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

NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES/STATE UNIT ON AGING (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. Aged and Disabled Waiver
Program Description: The Home and Community-Based Services Department administers this Medicaid Waiver program that may provide assisted technology supports and home modifications services that are physical adaptations to the primary residence of the participant or participant’s family.
Population Served: Participants have to be an older person or a person with a disability and eligible for Nebraska Medicaid, assessed by Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership, or eligible for a Home and Community-Based Waiver. Home repairs are not covered.

2. Comprehensive Developmental Disabilities Services
Program Description: This waiver provides service to persons of all ages with developmental disabilities so that they may maximize their independence as they live, work, socialize, and participate to the fullest extent possible in their communities. Services may include home modifications.
Population Served: A participant must have a developmental disability and needs that require services like those provided by an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities (ICF/DD).

3. Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) Program
Program Description: The Disabled Persons and Family Support Program provides state-funded assistance to help people with disabilities remain employed, stay independent and live at home. Eligible individuals may receive funding for specific services, up to $300 a month or $3,600 annually, which may include home modification or repair services related to safety and independence.
Population Served: Persons of all ages who meet certain tests, including income and disability tests.

4. Older Americans Act: Title IIIB Services Funds
Program Description: The Nebraska SUA provides guidance to Area Agencies on Aging for the use of Older Americans Act Title IIIB Services funds under Materials Distributions for necessary and permitted home modifications. If the home modification exceeds $500, permission must be obtained from the SUA Director; the maximum amount for home modifications is $1,000.
Population Served: Target populations as designated by the Older Americans Act.

NEBRASKA STATE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership (ATP)
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.

NEBRASKA STATE FALL PREVENTION COALITION

Nebraska Older Adult Falls Coalition
fallsfree@neb.rr.com
For an up to date list of all state fall prevention coalitions, visit: https://www.ncoa.org/resources/list-of-state-falls-prevention-coalitions/

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:

HandyMan and HouseKeeper Service
Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging
Beatrice, Nebraska
The Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging has a Handyman Program to assist older individuals with remaining independent in their homes. Besides upkeep and repair services, safety modifications may include installing grab bars, handrails, and ramps.

Home HandyMan Program
Aging Partners Area Agency on Aging
Lincoln, Nebraska
The Aging Partners Area Agency on Aging’s Home Handyman program offers home maintenance and minor house repairs on a sliding fee scale to persons age 60 and older. Providers are retirees who have worked in home repairs for many years. Services include non-permit work such as carpentry, electrical and plumbing repairs, gutter cleaning, heavy housework, mowing and yard work, window and screen repairs, and snow removal.

NORTHEAST NEBRASKA AREA AGENCY ON AGING IN NORFOLK, NE

In-home Chore Grant Program
The In-Home Chore Grant Program assists with housekeeping services, minor repairs, and basic home maintenance for frail older adults.

Project Houseworks
Omaha, Nebraska
Project Houseworks is a free program that provides year-round home repairs and home modifications to low-income older homeowners. The program collaborates with the Heating and Cooling Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers to host special events that provide assistance with electrical hazards and furnace failures. It serves low-income senior homeowners in Douglas or Sarpy County, Nebraska.