Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence

The Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI) program helps homeowners and landlords pay for home adaptations to extend the time that low-income seniors can live in their own homes independently. HASI provides one-time, non-repayable contributions of up to $3,500. Funding is provided jointly by the Government of Canada (50%) and the Province of Nova Scotia (50%).

Assistance in the form of a forgivable loan of up to $3,500 is available. This loan does not have to be repaid provided that the landlord agrees that the unit will be occupied for the duration of the loan forgiveness period. The landlord must agree that rents will not increase as a result of the adaptations. The loan forgiveness period is 6 months. Repayable loans are not available.

What sorts of adaptations can be done?

The adaptations should be minor items that meet the needs of seniors with an age-related disability. They could be such items as:

  • handrails in hallways and stairways;
  • easy-to-reach work and storage areas in the kitchen;
  • lever handles on doors;
  • walk-in showers with grab bars; and
  • bathtub grab bars and seats.

All adaptations should be permanent and fixed to the dwelling. Exceptions can be made for equipment designed to give access to existing basic facilities, such as bath lifts. Supportive care portable aids, such as walkers and household appliances, are not eligible.

Eligibility

Landlords may qualify for assistance as long as the occupant of the dwelling where the adaptations will be made meet the following conditions:

  • is 65 and over;
  • has difficulty with daily living activities due to diminishing;
  • abilities brought on by aging;
  • has a total household income below the income limit specified for the area; and
  • is a permanent resident of the the dwelling unit which is to undergo adaptation work.

Before applicants can receive assistance, they must qualify for the program and their application must be approved. Assistance cannot be provided for adaptations done before the approval date of an application.

Next steps

Contact the nearest Housing Services office of the Department of Community Services.