Senior Aging in Place is the focus of a multi-million dollar award from The Department of Housing and Urban Development. Nearly $15 million will go towards safety and functional home upgrades to meet the needs of elderly, low-income residents. The grants are available through HUD’s Older Adults Home Modification Program (OAHMP).

The goal of the OAHMP is to assist states, local governments, non-profits, and PHA’s to allow seniors to age at home with safety modifications. Click here for an overview on the program and how it could benefit your residents.

Leaders say these awards will allow older adults to remain in their homes to “age in place,” instead of moving into a nursing home or an assisted-living facility. “By providing a pathway for more older adults to stay in their homes, we are helping to improve lives and ensuring the opportunity for seniors to age with dignity,” says HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge.

The grantees are experienced in providing services to seniors. HUD leaders say home modification services will go to 1,900 senior families nationwide. Both urban and rural providers are receiving assistance. Click here for a link to the communities receiving the grants this year.

Low-Income Seniors in America

Many seniors in America live on fixed incomes and rely on social security benefits. Last Fall, The National Council on Aging reported Older Adults was the only demographic to see an increase in poverty.

This increase shines a glaring spotlight on the fact that Social Security and Medicare, the bedrock of retirement security for so many, are not sufficient to lift all older adults above poverty.”

Ramsay Alwin – CEO, National Council on Aging.

More troubling, the agency estimates nearly six million seniors live in poverty nationwide. Those on fixed incomes have also been hit hard as inflation remains high. The Social Security Administration authorized a cost-of-living increase for beneficiaries to help ease the burden inflation is causing.

Finally, The National Council on Aging offers resources for seniors and caregivers struggling to make ends meet. Click Here to learn more about the services available to older Americans.