The document discusses how installing home renovations like a walk-in tub can help seniors stay in their homes longer and more safely. Thanks to the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit, Ontario seniors and their families can receive up to a 15% tax credit on eligible renovation expenses. Installing a walk-in tub for $9,000 could qualify for a $1,350 tax credit. To qualify, one must be 65 years or older or living with a senior family member. When choosing a contractor, consider safety features, cost, referrals, and warranty. The tax credit can help offset renovation costs and future-proof a home for aging.

1. Stay in Your Home Longer – Future Proof Your Home
Are you 65-years young and still feeling as if you’re thirty? If only it weren’t for those darned
hips. Maybe your parents are getting up there and it’s becoming harder and harder for them
to get around. You understand their wishes to remain independent, yet you’re concerned for
their safety. Perhaps you’ve thought about getting a walk in tub installed but thought the cost
made them unaffordable; well, here’s some good news.
Thanks to the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit, installing a walk in tub might cost less
than you think. The Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit offers up to 15% back on eligible
expenses to Ontario seniors and family members for home renovations which help to improve
the safety and accessibility of homes where seniors live.
It can be more cost effective to renovate your house than moving to assisted
living
With assisted living centres costing $1,500-$5,000 per month, it can be more cost effective to
renovate your house to accommodate aging parents or spouses than to have them move away
from their family and into a facility. And with home renovation grants for seniors, it’s
completely doable.
Say it costs $9,000 to install a walk in tub to ensure your husband can stay at home with you
and still bathe safely. Thanks to these home renovation grants for seniors you could get up to
$1,350 back.
Do you qualify?
Answer these two questions to know if you qualify:
1. Are you, or will you be 65 years or older by the end of the year for which you’re
claiming the credit?
Or
2. Are you living with a family member who is a senior?
If you answered yes to either one of these questions then you qualify. And your income
doesn’t matter!
What to look for in a contractor
So now that you know it can be cost-effective to stay right where you are, it’s important to
find the right contractor; here are a few things to consider when shopping around:

2. • Variety - You’ll want to find a company which offers a variety of products. You need a
product that fits your needs, not the other way around.
• Someone who listens - Every customer has different needs and expectations. Your
contractor should listen to yours and help find the right product for your lifestyle.
• Safety – Safety is of utmost importance. Ask your contractor about the safety features
or their products.
• Cost – Senior renovation credits sure do help, but you also need the best value for your
money. Your contractor should provide a written estimate.
• Referrals – Ask you contractor for referrals from customers.
• Warranty – What happens if you have a problem after your walk in tub has been
installed? Does your contractor provide a warranty? What’s covered and what’s not?
Peace of mind is an important consideration.
Even if you don’t quite need a walk in tub yet, if you’re over 65, why not consider one?
Besides the walk in benefits, there are some wonderful features of many walk in tubs
including massaging jets, air-bubble massage, contours to fit your body, deep soaking and
more. Oh, and don’t forget about those senior renovation credits. Install one today and enjoy
it for years to come. Take advantage of the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit and future
proof your home.
To calculate your tax credit, go to http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/taxcredits/
CalculatorQuestions.asp to find out how much you can save to enjoy your home longer and
more safely.