For low-income seniors in Milwaukee, having a safe home can become a challenge as poor lighting or a loose rail or carpet can lead to severe health risks. A local nonprofit developed a program to help change that by making free home improvements.
Revitalize Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the health and safety of low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities by providing essential home repairs and addressing hazardous conditions to ensure homes remain safe and affordable for individuals in Milwaukee and Waukesha.
The organization launched the Older Adult Home Modification Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to provide free home upgrades to prevent falls and improve accessibility for low-income homeowners 62 and up.
“Seniors don’t know things like this exist until it’s too late,” said Melanie Roach, chief executive officer of Revitalize Milwaukee. “Our seniors who are receiving Social Security don’t have the income or the knowledge of what it will take to keep them safe in their home.”
According to Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services, the state ranks number one in fatal falls among older adults.
The Older Adult Home Modification Program offers bathtub cutouts to improve safe access into the shower, ADA height toilets, railing installations, stair treads for non-slipping and more.
“The biggest risk we see seniors facing are in their bathrooms,” Roach said. “No one should lose their independence to a fall that could have been prevented.”
Going through the process
Before making modifications to a senior’s home, an occupational therapist will visit to evaluate their living situation, the person’s mobility and more, and then provide suggestions afterward.
Recommendations are individualized to maximize independence, reduce caregiver burden and support long-term community living, according to the organization.
Roach said after the project’s requirements are looked over, contractors are hired to make the upgrades.
Applying to the program
To become eligible, applicants must meet the age requirement and have an income at or below 80% of the median income. Here’s a tool to check whether your income falls in that range.
To apply email Shonda Perkins at shonda@rtmilwaukee.org or Angel Burns at angel@rtmilwaukee.org
Applicants can also print the application, complete it and bring it or mail it to Revitalize Milwaukee at 840 N. Martin Luther King Drive for review.
Click here to view other programs and services through Revitalize Milwaukee that you may be eligible for.
Call Revitalize Milwaukee at 414-312-7531 if you need additional assistance.
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