We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: aging is expensive! But adapting your home and life to your body can make a big impact on having a happy, healthy life. So, how do you afford to make the crucial changes that will improve your standard of living? Luckily, you’re not entirely on your own, as several programs offer financial assistance for aging in place.
While not every program may be relevant to you, today, ADL will share a list of ways to use financial assistance for aging in place in and around Roanoke.
Medicaid and Medicare
In most cases, you cannot directly use Medicaid and Medicare for home modifications. However, using your coverage for other services can help to free up money for items like stairlifts. Often, you can use them for items like walkers or wheelchairs.
In addition, depending on medical needs and current Virginia standards, you may be able to use HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) waivers to help allay the cost of home modifications. Each specific situation is different.
Section 504 Financial Assistance for Again in Place
The USDA has programs to offer loans and grants to low-income families and individuals in rural areas for their home modifications. Many areas of Southwest Virginia qualify. These programs are not explicitly designed as financial assistance for aging in place, but that is one way to utilize them.
Department of Veterans of Affairs
If the person in need of assistance for aging in place is a US military veteran, there is a strong possibility that the Department of Veterans Affairs will help offset the costs. The VA provides grants for housing modifications, including stairlifts, walk-in showers, and more, through its Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) programs.
Virginia-Based Help
Virginia has several organizations designed to provide financial assistance for aging in place. DARS (the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services), VATS (Virginia Assistive Technology System), DHCD (the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development), and Local Area Agencies on Aging all may be beneficial depending on your individual situation.
Another excellent benefit that Virginia offers it the Livable Home Tax Credit (LHTC). With it you can get up to $5000 toward building or retrofitting a residence to improve accessibility!
Nonprofits and Charities
There are many nonprofits and charities that provide financial assistance for aging in place, too. Your Local Area Agency on Again may be a good place to begin your search for funding.
Financing Options
In addition, some companies offer financing options. Advancements for Daily Living has programs for financing your stairlift as well as rental options, so you don’t have to worry about a large expense upfront, especially if your need for a stairlift is sudden or unexpected.
We know how important mobility and independence are for our clients, so we do our best to make it easy for you to affordably meet your aging in place needs.
In addition, we offer maintenance contracts to help you manage the upkeep of your stairlifts or wheelchair lifts. No one likes unexpected expenses! And with a maintenance plan, you know exactly what you’ll pay monthly to ensure your stairlift remains in excellent working condition!