Home Modification and Repair

What is Home Modification and Repair?

Modifications are adaptations to homes that can make it easier and safer to carry out activities such as bathing, cooking, and climbing stairs.

Repairs are alterations to the physical structure of the home to improve its overall safety and condition.

Why is Home Modification and Repair important?

• Home modification and repair can help prevent accidents such as falls.
• Home modification and repair can allow people to remain in their homes rather than relocating; modifications promote aging in place.
• Older people tend to live in older homes that often need repairs and modifications. Over 60% of older persons live in homes more than 20 years old.
• Modifications can facilitate caregiving.
• Modifications can substitute for more costly personal care services.
• Modifications can accommodate lifestyle changes and increase comfort.

How can Home Modifications promote independence and prevent accidents?

Some typical problems people have in their homes include:

• Difficulty getting in and out of the shower
• Slipping in the tub or shower
• Difficulty turning faucet handles or doorknobs
• Access to the home (getting in and out of the unit)
• Inadequate heating and ventilation
• Problems climbing the stairs

Some possible solutions to these problems are:

• Installing grab bars, shower seats, or transfer benches
• Placing non-skid strips or decals in the tub or shower surface
• Replacing difficult faucet or doorknobs with lever handles
• Installing ramps
• Installing insulation, storm windows, and air conditioners
• Installing handrails for support

Is there financial assistance for Home Modifications and Repairs?

While some modification and repair programs charge for alterations, there are programs that provide services free of charge or at reduced rates for eligible older adults and persons with disabilities.

• The local Community Development Department in your city or town may use Community Development Block Grant funds to help citizens maintain and upgrade their homes.
• Rebuilding Together is a volunteer organization that, in partnership with the community, rehabilitates the homes of low-income homeowners, particularly people with disabilities, the elderly, and families with children, so that they may continue to live in warmth, safety, and independence.
• Local welfare agencies and community action programs offer programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provide funds to weatherize (i.e. insulate) the homes of lower income persons.
• County Office on Aging can use funds from the Older Americans Act Title III to modify and repair homes. Programs such as the 'The Handyman Project' that utilizes the skills and talents of volunteers who do minor home repairs and maintenance projects, can often be located through the County Office on Aging.
• Some local lenders and banks offer Reverse Mortgages that allow homeowners to turn the value of their home into cash, without having to move or make regular loan payments.
• Some of the Medicaid Waiver Programs in New Jersey reimburse for environmental modifications.

It is also important for tenants who are renting a home or apartment to realize they can make reasonable environmental modifications to their homes and the landlord cannot refuse such alterations.

Where can I get help to modify and/or repair my home?

There are several ways to modify and repair your home. You can either do the alterations yourself by getting help from a friend or relative, hire a handyman or contractor to do the work, or contact a home modification and repair program. County Offices on Aging, senior centers, independent living centers, county welfare boards, the Department of Health and Senior Services, or the Department of Community Affairs can help locate home modification programs in your area.

If you decide to use a contractor, consider taking these steps:

• Get recommendations from friends who have had similar projects completed.
• Hire a licensed and bonded contractor and be specific, in advance, about what changes you wish to make.
• Make sure the contractor is insured against claims covering workman's compensation, property damage, and personal liability in case of an accident.
• Ask for a written agreement, with only a small down payment. Make the final payment only after the project is completed.
• Check with your local Better Business Bureau regarding the contractor's reliability and performance record.

Additional resources:

• County Office on Aging, call NJEASE 1-877-222-3737. Out-of-state callers can reach the State Information and Assistance Senior Helpline at 1-877-222-3737.

• "Safety for Older Consumers"
  U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission
  Washington, DC 20207
  1-800-638-2772

• "The Do-Able Renewable Home." or "The Perfect Fit."
  American Association of Retired Persons
  601 E. Street, NW
  Washington, DC 20049
  202-972-4700

• "A Consumer's Guide to Home Adaptation"
  The Adaptive Environments Center
  374 Congress Street, Suite 301
  Boston, MA 02210
  617-965-1225

• The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification
  Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California
  Los Angeles, CA 90089
  213-740-1364

  *This information was adapted from material developed by the National Eldercare Institute on Housing and Supportive Services, Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California. Duplication of this document is encouraged with attribution of the source.

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