If you are helping an older family member or see assisting a parent or loved one in the future, thinking about where they live is critical. AARP’s 2021 Home and Community Preferences survey found that over three-quarters (77%) of adults age 50 and older want to remain in their homes as they age.
Sometimes, aging in place requires modifications to make homes more accessible. Other times, it means making homes safer by repairing problems as they come up.
The following list includes community resources that can help with home modifications and repairs, as well as a couple of local companies you can contact to pay for their services.
Community Resources for Aging in Place Home Modifications and Repairs in the Kansas City Area
Mid-America Regional Council (MARC)
The Mid-America Regional Council’s Department of Aging and Adult Services offers a Home Modification
and Repair program for adults, ages 60+ in Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties in Missouri. Click the link below to read the brochure and find out if you or your loved one qualifies. View the brochure at https://www.marc.org/document/home-modification-and-repair-brochure
Johnson County Resources for Home Modifications and Repairs
Check the Explore Your Options Directory for companies and community resources that can help with home modifications and repairs in Johnson County, Kansas. The directory can be found at https://www.jocogov.org/department/aging-and-human-services/johnson-county-area-agency-aging/area-agency-aging-publications
The Whole Person’s (TWP) home modifications program utilizes skilled, experienced volunteers and local contractors to design and build wheelchair access ramps and other residential modifications such as grab bars, hand rails, door widening, stair lifts and basic bathroom modifications such as zero or low-barrier shower pans in place of existing bath tubs. In some cases, TWP can access funding for eligible recipients, based on location and income, which can make these projects a free or low cost service.
Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity
Truman Heritage Habitat works with elderly residents to upgrade or restore their homes so they can continue living in their houses, be independent, and contribute to their communities. Truman Heritage Habitat may be able to help with roof replacement, code violations, accessibility, and safety concerns as funding allows.
HopeBUILDERS provides qualified homeowners in the Kansas City area with accessibility solutions and critical home repairs.
Search for services and community programs that can help with home repairs and weatherization in the Kansas City area. Click on Home Repair Services, Payment & Loans or Weatherization Programs at https://uwgkc.myresourcedirectory.com/index.php/Housing
Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC)
MHDC offers various housing assistance programs for seniors, including subsidized rental housing, home repair grants, and low-interest loans for home modifications. These initiatives aim to ensure safe and affordable housing options for elderly residents.
In addition to the resources listed above, you may also check with your city or county government for home repair & weatherization programs.
Local Companies & Vendors
As always, we’ll always give you information about resources for hire, as we learn about them. There are a few companies in the Kansas City metro area that help with home modifications to help people make their homes more accessible long-term, especially older adults who want to age in place.
Accessibility Remodeling specializes in the modification of homes through the dependable installation of ramps, railings, and other forms of accessibility. With their services, you can be sure that no room is without nearby assistance.
Thrive Homes specializes in modifications for accessibility across the Kansas City metro area. Whether your job is Kansas or Missouri Medicaid-funded, VA Specially Adapted Housing (SHA) or private payment (cash pay), Thrive Homes wants to work with you to help meet your needs!
Learning Resources
This guide is designed to provide information on home modification resources in Missouri. DHSS’s Division of
Senior & Disability Services confirmed all information within the document for accuracy as of the publication
date. Due to funding and resource changes with various providers, the services outlined within may change
over time. However, this guide can be a starting point for anyone who wants to complete home modifications.
AARP Resource: Your Home Checklist for Aging in Place
This checklist will help you evaluate your loved one’s living space to see if it’s ready to age gracefully along with them.
AskSAMIE provides adaptive equipment and service recommendations tailored to each person’s disability and environment because they believe accessibility should be a right, not a privilege!
Needing help repairiimg my ac/hear! I called an air conditioner guy and he said the ac/heating unit is non replaceable! Said it would be cheaper just to buy a new unit! The unit is not that old! Also I need a new roof! It had a spot above the shower that’s got mold on it and the roof is leaking in that spot! The roof is over 25 years so I think it’s just needs a new roof!!I have no wheelchair ramp to get in and out of my house, so I don’t get to get out much! I recently had an amputation of above the knee and I need my house remodeled to fit my needs! I can’t get around my own house! The doors are not wide enough for my wheelchair to get in my room or the bathroom! I have to use to go in bathroom sideways and it’s a major fall risk! I have fell several times and with the blood thinner I’m on it’s very very dangerous! Please if you can find it in your heart to help me ot point me in the right direction It would be so greatly appreciated! Thank you so much! I also have a hard time showering! A shower I could just wheel my self in an transfer to and from that would be amazing! Any help with these renovations and upgrades to fit my needs would greatly appreciated! Also these are not luxury things I just want, it’s things I need to function my life! Thank You so much for taking the time to read and address this issue or put me in touch with someone that can! Have a blessed day and Merry Christmas to you and your family and Haooy Nee Year!
Hi Melissa, We are sorry to hear about your troubles.
We’ll need some more information to get you pointed in the right directon. Please feel free to email info@sandwichedkc.com and we’ll do the best we can to help.
I need help desperately. I live in a trailer. I own it. It’s not going nowhere. We’re not going nowhere. I have custody of my two great-grandchildren. My home needs repair and I cannot do it. I am just too old. I’m 64 and I really need help. If you could help or let me know someone may be able to help I could appreciate it. Thank you very much
Hi Sharon, we are sorry to hear you are struggling. Feel free to reach out to us at info@sandwichedkc.com or 816-472-9178 to discuss your needs and explore potential resources.