The Role of Individuals with Mobility Limitations, Family Members, and Helping Agencies in Obtaining Accessible Home Modifications

Abstract

Home modifications can enhance the independent living of older adults with mobility limitations; however, obtaining modifications to make the home more accessible often requires resources beyond those of the mobility-limited resident. Personal interviews with independently-living adults with mobility limitations were completed to determine who was responsible for the accessibility modifications present in their homes. Forty-six respondents in two rural counties in North Carolina answered questions concerning who identified the need for the modifications, who financed or provided materials, and who provided the labor. The majority of the respondents were limited-income elderly females. Of seven modifications reported by at least five respondents (grab bars, entry ramp, stools/seats of shower or tub, commodes, hand-held showers, raised toilet seats, and walk-in/roll-in showers), the need was most often identified by someone other than the individual with the mobility limitation. The source of financing of the most costly home modification features (entry ramps, new toilets, and walk-in/roll-in showers) was typically someone outside the family, while family members provided the less expensive items (hand-held showers, showertub seats and stools, and grab bars). The majority of the labor was provided by third parties, and the provision of labor and materials was generally by non-family sources. Agencies in the two counties that provided home modification assistance expressed concern that individuals with mobility limitations underutilized available services. The findings suggest that promoting the use of accessible home modifications involves creating a greater awareness of both funding opportunities and modification options for individuals with mobility limitations and their family members.