State Profile: Arkansas
Welcome to the Arkansas State Profile Page! This page features a sample of survey and research results from a comprehensive review of state and local home modification activities across the country. It has a special focus on the aging population and the efforts of State Units on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, and Native American aging service programs that are funded by the Older Americans Act Title VI Grants for Indian Tribal Organizations.
Check back as new updates will be posted periodically! Have any changes or additions? Please contact homemods@usc.edu
SPOTLIGHT ON STATE LEVEL HOME MODIFICATION ACTIVITIES
This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.
This report by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence and ADvancing States reports on a national survey
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES: DIVISION OF AGING AND ADULT SERVICES (State Unit on Aging)
State Units on Aging (SUAs) are designated state-level agencies that develop and administer state plans that advocate for and provide assistance, including home modifications or repairs, to older residents, their families, and adults with physical disabilities. SUAs administer funds, including Older Americans Act funds, which may be used to support home modification or repair services through local Area Agencies on Aging and other state and local entities.
1
ARChoices in Homecare
This Medicaid Waiver program provides home and community-based services for adults ages 21-64 with a physical disability and adults age 65 or older. It includes environmental accessibility adaptations/adaptive equipment as a home and community-based waiver service. It provides physical adaptations to the beneficiary’s home to promote independence, health and safety. Examples of adaptations include installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, modifying bathroom facilities, installing grab bars, and installing overhead tracks for transferring. Adaptations for general utility repairs and adaptations which add total square footage to the home are excluded.
2
Developmental Disability Services Alternative Community Services
This Medicaid Waiver program is for persons with severe, chronic developmental disabilities that started before the age of 22. It provides home and community-based services that include environmental modifications in support of community-based living.
3
Arkansas State Fall Prevention Coalition
The Arkansas Falls Prevention Coalition provides information, advice, and tips to help prevent falls and fall-related injuries among older adults in Arkansas.
4
iCan Tools for Life
The Increasing Capabilities Access Network (iCAN) connects Arkansans with technology to help them learn, work, communicate, and live more independently. The State Assistive Technology Grant Program, funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, supports comprehensive, statewide programs in each state that improve the provision of assistive technology (often home modification-related) to individuals with disabilities of all ages.
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL HOME MODIFICATION EFFORTS
This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.
This Data Brief highlights key findings from the 2019 National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging on how Area Agencies on Aging are providing and funding home modification and repair activities. It was developed by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging as part of the Administration for Community Living project, “Promoting Aging in Place by Enhancing Access to Home Modifications.”
1
Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas
Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas, a chartered affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, works to transform lives by building and repairing homes in partnership with families in need, and uniting all Central Arkansans around the cause of safe and affordable housing. The Neighborhood Revitalization Program partners with local residents and community leaders to coordinate a variety of projects depending on neighborhood and resident needs. This may include accessibility modifications. Additionally, Rock the Block, a one-day event, assists residents with a variety of needs, including safety and accessibility modifications.