Stairs

ldavis57

We live in a ranch home on a hill. My husband has FTD and is getting unsteady on his feet. We have to climb a set of stairs no matter which way we enter the home. The most gradual incline is from the driveway to the back porch and in through the kitchen. However the patio is made of large stones, two levels, uneven and loose in some places. Has anyone had a ramp installed at their home or repairs done to the house to make access safer? Is there a resource for this work to be done at a reduced cost for seniors? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

SDianeL

I would contact the Alzheimer’s toll free number at the top of the main page and also contact your county agency on aging. They may know of resources in your area.

harshedbuzz

@ldavis57 —

Your local Area Agency on Aging might have some ideas for funding.

Operation Ramp It Up Non-Profit - How We Operate

HB

ldavis57

thanks! Great ideas!

MN Chickadee

Where I live, the Agency on Aging help line does have some resources for this. Mostly involves a couple non-profits who work with people with disabilities who have programs for assistance with ramps. There is also a program where inmates at the local minimum security prison doing work release have a team doing ramps. Your local council on aging should know. If all else fails you might see if a boy scout troop would take it on as a project.

sandwichone123

Red Cross also has resources that may help, as do various church ministries.

JPJardinel

That loose, uneven stone patio is honestly the more dangerous piece of this, even more than the stairs themselves, since unpredictable footing is exactly what trips someone up when balance is already going. Beyond a ramp, releveling or replacing that stone surface, adding secure railings along whichever route you choose, and improving outdoor lighting are all reasonable pieces of the same access-safety project, not separate problems to solve one at a time.

On the reduced-cost question specifically: a few real programs exist depending on where you live. USDA's Section 504 Repair Loans & Grants covers accessibility repairs, including ramps and surface fixes, for homeowners 62+ in eligible rural areas, with up to $7,500 available as a grant that doesn't need to be repaid if you stay in the home for three years. Rebuilding Together's Safe at Home program handles ramps and other access modifications at no cost for qualifying low-income seniors, using volunteer labor. Since eligibility and availability vary a lot by county, NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp tool is the fastest way to see what's actually offered near you rather than guessing state by state.

A physical or occupational therapist can also do a home safety evaluation to spec exactly what your husband's balance needs, ramp slope, railing height, surface type, which is worth having before any repairs start rather than after.

I hope these resources are useful:
https://hopebridge.care/home-access-repairs-for-seniors-how-to-pay-less/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_504_loans_and_grants http://www.ncoa.org/article/what-is-benefitscheckup-and-how-does-it-help-people-find-benefits-assistance/