healthy Home for Seniors Program, a $1.5-million initiative designed to assist seniors with the cost of home accessibility and safety upgrades.
The government is committed to providing more support for seniors to age at home and in the community. “This program is one part of our plan to support vulnerable seniors,” said Asagwara. “Simple modifications or additions can make a home safer, prevent injury, and take pressure off emergency rooms.”
Seniors aged 65 and older, as well as family members living with seniors, can apply for funding of up to $5,000, or $6,500 in rural and remote areas. This funding will help cover the cost of basic home adaptations essential for daily living. Applicants can apply for a grant every three years, up 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 used for essential accessibility solutions such as safety adaptations 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. Jason Lye, Vice President of Community Support Services at March of Dimes Canada, said, “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 the official government website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/seniors/index.html
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