State Profile: Ohio
Welcome to the Ohio 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
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF 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.
1
Medicaid Waiver Program (PASSPORT)
Ohio’s PASSPORT Medicaid Waiver program provides Medicaid-eligible older Ohioans with long-term services and supports (including home modifications) to stay in their homes or other community settings, rather than enter nursing homes, when appropriate.
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Ohio Home Care Waiver
The Ohio Home Care Waiver (OHCW) is a home- and community- based services (HCBS) waiver operated by the Ohio Department of Medicaid (Ohio Medicaid). OHCW is designed for individuals with physical disabilities and unstable medical conditions to receive care in their homes and communities instead of nursing facilities, hospitals, or rehabilitation facilities. OHCW allows individuals to have more control of their lives, remain active participants in their communities, and make important choices about the care they receive.
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Ohio Housing Trust Fund
The Ohio Housing Trust Fund (OHTF) is a flexible state funding source that provides affordable housing opportunities, expands housing services, and improves housing conditions for low-income Ohioans and families.The OHTF supports a wide range of housing activities, including housing development, emergency home repair, handicapped accessibility modifications, and services related to housing and homelessness. In addition, OHTF dollars may be used for predevelopment costs, rental assistance, housing counseling, rehabilitation, and new construction.
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Housing Assistance Grant Program
The Housing Assistance Grant Program assists homeowners with staying in their homes by providing emergency home repairs and renovations for accessibility. The program also has limited funding available. Its goal is to promote affordable housing opportunities and improve housing conditions for low-income families and individuals primarily through emergency home repair and limited down payment assistance. Grant funds are provided through the Ohio Housing Trust Fund.
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
Home Accessibility Modifications and Minor Home Repair program
The Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging offers the Home Accessibility Modifications and Minor Home Repair Program for adults age 60 and older and individuals under age 60 with a disability in need of accessibility repairs. Home modifications include building wheelchair ramps, replacing tubs for showers, and installing grab bars and handrails. Minor home repairs are limited to small problem areas within the home.
2
Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc.
The Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. offers its Home Repair Program to eligible older adults in their ten-county region. The program is funded by the Ohio Department of Development Housing Trust Fund Housing Assistance Grant Program and the State of Ohio Senior Community Services Program. Services include installing ramps to improve accessibility, kitchen and bathroom modifications, and housing repairs.
3
Home Repair Program
Home Repair Program is a state-funded program through the Ohio Department of Aging for minor home repairs and modifications for eligible older adults (60+).
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Home Maintenance & Repairs
These programs provide grants to low-income seniors and adults with disabilities who own and reside in homes needing critical health, safety, or maintenance repairs. Typical repairs include roof replacement, major electrical work, major plumbing work, repair or replacement of the front and/or back steps, porch repairs, and the installation of ramps.