We understand not all seniors may be willing or able to leave the place they call home as their lives and needs change in aging. To alleviate stress, worry and feelings of burden, we’ve compiled a starter directory of funding programs that directly, or indirectly, finance seniors’ ability to be cared for at home.

Alberta

Available for application online, the province of Alberta has made available numerous senior financial assistance programs to fund a variety of needs and necessary changes in order for seniors to be best cared for not only financially but supported in health.

These programs include funding or coverage for:

• Basic dental and optical assistance
• Home adaptations, repairs and renovations
• Medical needs (Ex. prescriptions)
• Monthly benefits for low-income seniors
• Property tax deferral
• Special needs assistance
• Supplementary accommodation funding for seniors in a continuing care home

Find the full list, eligibility and more here.

British Columbia

Improving the quality of life for seniors still at home, the province of British Columbia offers a range of assistance programs for funding various home improvement needs. These include programs specific to adapting homes for added accessibility, permanent home renovations, energy-saving upgrades and on-reserve repairs.

There is also an allowance program open for application for low-income seniors whose spouses or common-law partners have passed away.

To learn more about BC Home Improvement Assistance programs, click here.

Manitoba

In Manitoba, seniors whose care services are personally managed, or managed by a direct family member, may be eligible for the Self and Family Managed Care (SFMC) program. This program provides funding towards employing care assistance by an individual staff person or care agency.

A formal assessment of care needs by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority will be required.

If approved, the amount of funding can increase or decrease over time, based on the results of recurring assessments which determine the ongoing needs and changes of the senior applicants.

Find out more about Self and Family Managed Care funding here.

Ontario

Making staying in their own home more affordable, the province of Ontario continues to run a Property Tax Grant for seniors. This grant provides up to $500 a year to Ontarians 64+ who own their primary residence and have a yearly income under $50,000. The intent of this program is not only to alleviate home ownership burden on seniors but to specifically make more of their income available for home care services – allowing them to stay in their own home longer as desired.

Read more about the Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant here.

Multi-Provincial

Assisted Living Program

The Assisted Living Program provides funding for in-home, adult foster and institutional care for individuals which would be non-medical in nature. Potentially eligible demographics include those with a primary residence on a reserve who are of senior age, have a chronic illness or live with a mental or physical disability.

Learn more about the Assisted Living Program here.

Saskatchewan

For seniors who wish to use at-home care services for acute, supportive or palliative needs, the province of Saskatchewan offers an Individualized Funding for Home Care program, allowing you to arrange such at-home services as an alternative to hospital admissions.

This program is for those who have been assessed and determined to be in need of long-term support, health maintenance, rehabilitation, acute condition support or end-of-life care.

Learn more about IFHC here.