Our region has some of the oldest housing stock in the state of New York. According to the 2022-2024 Chautauqua County Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan (https://chqgov.com/sites/default/files/document-files/2023-01/CHQ.CHA–.2022.Final–.pdf), “Housing structures in the County are relatively old with 40.5% built in 1939 or earlier, compared to 31.0% in New York State. In Chautauqua County, 52.7% of homes were built prior to 1950, compared to 32.3% in New York State”. These homes might have been great when folks were younger, but as we age, they may need some work done to maintain the home or improve the safety of the home. You may need repairs, modifications or changes to an existing home to better meet your changed needs. Some of these needed repairs, modifications and upgrades come from local agencies, grants, local/state funding, even some types of health insurance can assist with home repairs or modifications.

Insurances like Medicare advantage plans, Veterans care, private long term care insurance or Medicaid- (managed long term care -MLTC) may be able to pay for home modifications. Home modifications can become necessary for people who are older or have a chronic illness. Wheelchair ramps, widening of hallways, grab bars, and even simple improvements like brighter lighting are all home modifications that might help your loved one remain living independently, so they may be covered. The guiding principle for all is to keep people in their homes and delaying the move to nursing homes for as long as possible.

To obtain more information about home repairs for older or disabled people in our community, call NY Connects Helpline at (716) 753-4582 or e-mail us at CCNYC@chqgov.com need.

have long-term needs and want to stay in the community.