Home Maintenance & Safety
Renovations & Modifications
Ontario Renovates
Ontario Renovates Information Sheet
Ontario Renovates Application
Grey County Housing 519-376-5744
Ontario Renovates will assist low to moderate income home owner households to repair their home and increase the accessibility of their home through modifications and adaptations. Major repairs could include but are not limited to heating systems, doors and windows, roofs, electrical systems and plumbing. Modifications for accessibility could include ramps, handrails, chair and bath lifts, cues for doorbells and fire alarms. Forgivable loans of up to $15,000 are provided for repairs and secured with a promissory note. If the property is sold within 10 years the loan is due back to the County. The forgiveness of the funding occurs at an equal rate over the 10 years. Any funds returned will be put in a revolving fund for Ontario Renovates. Grants are provided up to $3,500 for accessibility modifications and adaptations.
Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit
www.ontario.ca/taxes-and-benefits/healthy-homes-renovation-tax-credit
1-866-668-8297 (ONT-TAXS) Teletypewriter 1-800-263-7776
As a senior 65 years or older in Ontario, you could qualify for a tax credit to help with the cost of making your home safer and more accessible. Not all renovation work qualifies for this tax credit. Before you start any improvements, check to see that the work qualifies so you can claim the expense. .
Utilities
Ontario Power Authority and Local Electric Utility
(Collus in Thornbury, Hydro One in TBM) Home Assistance Program:
Thornbury residents – Environment Network, 775-446-0551;
Town of the Blue Mountains, Greensaver, 1-855-591-0877
Helps low income Ontario homeowners and tenants make their homes more energy efficient, thereby saving money. There is no cost for the program. A Home Assistance Technician assesses the energy efficiency of your home and may install a variety of energy-efficiency upgrades such as light bulbs, refrigerator, weather-stripping around doors, low flow showerheads, additional insulation in your attic.
Gas Suppliers such as Enbridge or Union Gas Home Weatherization Program
Contact the Environment Network at 705-446-0551 or 1-866-377-0551
NB. Details of this program with various gas suppliers are being worked out at the time this document was being prepared. This program assists low income families who have gas heating to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and save money. For qualified families, an assessment of the home is conducted by a technician and if the home qualifies, trained contractors are sent to install insulation and draft-proofing measures at no cost to the homeowner or occupant.
Canada Mortgage And Housing Corporation (CMHC)
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Toll free phone 1-866-389-1742 TTY 1-800-309-3388
CMHC has information and advice about home adaptations for seniors’ independence and residential rehabilitation of homes for persons with disabilities.
Services
Home And Community Support Services, Grey-Bruce (HCSS)
www.hcss-gb.ca
PH 519-372-2091 or 1-800-267-3798
St. Francis Place, Suite 104, 340 10th St. East, Owen Sound
Provides support services to assist eligible seniors and physically challenged adults to maintain independence. It operates throughout Grey/Bruce, including Thornbury-Clarksburg and the city of Owen Sound. Professional staff and volunteers provide services such as transportation, housekeeping, Meals-on-Wheels and day-away programs to give respite to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. It’s a non-profit organization with modest fees for some services and others have no fees.
The Veterans Independence Program (VIP)
www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services
Toll-free: 1-866-522-2122 or by TTY at 1-800-465-7735
Clarksburg Legion 519-599-3555 Wednesday 3 p.m. - Saturday 7 p.m.
V.I.P. is a national home care program provided by Veterans Affairs Canada to help veterans remain healthy and independent in their own homes or communities. For assistance with specific services such as grounds maintenance, housekeeping, and care it is recommended that an appointment be made with a member of the Beaver Valley Legion, Clarksburg Executive: Joyce Adams, 519-538-2518 or Brenda Harris, Poppy Chair, 519-599-2411. A provincial Service Representatives makes periodic visits to the Legion as well to assist with questions, concerns, needs regarding pensions, allowances, treatment, etc. VIP does not replace other federal, provincial or municipal programs. Instead it complements these programs when necessary, to best meet the needs of clients.The veteran is required to pass a means test - determining whether s/he qualifies for a financial assistance program – by proving income eligibility, (i.e. have a low income as defined by the program) for most services.
Safety
Medic Alert
Home Buttons
http://www.homebuttons.ca/aging-at-home.html
bill@homebuttons.ca
519-270-2797
Independence, Safety, Comfort and Convenience. Make your home a haven as you deal with the challenges of aging. We advise on the best solution to suit your needs, provide the products, complete the installation and set-up and make sure you’re at ease with using the device. Call us to discuss your specific needs, arrange a consultation, or to learn about costs.
Lifeline
http://www.lifeline.ca/content/english/
Home Health Care Products (canes, walkers, bathing assistance, etc)
Pharmasave Thornbury
www.pharmasave.com
519-599-2719
45 Arthur St, Thornbury
The pharmacy has a home health department with various types of equipment to assist with activities such as bathing and items such as canes and walkers. Items can be custom ordered. There is a foot care clinic on the second Friday of the month; (Fran Falls 519-538-1759).
Pharmasave Meaford – Muxlow Pharmacy
www.pharmasave.com
519-538-1960
54 Sykes St. N, Meaford
Has a small home health department with equipment to assist with such things as bathing; has rentals or purchase of equipment such as walkers and canes. Participates in the new Medscheck program, which enables customers to have a private consultation with the pharmacist to better understand their medications.
Stuart Ellis Pharmacy
www.stuartellispharmacy.ca
info@stuartellispharmacy.ca
705-445-4711
169 Hurontario Street, Collingwood
Has the largest home health care department in the Collingwood/Town of Blue Mountains area and both sells and rents such items as walkers, bathing assistance equipment. Has a community pharmacy outreach program with the Canadian Diabetes Association. There is also a home health care consultant in an office on site, Monday – Friday, 9 – 5.