Senior Access to Home

The Initiative
United Way of Long Island’s Senior Access to Home was developed to provide accessibility modifications to homes of low-income seniors (65 and over) in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. The initiative focuses on providing home retrofits, such as ramps, grab rails, wheelchair accessible bathrooms and kitchens, and any other necessary modifications that will enable senior citizens to stay in their own home rather than move into assisted care. 

Problem
Many low-income seniors whose homes have become inaccessible by nature of their conditions, such as mobility and health, are often placed into nursing homes or assisted living facilities. The elderly have to leave the comfort of their “own homes”, which can be distressing for them and in some cases lead to depression and ill-health.

Solution
United Way of Long Island and its community partners will make home adaptations and alterations for low-income senior citizens with disabilities so they can remain or return to their homes, plus provide support services to help make their lives more comfortable. 

Each home will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and all necessary adaptations will be made to meet the individualized needs of the occupants. United Way will be working across Long Island and plans to modify 20 homes—10 homes in both Nassau and Suffolk counties with $500,000 in grants for year one—$400,000 from New York State Division of Housing Community Renewal and an additional $100,000 (for seniors with disabilities in Islip) from the Town of Islip Community Development Agency. A further grant of $700,000—for year two of the initiative—has been received from New York State Division of Housing Community Renewal.

In collaboration with F.E.G.S. in Nassau County ( North Hempstead), and through its NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) program, United Way will provide accessibility modifications while F.E.G.S. will provide the supportive services, such as meals on wheels and counseling and medical assistance, providing a complete package of care for these individuals. 

In Suffolk County, United Way of Long Island has partnered with Town of Islip Community Development Agency, Department of Human Services, F.E.G.S, Family Service League and other community-based organizations to provide human service assistance, such as meals on wheels and case management. The services offered are readily accessible and in turn will help to promote the activities of daily living and improve physical and mental health assistance to seniors. 

For assistance from the program, contact United Way of Long Island’s Senior Access to Home program coordinator at 631.940.3726.