Housing and Home Repair - Ohio Department of Aging

Housing & Home Repair

Related Information

Save The Dream
This service of the Ohio Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, provides information and highlights programs consumers can use to help keep their homes and avoid foreclosures.

Universal Design
This public/private collaboration helps Ohioans make their home more user friendly and safe as they age.

Reverse Mortgages
AARP explains this innovative and safe way to turn the equity in your home into cash.

Borrow Smart
The Ohio Department of Commerce protects older homeowners from predatory lenders.

Home Maintenance, Repair and Modifications

Home maintenance, repair and modification services help low-income older Ohioans preserve existing property values and make structural modifications or repairs necessary to help them live safely.

Home maintenance includes: Inspection of furnaces, water heaters, and water pumps; plumbing and electrical maintenance; and maintenance or replacement of windows or screens.

Home repairs include: Repair or installation of heating and air conditioning equipment; minor plumbing or electrical repair; repair or replacement of gutters, shingles, flashing or other roofing; and Repairs to eliminate holes or other hazards in flooring or stairs.

Home modification includes: Installation of safety devices (i.e., smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors); installation of devices to help with day-to-day activities; and enhanced accessibility modifications, such as ramps and doorways.

Funding for these services comes from a combination of public and private funding and local resources. Work is provided by licensed contractors and others. Contact your Area Agency on Aging for more information about the services available in your community.

Alternative Housing

Related Information

Ohio's Rental Housing Locator
Find available housing options, including apartments with special features for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Elders & Families: Housing
The U.S. Administration on Aging provides a comprehensive overview of housing options for older Americans.

Housing Choices
AARP examines unique housing alternatives for older people and provides tips for consumers.

Ohio Long-term Care Consumer Guide
Compare licensed nursing, residential care and assisted living facilities throughout the state.

Facility Feature Checklist
This resource from ElderWeb.com helps older consumers narrow their choices when they have a few favorites.

For some Ohioans, remaining in their own home may become unsafe or infeasible. Individuals in this situation can turn to the aging network for help. Alternative housing includes:

Independent living facilities - Private apartments give residents the independence they desire while also providing a safe community environment and minimizing or eliminating property maintenance, chores and more. Care services may be available for an additional fee.
Congregate and retirement housing - Residents in these apartment facilities live independently but also receive some services such as a daily meal with other tenants. Some may be rent-subsidized (Section 8 housing).
Residential Care and Assisted Living Facilities - Private suites or apartments offer congregate services, personal care and limited skilled care.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities - These diverse communities offer multiple levels of care (e.g., independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care). Thus, residents can remain in the community, even if their needs change.
Adult Care Facilities and Group Homes - These facilities provide housing and limited personal services for three to 16 adults who typically need a high level of care but retain some level of independence.
Nursing Homes - Licensed facilities offer residents personal care and skilled nursing care 24 hours a day. They may also provide room and board, supervision, medication, therapies, rehabilitation and other services.

Knowledgeable staff at your Area Agency on Aging can explain these options, help you decide which is most appropriate for your needs and preferences and explain the costs of each through a free personal assessment.