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

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT 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:

ELDERCARE TRUST FUND
Program Description: Established in 1992, the ElderCare Trust Fund helps South Carolinians in need by awarding grants to innovative programs that help older adults age in place and avoid institutionalization. The South Carolina Department of Aging has awarded over $400,000 to more than 30 non-profit organizations statewide via the Trust Fund, including the Anderson Interfaith Ministry Housing Program. This non-profit assists low-income homeowners to remain in their homes by providing ramps and repairs to support health and safety in the home.
Population Served: Low-income homeowners.

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: BUREAU OF LONG TERM CARE AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

Community Long Term Care (CLTC) Community Choices Medicaid Waiver
Program Description: This waiver helps individuals remain at home and avoid unnecessary or premature nursing home placement. Environmental modifications are an eligible service.
Population Served: Eligible persons include those age 18 or older who qualify for Medicaid; are unable to perform activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and toileting due to illness or disability; and meet the same level of care that is needed to enter a nursing facility.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP)
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.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FALL PREVENTION COALITION

South Carolina Fall Prevention Initiatives
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:

Minor Home Repair Program, Lowcountry Region
The Lowcountry Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Yemassee, South Carolina
The Lowcountry Area Agency on Aging assists eligible persons age 60 and older with the cost of minor, safety-related home repairs, including ramp construction, bathroom grab bars, widening of doorways for wheelchair/scooter access, door replacements, and entryway railings.

Project VISION (Volunteers In Service In Our Neighborhoods)
United Way of Aiken County, Inc.
Aiken, South Carolina
Project VISION (Volunteers In Service In Our Neighborhoods) is a home repair initiative of the United Way of Aiken County, Inc. Home repairs are provided for low-income homeowners with disabilities or who are age 62 or older to improve their health and well-being. Types of repairs performed by skilled volunteers include: installation of wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and handrails. Materials are provided.

Under One Roof
Beaufort, South Carolina
Under One Roof, a private non-profit, utilizes volunteers to repair and/or modify homes for homeowners, age 62 and older, whose income is at or below poverty level. It is supported by local churches, donations from civic organizations and grant monies. Its goal is to help older adults remain in their familiar environment by increasing its accessibility, safety and comfort. Assistance is also provided by the South Carolina Department on Aging.