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Programs fund
adaptations–
Services broadened
to help people in their homes
"This old
house" may continue to be home to low-income,
frail, or disabled older Minnesotans for a little
while longer thanks to last summer’s broadening of
services available for home modification and
adaptation through the Elderly Waiver and
Alternative Care programs. Along with the usual
stair ramps, grab bars, widened doors and other home
improvements that have traditionally been funded,
definitions for the services have been broadened to
include more things, says Denise Kolb, administrator
for the Alternative Care Program at the state’s
Department of Human Services. "This is part of
the department’s effort to provide more supportive
services to people where they are living and at the
time when they need them," says Kolb.
The definitions for
these services have been broadened to include more
service options and to include more community-based
settings which some seniors call "home."
Examples of modifications are adaptive utensils,
widening doorways and adjusting bathroom facilities.
Kolb said that funds are also available to support
family members who want to make modifications to
their homes when an eligible older adult has made
the home his or her ongoing place of residence.
In addition, the
program also includes adaptations to vehicles, such
as wheelchair lifts, adaptive securing devices and
steering wheel adaptations. Another key change that
will assist to support eligible older adults is
chore services. These services include heavy
household tasks, such as washing windows, cleaning
ovens or refrigerators and shoveling snow.
While the scope of
services has widened, eligibility criteria for the
two programs remain the same. Funds through the
programs aren’t available for general home
improvement or to add square footage to the
residence. For the current year, the total home
modification and vehicle adaptations that can be
funded for a client can be as high as $4,499.
Do you qualify for
these programs? Kolb suggested that the best point
of contact is through the county human services or
public health agency where you live. You can also
call the Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433.
Staff at these agencies will assist with determining
eligibility for these programs as well as help you
find additional resources.
Other options
include the state’s STAR program, which can assist
older adults and people with a disability to access
assistive technologies like special communication
devices and adaptations to computers. Some
low-interest loans may also be available to assist
with modifications or adaptations for people who may
not be eligible for these programs.
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