Home improvements for people with disabilities
Resources available to help families fund modifications
The task of outfitting a home for a disabled person can seem daunting. And certainly, making these home modifications often does take time and cost money. But they can significantly improve quality of life for people with physical challenges and sensory issues. And even small changes in the home of a disabled or aging person can make a big difference in everyday life.
“Investing in home improvements that make spaces more accessible is worthwhile, especially for those with disabled family members and anyone who wants to age in place comfortably. Also, anyone living in multigenerational households — where the needs of both young and old need to be considered — as well as those anticipating future mobility challenges, are great candidates for accessibility improvements,” says Charlotte Granville, a home remodeling specialist with Fixr. com. “Additionally, making your home accessible can make it more appealing to a wider range of buyers when it comes time to sell, which could potentially increase your home’s value.”
MAKING A HOME ACCESSIBLE
Renovations geared toward the disabled, the physically challenged and the elderly are officially known as home modifications. They can be as prominent as an outdoor ramp or as subtle as smooth flooring; as large as a curbless shower or as small as a levered faucet handle.
Here are some common home modifications that can enhance accessibility within a residence.
Widen doorways and halls:
To make space for wheelchairs and walkers, some doorways may need to be enlarged. If you can’t afford to widen every doorway, consider expanding the most used ones.
Replace steps with ramps:
A ramp allows for easy entry into and within the house and eliminates steps that can be difficult for those in wheelchairs, who use walkers or who have mobility issues in general.
Ensure there is access to a bathroom and bedroom on the first floor:
It’s difficult for those with disabilities to climb stairs to reach a bedroom or bathroom. Aim to add these essential living spaces on the main level (first floor).
Install a stair lift: If steps are challenging for a resident and it’s impossible to eliminate the need to go upstairs, consider getting an electric stair lift for a safe way to travel between floors.
Remove bathroom barriers:
Grabbing a doorknob or conventional tap can be challenging for someone with arthritis or any disability that affects dexterity. Lever handles or touchless faucets are easier to use. And roll-in showers offer autonomy in bathing for the wheelchair-bound.
Smooth out flooring:
Anyone with trouble walking will need flooring that is slip-resistant and softer but smooth. You’ll also want to avoid rugs as they can get caught in wheelchairs and walkers, causing falls.
Installing pocket doors means eliminating a door and a
Change doors:
hinge that could be in the way when opened. “This creates a wider opening and eliminates the need for swing space, maximizing accessibility for individuals with mobility aids,” says Mariya Snisar, head of interior design for Renowell, an Ontario, Canada-based home design and renovation firm.
Add brighter lighting:
Aging seniors or anyone with vision impairments may have difficulty seeing well if the home is conventionally lit. Brighter lights can be a simple fix for better eyesight in the home.
FUNDING HOME CHANGES
The cost can seem considerable, but there are many funding options to look at when making home improvements for the disabled.
Both federal and local governments, as well as nonprofits, offer assistance for these types of renovations
in many cases.
Federal assistance and tax benefits:
A variety of federal assistance resources and tax credits are available to the disabled and elderly.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities who are unable to work due to a medical condition. Work history and the severity of your disability will determine eligibility. To qualify for SSDI, you must have a qualifying disability and have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities, including older people. To be eligible, you must have limited income and resources and meet the SSA’s criteria for disability.
Medicare, a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals ages 65 and older, also covers certain disabled individuals under age 65. To qualify based on disability, you must have received SSDI benefits for at least 24 months or have certain specific disabilities.
According to the IRS, if you have a disability you may also be eligible for certain tax deductions, income exclusions and tax credits. Those eligible include taxpayers who are elderly, legally blind or disabled. Some renovations may also be deductible as medical expenses.
Disabled veterans’ home modifications:
Veterans have access to a range of specialized funding options to cover the costs of necessary home modifications due to their disabilities.
The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program provides grants to service members with severe injuries, allowing them to purchase, build or renovate a home tailored to their specific needs. As of now, veterans may be eligible for grants of up to $109,986.
Another option for disabled veterans, Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grants offer up to $22,036. This grant offers assistance to veterans looking to modify or purchase a permanent home that enables them to maintain independent living.
If you don’t qualify for either of the above grants, consider a VA cash-out refinance home loan. You can replace any current mortgages with this refi if you qualify. It comes with exceptionally generous provisions.
Private assistance: Along with city or state aid, “many private foundations offer grants specifically for home improvements aimed at enhancing accessibility and accommodating the needs of individuals with disabilities,” says Snisar. Freegrantsfordisabled. org locates grants in all 50 states and several metropolitan areas. USA.gov compiles a list of programs that may provide financial assistance for your home renovation needs, and also delineates individuals’ rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Loans: If you have researched national and local options and still need funding, consider financing.
A home equity loan, often referred to as a second mortgage, is a fixedrate lump sum; the amount you can borrow is based on the amount of outright ownership (versus mortgaged amount) you’ve built up in your residence. The interest can be tax-deductible if the funds are used for home renovations, like modifications.
Another option is a home equity line of credit, or HELOC. This functions as a flexible credit line with a variable interest rate, much like a credit card. It permits you to borrow funds as needed over a predetermined period, repaying and then borrowing again, if desired.
A home improvement loan is another type of personal loan specifically designed to fund emergency repairs or renovation projects.
With a reverse mortgage, available to homeowners ages 62 and up, the lender provides regular payments to the homeowner, explaining the name “reverse.” Importantly, the money received from a reverse mortgage is not subject to taxation. However, the loan must be repaid when the borrower passes away, permanently relocates or sells the property; otherwise, it belongs to the lender.