HOME MODIFICATION:
YOUR GUIDE TO HOME UPGRADES
Having a comfortable living space is essential for maintaining a good quality of life. Unfortunately, our bodies can go through a lot of changes that affect our agility and mobility, which can make getting around and performing daily tasks a bit difficult.
Oftentimes, seniors and people with disabilities find that their home does not meet their needs, and they cannot make the necessary upgrades on their own. Modifications, although expensive are absolutely necessary for those with accessibility needs. Home modifications allow seniors and disabled individuals to have independent lives without compromising their safety and comfort in their homes.
THAT'S WHERE GRANTS FOR HOME MODIFICATION CAN COME IN HANDY! THIS ARTICLE WILL DISCUSS WHAT HOME MODIFICATIONS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING, APPLYING FOR GRANTS, AND THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GRANT PROGRAMS AVAILABLE.
CAN ALL HOME MODIFICATIONS BE FUNDED BY GRANTS?
IN GENERAL, GRANTS WILL ONLY FUND NECESSARY HOME MODIFICATIONS FOR SAFETY OR ACCESSIBILITY REASONS.
For example, Medicaid home modification benefits are limited to medically necessary changes and improve the functioning of a disabled person. For example, Medicaid may pay for a wheelchair ramp to be installed, but it would not pay for cosmetic changes like painting the walls or purchasing a new couch.
WHAT CONSTITUTES “NECESSARY” HOME MODIFICATIONS?
Anything that helps individuals with mobility issues get around the house, perform functional tasks with ease, and stay safe in their homes is considered necessary. The main goal of home modifications is to increase mobility, accessibility, and safety for homeowners. Ramps, walk-in tubs, security alarms, or stairlifts are good examples of necessary home modifications since they help individuals navigate their homes and go about their day.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT
TYPES OF HOME MODIFICATION
GRANTS?
HERE ARE A FEW DIFFERENT TYPES OF HOME MODIFICATION GRANTS AVAILABLE:
Those with disabilities,
impairments, or health
conditions are eligible for
accessibility grants, which
allow them to make changes
to their homes to improve
accessibility.
Individuals who are 65 and older are eligible for a senior grant, which allows them to make changes to their homes to improve safety or allow them to age in place.
Veterans or service
members with specific
service-connected
disabilities are eligible for
grants for modifying their
homes to improve
accessibility or safety.
COMMON HOME MODIFICATIONS
FOR DISABLED INDIVIDUALS
There are a few home modifications that are commonly made for disabled individuals:
Ramps can be installed at the entrance of the home to allow wheelchair users to enter and exit the home.
Stay safe while using the toilet, shower, or sink
Wider doorways can be installed to allow wheelchair users to move around more easily inside the home.
Individuals can move from floor to floor safely and freely without the risk of injury.
COMMON HOME MODIFICATIONS
FOR SENIORS
There are a few home modifications that are commonly made for seniors:
Makes room for wheelchairs and walkers to make it easier for seniors to move around inside the home and doorways.
Stair chair lifts can be installed to allow seniors to go up and down the stairs safely
Adding grab bars, installing a shower bench, or a walk-in tub, and lowering the sink. Here you can learn about walk-in tub costs.
Home automation can make it easier for seniors to control their home’s lights, temperature, and security systems.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR HOME MODIFICATION GRANTS?
he process for applying for home modification grants varies depending on the program you are applying to. Several programs may require you to fill out an application, while others may require that you submit your doctor or therapist documentation. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and contact the grant program if you have any questions.
LIST OF GRANTS FOR HOME MODIFICATIONS
AMERICORPS
This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve accessibility and safety for low-income seniors and disabled veterans.
http://rebuildingtogether.org/
RED CROSS
The American Red Cross
partners with military aid
societies to help provide
financial assistance for service members and veterans.
http://www.redcross.org/find-help/military-families/financial-assistance
REPAIR LOANS AND
GRANTS PROGRAM
This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve the safety and accessibility of homes in rural areas.
http://www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/402
OF VETERAN AFFAIRS
This grant offers housing grants for service members and veterans to help them live more independently.
http://benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp
CARE PROGRAM
This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve the safety and accessibility of homes for disabled veterans.
https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Army-Wounded-Warrior-Program-(AW2)
This grant provides funding for home modifications to
convert a home into an
assisted living facility.
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/alcp
This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve the accessibility of homes for low-income seniors and disabled individuals.
https://www.modestneeds.org/for-applicants/grants-types-self-sufficiency.asp
This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve the accessibility of homes for individuals who are paralyzed from a physical, trauma-induced spinal cord injury.
https://www.travisroyfoundation.org/sci/grants/grants-to-survivors/
This grant provides funding for wounded, injured, or ill veterans and service members.
https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/rise/
The Elks connect with veterans and military members to provide home modifications and independent living funding.
http://www.elks.org/
The Lions Club has a variety of grants to choose from, such as Diabetes Grants, Disaster Relief Grants, and even Childhood Cancer Grants.
http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.php
This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve the accessibility of homes for seniors with Parkinson’s Disease.
http://www.apdaparkinson.org/
This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve the accessibility of homes for seniors and disabled individuals.
https://www.ncsha.org/
The RESNA Catalyst Project provides national technical assistance to individuals with disabilities.
https://vcurrtc.org/partners/partners/RESNA/index.cfm
REPAIR LOANS & GRANTS
The Section 504 Home Repair program provides loans to very low-income households. The loans can be used to repair, improve, modernize, or remove any safety hazards.
