Navigating healthcare expenses can be a daunting task, especially for seniors residing in retirement or long-term care homes in Canada. Fortunately, the Canadian government offers avenues for claiming medical expenses, providing financial relief and support to individuals in these settings. Understanding the array of medical expenses that can be claimed is crucial for optimizing available benefits and ensuring proper healthcare coverage for residents.

In this quick list, I will delve into the world of claimable medical expenses available to those living in retirement or long-term care homes in Canada. From essential healthcare costs to specific deductions and credits, this comprehensive breakdown aims to empower seniors and their families with insights into maximizing the benefits offered by the government, thereby alleviating the financial strain associated with healthcare.

Did you know that when living in a retirement home or a long-term care home whether permanently or a respite stay, you may be eligible to claim some of the care and services that are provided? At tax time, the home will provide you with a tax slip that is broken down into rent and care/services in order to make it a bit easier. For more information on what the government will allow you to claim, have a look at the full explanation here.

Below you will find some specific claimable expenses we feel would apply to individuals looking to make a move to a retirement home or long-term care home. These descriptions are from Canada Revenue, you can find more information on their website.

‍Claimable Expenses - Pre-Move

• 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.
• ‍Moving expenses – reasonable moving expenses (that have not been claimed as moving expenses on anyone’s return) to move a person who has a severe and prolonged mobility impairment, or who lacks normal physical development, to housing that is more accessible to the person or in which the person is more mobile or functional, to a limit of $2,000 (for residents of Ontario, the provincial limit is $3,081).
• Note-taking services used by a person with an impairment in physical or mental functions and paid to someone in the business of providing these services. A medical practitioner must certify in writing that these services are needed.

Claimable Expenses - Outfitting your new home

• 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.
• Hospital bed including attachments – prescription needed.
• Walking aids – the amount paid for devices designed only to help a person who has a mobility impairment – prescription needed.
• Wheelchairs and wheelchair carriers – can be claimed without any certification or prescription.

‍Claimable Expenses - Personal Hygiene 

• Catheters, catheter trays, tubing, or other products needed for incontinence caused by illness, injury, or affliction.
• ‍Diapers or disposable briefs for a person who is incontinent because of an 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.
• Ileostomy and colostomy pads including pouches and adhesives.

Understanding the landscape of claimable medical expenses for residents of retirement or long-term care homes in Canada is vital for ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage and financial stability. The Canadian government extends a range of provisions, deductions, and credits to assist in offsetting medical expenses incurred by individuals in these settings. By staying informed about what can be claimed and how to navigate the system, seniors and their families can optimize available benefits, providing essential support in managing healthcare costs.

I hope this guide has shed light on the various avenues available for claiming medical expenses, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and access the support they rightfully deserve. Remember to always discuss finances with an accounting professional.