Home Modification and Repairs for Older Adults: Challenges and Opportunities for State Units on Aging: This report by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence and ADvancing States reports on a national survey

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES, SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS
(State Unit on Aging)

State Units on Aging (SUAs) are designated state-level agencies that develop and administer state plans that advocate for and provide assistance, including home modifications or repairs, to older residents, their families, and adults with physical disabilities. SUAs administer funds, including Older Americans Act funds, which may be used to support home modification or repair services through local Area Agencies on Aging and other state and local entities. Program(s) with home modification or repairs include:

1. Alzheimer’s Family and Caregiver Support Program
Program Description: The Alzheimer’s Family and Caregiver Support Program, coordinated by the Wisconsin Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources, is available in every county and tribe throughout the state. Funds are made available to assist individuals to purchase services and goods related to the care of someone with Alzheimer’s Disease, including home modifications. Up to $4,000 per person may be available.
Population Served: Income eligibility requirements vary by county or tribe. The person must be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or any other irreversible dementias.

2. National Family Caregiver Support Program
Program Description: The National Family Caregiver Support Program, implemented statewide by the Wisconsin State Unit on Aging, provides services and supports that help family members and informal caregivers, including supplemental services such as home modifications and assistive devices.
Population Served: Priority is given to low-income families but income level is not a requirement.

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Family Care Waiver Program
Program Description: This program for frail elders and adults with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities provides long-term care services that help individuals live in their own home, including home modifications. Aging and Disability Resource Centers are the point of contact for eligibility.
Population Served: Older adults and adults with a disability with long-term care service needs who meet financial eligibility requirements. Medicaid-eligible individuals automatically meet the financial eligibility criteria for Family Care. People receiving the Family Care benefit may be required to pay a cost share to their managed care organization.

WISCONSIN STATE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program (WisTech)
The State Assistive Technology Grant Program, funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, supports comprehensive, statewide programs in each state that improve the provision of assistive technology (often home modification-related) to individuals with disabilities of all ages.

WISCONSIN STATE FALL PREVENTION COALITION

Wisconsin Falls Prevention Initiative
For an up to date list of all state fall prevention coalitions, visit: https://www.ncoa.org/resources/list-of-state-falls-prevention-coalitions/

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION: DIVISION OF ENERGY, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES (DEHCR)

HOME Homebuyer and Rehabilitation Program
Program Description: This program provides both home purchase assistance and necessary home rehabilitation for dwelling units occupied by low- and moderate-income households with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). The Owner-occupied Rehabilitation Program provides funding for making essential improvements to single-family homes and includes accessibility improvements.
Population Served: Low- and moderate-income households with funding available via local units of government.

1. To locate the Area Agency on Aging in your state, please contact Eldercare Locator at https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx

2. Data Brief: Building Community Capacity to Serve Older Adults: The Role of Area Agencies on Aging in Home Modifications and Repairs
This Data Brief highlights key findings from the 2019 National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging on how Area Agencies on Aging are providing and funding home modification and repair activities. It was developed by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging as part of the Administration for Community Living project, “Promoting Aging in Place by Enhancing Access to Home Modifications.”

3. Featured Efforts:

Minor and Major Home Repair Program
Project Home
Madison, Wisconsin
As a private non-profit, Project Home has worked to improve the quality and affordability of housing for low-to-moderate income homeowners in Dane and Green County, Wisconsin for nearly 50 years. Its minor and major home repair programs, funded through Community Development Block Grants and other sources, include home modifications related to accessibility and safety and targets low-income recipients.

Revitalize Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Revitalize Milwaukee, a non-profit organization, works locally with homeowners to provide home modifications, repairs, and services free of charge to preserve affordable housing and revitalize vulnerable neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. It employs licensed, minority contractors to make small to large home modifications. Funding comes from private sources (grants, corporations, and individuals). Eligible recipients include homeowners who meet income requirements and are age 60 and older, a person living with a disability, or a Veteran.