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
The Housing Improvement Program provides home repair, renovation, and new housing grants for American Indians and Alaska Native individuals and families who have no funds or resources to do so.
https://www.bia.gov/bia/ois/dhs/housing-improvement-program
The MaineHousing Home Accessibility and Repair Program provides home repairs for those who don’t have the financial means.
https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/HomeImprovement/homeimprovementdetail/home-repair
The IHDA works with local governments and nonprofit organizations to fund home repairs and accessibility improvements for residents who can’t afford them.
https://www.ihda.org/my-community/revitalization-programs/
The AHFC partners with local nonprofits to help fund accessibility modifications for senior citizens.
https://www.ahfc.us/pros/homelessness/assistance-grants/senior-access-program-sap
Ability360 provides grants and programs for individuals with disabilities in the form of training, home modifications, and life transitions, to name a few.
http://ability360.org/
The HomeMod Program provides home modifications and repairs for disabled Chicago residents with disabilities, with low income, and are below the age of 60.
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/mopd/provdrs/hous/svcs/accessible_home_modificationprogram-ages0-5911.html
Home Solutions USA provides homeowners with expert advice and solutions for plumbing, electrical, remodeling, living modifications, bathroom modifications, and medical equipment.
http://www.homesolutionsusa.net/
The Home Wheelchair Ramp Project provides extensive resources for those looking for programs that fund ramps and steps.
http://www.wheelchairramp.org/
The Home Repair Opportunity Program or HeRO Program provides home repairs for low-income seniors in non-metropolitan areas of Missouri.
http://www.mhdc.com/homes/hero/index.htm
The PHFA has several loan programs for home improvement and repairs for home modifications, purchase improvements, renovation programs, energy efficiency loans, and homeowner septic programs.
https://www.phfa.org/programs/repairs.aspx
The Home Modification Loan Program provides low-interest home modification loans to Massachusetts elders and residents with disabilities.
https://www.mass.gov/home-modification-loan-program-hmlp
The WHEDA Housing Grant Program provides funds for the special needs populations such as veterans, disabled individuals, low-income elderly persons, and individuals or families who do not have access to permanent housing.
https://www.wheda.com/about-wheda/wheda-foundation/housing-grant-program
The CAF offers grants for adaptive equipment, home modifications, and sports opportunities for people with physical disabilities.
http://www.challengedathletes.org/site/c.4nJHJQPqEiKUE/b.6449453/k.E830/Access_for_Athletes.htm
The Demonstrating Independence Grant offers various applicants assistive technologies to help them live an independent life beyond their disabilities.
https://www.thetsf.org/grants
The Byron Riesch Paralysis Foundation provides charitable grants for individuals who suffer from neurological disorders. They’ve funded home modifications such as stairlifts, elevators, and ceiling lifts.
http://www.brpf.org/
The Horizon Hope Grant provides applicants with funds for medical equipment, assistive technology, or construction for an adapted living.
http://associationofhorizon.org/wordpress/about/horizon-hope
The Ian Burkhart Foundation aims to help individuals with spinal cord injuries. Their financial grants help fun living modifications such as ramps and stairlifts.
https://www.ianburkhartfoundation.org/
SCORE is a nonprofit organization that helps provide financial grants for individuals who have paralysis. The grant funds home modifications, adaptive sports equipment, and vehicle adaptations.
http://www.scorefund.org/
Victoria’s Victory Foundation provides adaptive equipment, accessible vehicles, and home modifications for children with disabilities.
https://www.victoriasvictory.org/
DISABLED LIVING
Elderly or Disabled Living is a nonprofit 501c3 charity whose mission is to reduce costs associated with living. They provide financial help for low-income disabled or senior citizens.
http://www.elderlyordisabledliving.com/
FOUNDATION
The Joseph S. Groh Foundation provides financial assistance and support for those connected with the trades industry living with life-altering injuries.
http://josephgrohfoundation.org/
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income households increase energy efficiency.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance
The Department of the Treasury Internal Review Service resource provides information about tax highlights for individuals with disabilities.
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p907.pdf
This resource by MDA Health Care consists of a guide for home modifications and their requirements for individuals who have Muscular Dystrophy
https://www.mda.org/sites/default/files/HomeModifications_0.pdf
This resource by the M.S. Society is a guide to adapting your environment to make living with multiple sclerosis easier.
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Programs-and-Services/Resources/At-Home-with-MS%e2%80%94Adapting-Your-Environment-(-pdf)
Your State Independent Living Center is an excellent resource for finding information on state-specific grants and programs for home modifications.
http://www.new-horizons.org/indcil.html
This directory provides a vast number of home modification and repair resources for each state.
http://gero.usc.edu/nrcshhm/directory/
AARP’s HomeFit Guide provides extensive tips and resources for making your home safe and accessible for those aging in place.
http://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/info-2014/make-your-home-a-safe-home.html?intcmp=AE-HF-IL
This guide by Infinitec is a resource for designing products, homes, and communities that are universally accessible for all people.
http://www.infinitec.org/universal-design
The National Association of Home Builders checklist is a guide for remodeling your home to make it more accessible and safe for those who are aging in place.
https://www.nahb.org/Education-and-Events/Education/Designations/Certified-Aging-in-Place-Specialist-CAPS/Additional-Resources/Aging-In-Place-Remodeling-Checklist