Are you 65 or older? Do you want to know about supports that can help you live at home longer? Do you want to learn how to maintain a healthy, active, and independent life?
If so, you can have a Seniors Health, Wellbeing and Home Safety Review at your home, by phone, or by using Zoom. This free and voluntary service helps you learn about community services and programs. Meetings last approximately 90 minutes and cover topics such as:
- how to prevent falls,
- getting involved in your community,
- physical activity and
- wellness.
Qualified and trained Home First reviewers will create an action plan with you. This plan covers safety topics that are important to you and explains the next steps you should take. You can have a family member, or a friend join you during the review.
Home repairs and adaptations
Your Action Plan may state you need repairs or adaptations to make your home safer.
Some examples of home repairs or home adaptations that could improve your safety are:
- Ramps or repairs to help you get in and out of your home,
- Handrails or grab bars in hallways and stairways,
- Bathroom grab bars,
- Improved lighting,
- Non-slip or non-skid bath, shower and floor surfaces, or
- Repairs to flooring including carpets, rugs and mats.
Can’t afford safety upgrades?
A non-repayable Senior Minor Home Repairs Grant of up to $1,500.00 is available for eligible low-income seniors.
Seniors 65 years or older living in New Brunswick can call to arrange a review.
The Seniors Minor Home Repair Grant is open to all seniors who have completed a Seniors Health, Wellbeing and Home Safety Review. Information on the grant and how to apply is provided to seniors during the review. Reviewers do not approve applications or confirm eligibility for the grant.
You may qualify for the non-repayable grant if you:
- Have completed the Seniors Health, Well-being, and Home Safety Review in your home,
- Are 65 or older,
- Are a resident of New Brunswick,
- Live in a house or rental unit. (Public housing or not-for-profit housing are not eligible for this funding. Visit the Public Housing and Rent Supplement Program page for more information.)
- Have a home that needs repairs or adaptations to improve home safety, and
- Have a total household income that is at or below the low-income seniors benefit limit. This limit is based on the Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement amounts. These amounts change throughout the year. You can visit the Government of Canada’s Old Age Security Payment amounts for more information.
Home repairs done before the date you apply are not eligible for the grant. If you need more extensive repairs, you may qualify for the Homeowner Repair and Landlord Program.
To request a Seniors Health, Wellbeing and Home Safety Review, register online at any time.
Seniors Health, Wellbeing and Home Safety Review online registration.
211 is a free helpline for New Brunswickers to call when they need help navigating government and community programs. If you need help registering, call 211 for support.
Any senior, or anyone acting on behalf of a senior can call to request a review. If you are calling on behalf of someone else, you will need their consent.
The online registration form will confirm you are 65 or older and ask for your:
- Name,
- Phone number
- Address, and
- Preferred language.
Someone will call you back to schedule a time for your review. You can choose a time during the day, early evening or weekend.
Once the Seniors Health, Well-Being and Home Safety Review visit is complete you can apply for the Senior Minor Home Repairs Grant. Contact Social Development at 1-833-733-7835 and tell the operator you’d like to apply for the grant. The operator will help determine your eligibility and start the application process.
When applying for the Minor Home Repair Grant, you will be asked to provide:
Proof of income by submitting your most recent Income Tax Notice of Assessment,
A statement indicating the reason for the work, and how it will get done.
Your landlord’s approval in writing to make the adaptation if you live in a rental unit, and
An estimate from a contractor of the work you need completed. If a family member or friend will do the work, you need a list of supplies with prices.