Many older adults want to stay in their homes as they age, but making the necessary modifications can be expensive. This is especially true if the elderly homeowner lives on a fixed income and cannot afford to make these changes out of pocket. Fortunately, there are a number of programs that offer home improvement assistance for seniors.
Home improvement grants for seniors provide financial help with home repairs and improvements to allow seniors to safely remain in their homes as they grow older. The grants are usually geared toward very low-income senior homeowners and cover a wide range of home repair projects, from structural issues to safety-related modifications like installing grab bars in showers.
A common type of home repair grant for seniors is the RESTORE program (Residential Emergency Services to Offer (Home) Repairs to the Elderly). These grants are available for income-eligible households with an owner occupant who is sixty years of age or older and owns and occupies their housing unit as their primary residence. The repairs must be needed to address code violations or deficiencies that pose a risk to the health and safety of the household’s residents, such as broken windows, electrical upgrades and heating repairs.
Other types of home repair assistance for seniors are available through local and state organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together. These programs often partner with local contractors to carry out the work, which typically includes roof and foundation repair, window and door replacement and installation of accessibility-related modifications like walk-in bathtubs, ramps and handicap bathroom and kitchen modifications.