We’ve rounded up 7 ways to find home repair assistance for seniors. These programs help older adults get the home modifications they need even if they don’t have the budget for it.

Home modifications and repairs help seniors live in their homes for as long as possible. Making your older adult’s home safer and more accessible reduces fall risk, prevents accidents, and increases independence. Home updates can also reduce energy usage, which lowers utility bills.

The good news is that there are many financial assistance programs available. These programs help older adults get the home modifications they need even if they don’t have the budget for it.

We’ve rounded up 7 ways to find home repair assistance for seniors, so you can get the updates that will improve your older adult’s quality of life.

1. Area Agency on Aging

Contact the county Area Agency on Aging to find out about home modification and repair funds provided by the Older Americans Act.

Grants may also be available through other local government programs. Check with the city or county housing or community development department.

2. Home Energy Update Assistance Programs

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling energy costs, energy crisis assistance, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs.

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) gives financial assistance to update homes so they’ll be more energy efficient and weatherized.

3. Rebuilding Together

Rebuilding Together is a national nonprofit organization that helps with repairs and home modifications to promote health, safety, and independence.

4. U.S. Department of Agriculture

The Section 504 Home Repair program provides grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to fix health and safety hazards. It also provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes.

5. Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare and Medicaid won’t pay for home modifications, but they will pay for durable medical equipment with a doctor’s prescription. That could include a bath transfer bench, toilet safety frame, hospital bed, walker, wheelchair, and more.

Talk with your older adult’s doctor to find out if durable medical equipment could be used to improve their health and safety at home.

6. Sliding Scale and Reduced Fee Contractor Services

Some contractors are willing to do home modifications for seniors at a reduced fee or on a sliding scale, depending on the senior’s income. When calling contractors for estimates, be sure to ask if this is an option for your older adult.

7. Insurance

Some long-term care insurance policies cover home modifications. Check your older adult’s policy for details.

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Reviewed July 2021

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