State Profile: Iowa
Welcome to the Iowa 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
IOWA DEPARTMENT ON AGING (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.
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Iowa Return to Community Pilot
This state funded pilot in five counties involves voluntary participation by older adults who are being transferred from a hospital to a nursing home in their first 30 days of Medicare eligibility to facilitate discharge to their home. This discharge process may include home modifications as a part of a successful transition.
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Partnership with Habitat for Humanity
The Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) has a strong partnership with Habitat for Humanity at both the state and local levels. The Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity became interested in aging in place through projects in Denver, Iowa. This interest rose to the statewide Habitat for Humanity, which then connected with IDA to explore collaboration. It helped facilitate introductions at the local Habitat for Humanity chapter levels, as all of Iowa’s counties are covered by a local Habitat chapter. AAAs have also independently built strong relationships with their Habitat chapters, often due to regularly occurring natural disasters, and look to Habitat chapters for assistance in finding solutions to meet the needs of their communities.
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Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services (VD-HCBS)
The Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services program, a partnership between the Iowa Department on Aging and the Veterans Health Administration, uses a self-directed care model wherein participants choose and manage the long-term services they need to live independently. They are provided a monthly budget to contract with the individuals and agencies of their choice (including family members, friends and neighbors) for goods and services, including home modifications.
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Brain Injury (BI) Waiver
This waiver serves individuals with a brain injury caused by an accident or illness, with eligibility beginning at one month of age. Based on assessed needs, services may include adult day care, behavioral programming, case management, Consumer Directed Attendant Care (CDAC), family counseling, and respite. It also covers home and vehicle modifications, personal emergency response systems, interim medical monitoring and treatment, specialized medical equipment, supported community living, supported employment and transportation, and prevocational services with career exploration.
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.”
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Home Rebuilding Program
Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines is a non-profit affiliate of Rebuilding Together National. It relies on grants and fundraising for funding to support services that revitalize housing. The Safe and Healthy Housing Program of Rebuilding Together Des Moines serves low-income families that live in the Des Moines Metro Area. Services provided include minor and major modifications (e.g., wheelchair ramps, stair railings, and grab bars), repairs (e.g., electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and broken windows). Rebuilding Together Des Moines also has a Veterans Housing Program that provides modifications and repair services to retired and active service men and women. They partner with corporate sponsors to provide these services to veterans.