CRA Claimable Expenses While Remaining at Home

Fortunately, the Canadian government offers a range of provisions, deductions, and credits for claimable medical expenses, providing essential financial support to seniors choosing to stay in their homes. Understanding these claimable expenses can significantly alleviate the burden of healthcare costs and ensure comprehensive coverage for elderly individuals aging in place.

In this guide, we explore the spectrum of claimable medical expenses available to seniors remaining at home in Canada. From essential healthcare costs to specialized deductions and credits, this breakdown aims to empower seniors and their families with insights into maximizing the benefits provided by the government, ultimately enabling a better-managed and financially sustainable approach to healthcare.

Below you will find some specific claimable expenses we feel would apply to individuals looking to remain in their home for as long as possible. These descriptions are from Canada Revenue, you can find more information on their website.

Claimable Expenses - Outfitting Your Home

• Certificates – the amount paid to a medical practitioner for filling out and providing more information for Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate, and other certificates.
• Chair – power-operated guided chair to be used in a stairway, including installation – prescription needed.
• Bathroom aids to help a person get in or out of a bathtub or shower or to get on or off a toilet – prescription needed.
• Driveway access – reasonable amounts paid to alter the driveway of the main place of residence of a person who has a severe and prolonged mobility impairment, to ease access to a bus.‍
• Walking aids – the amount paid for devices designed only to help a person who has a mobility impairment – prescription needed.
• Lift or transportation equipment (power-operated) designed only to be used by a person with a disability to help them access different areas of a building, enter or leave a vehicle, or place a wheelchair on or in a vehicle – prescription needed.

Claimable Expenses - Personal Hygiene and Care

• Catheters, catheter trays, tubing, or other products needed for incontinence caused by illness, injury, or affliction.
• Elastic support hose designed only to relieve swelling caused by chronic lymphedema – prescription needed.
• Hearing aids or personal assistive listening devices including repairs and batteries.
• Nurse – the amount paid for services of an authorized nurse.
  

Claimable Expenses - In Case of Emergency

• Respite care expenses 
• Ambulance service to or from a public or licensed private hospital.

The Canadian government's provision of claimable medical expenses offers essential support and financial relief to seniors who choose to remain in their homes as they age. Understanding the breadth of available deductions, credits, and benefits is key to optimizing healthcare coverage and managing expenses effectively. By staying informed and leveraging these provisions, seniors and their families can navigate healthcare costs with greater ease, ensuring a more comfortable and secure living environment.

This guide aims to equip seniors with the knowledge needed to identify and claim the medical expenses they are entitled to, fostering a greater sense of financial security and independence while aging at home. Remember to always discuss finances with an accounting professional.