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?
Not all home modifications are eligible for funding. 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:
ACCESSIBILITY GRANTS
Those with disabilities, impairments, or health conditions are eligible for accessibility grants, which allow them to make changes
to their homes to improve accessibility.
SENIOR GRANTS
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.
VETERAN GRANTS
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
Ramps can be installed at the entrance of the home to allow wheelchair users to enter and exit the home.
GRAB BARS
Stay safe while using the toilet, shower, or sink
WIDER DOORWAYS
Wider doorways can be installed to allow wheelchair users to move around more easily inside the home.
STAIR LIFTS
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:
WIDER DOORWAYS
Makes room for wheelchairs and walkers to make it easier for seniors to move around inside the home and doorways.
STAIR LIFTS
Stair chair lifts can be installed to allow seniors to go up and down the stairs safely
BATHROOM MODIFICATIONS
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
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.
