In January 2009, the Canadian Government announced its Home Renovation Tax Credit for home owners on work performed or goods acquired in the process of home renovation. The Tax credit is applicable to renovations done between January 26, 2009 and February 1, 2010. Expenditures of more than $1,000 and less than $10,000 will receive a tax credit of 15%.

While the main purpose of the Tax Credit is to stimulate the economy by providing a boost to the construction industry, it also provides a great opportunity for seniors, baby boomers and those who may have been thinking about making their home safer for the future.

The Tax Credit can be applied to home renovations that will allow you to live independently in your own home for a longer period of time. Many modifications that will increase your comfort and safety will fit nicely within the $1000 to $10,000 budget stipulated.

Consider the addition of handrails, grab bars or outdoor ramps, making doors wide enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair or adding or increasing lighting in dark areas indoors and outdoors.

Your bathroom can be a real danger zone and may be one of the first places you need to make changes. If you have been thinking about making your bathroom safer, you might consider converting your bathtub to a walk in bathtub by having a Door Insert Kit installed in your present bathtub. This innovative product involves minimal bathroom renovation. For a fraction of the cost of a larger walk in bathtub your present tub becomes a low profile walk in tub with a door.

If you have a slightly larger budget, you might decide on an upright walk in bathtub, which can be sized to fit smaller bathrooms and are typically available with whirlpool or air massage systems — for well under the $10,000 cap.

Some of the changes made for your safety can also qualify as a Medical Expense Tax Credit and the good news is that you will be permitted to claim both the METC and the HRTC for that same expenditure. More information, visit the government website pages on the Home Renovation Tax Credit and the Medical Expense Tax Credit .

For more information walk in bath tubs and other products, visit the Safety Bath Inc. website http://www.safetybath.com .

About the Author

Pat Krushen is a former teacher and sign language interpreter, hugely aware of lifestyle limitations due to physical abilities. She is currently a web designer and free lance writer, now involved in the walk in bathtub industry.