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

NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: BUREAU OF ELDERLY AND ADULT SERVICES (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. The Choices for Independence (CFI) Waiver
Program Description: This waiver provides a range of service choices that help older adults and adults with chronic illnesses to continue living independently in their own homes, including home modifications and repairs. It is administered by the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS) as an integrated delivery effort between BEAS, provider agencies, and Case Managers.
Population Served: New Hampshire older adults and adults with chronic illnesses who are financially eligible for Medicaid and medically qualify for the level of care provided in nursing facilities.

2. The New Hampshire Family Caregiver Support Program
Program Description: Through the National Family Caregiver Program, the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services and the New Hampshire Service Link, resource centers provide services to support the caregiving experience, including home modification.
Population Served: These services are available to caregivers over age 18 caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or other related dementia, adults over age 60, parents of adult children with disabilities, as well as grandparents and other relatives over age 55 who are raising their minor relatives.

NEW HAMPSHIRE BUREAU OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES (NH BDS): MEDICAID WAIVERS

1. Acquired Brain Disorder (ABD) Services Waiver
Program Description: This waiver offers individuals with brain disorders and traumatic brain injuries acquired after age 22 and before age 60 supports and services within their own communities through 10 designated area agencies located throughout the state. Services include Family Support Services such as environmental modifications to assist families in caring for a family member at home.
Population Served: Residents of New Hampshire who have an acquired brain disorder and meet the skilled nursing facility or long term rehabilitation level of care need, and are eligible for Medicaid.

2. Developmental Disabilities Waiver
Program Description: This home and community-based services waiver provides services to individuals who, without the provision of such services, would require care in an intermediate care facility. Services may include environmental modifications.
Population Served: Medicaid-eligible individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities of any age.

3. In Home Supports for Children with Developmental Disabilities 
Program Description: This home and community-based services waiver provides services to children who, without the provision of such services, would require care in an intermediate care facility. Services may include environmental modifications.
Population Served: Medicaid-eligible individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 0-21 years.

NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

Exemption for Improvements to Assist Persons With Disabilities RSA-72:37-a
Program Description: This property tax exemption allows for yearly improvements for the purpose of assisting a person with a disability. The exemption is made from the assessed value, for property tax purposes, by deducting the value of such improvements from the assessed value of the residential real estate before determining the taxes upon the home.
Population Served: New Hampshire residents with a disability that permanently requires the use of special aids.

NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Assistive Technology in New Hampshire, through the University of New Hampshire
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.

NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE FALL PREVENTION COALITION

New Hampshire Falls Risk Reduction Task Force
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:

Home Access Modifications
Granite State Independent Living
Concord, New Hampshire
Granite State Independent Living, a statewide non-profit Center for Independent Living, serves individuals living with disabilities and older adults. It provides the Home Access Modifications Program that is administered by seven local agencies. Local trained staff advise on accessibility, create a plan, identify funding sources for home modifications, and provide referrals to licensed vendors throughout the State of New Hampshire. Services include, but are not limited to: wheelchair ramps, grab bars, bathroom modifications, stair lifts, and durable medical equipment.