State Profile: Washington
Welcome to the Washington 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
WASHINGTON STATE AGING AND LONG-TERM SUPPORT ADMINISTRATION (ALTSA) (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 Waivers
The Washington State Unit on Aging contracts with 13 Area Agencies on Aging to maintain a statewide Medicaid provider network to serve clients who are eligible for Medicaid long-term services and supports. Medicaid Waiver programs include: 1) the Community Options Program Entry System (COPES); the New Freedom 1915(c) Medicaid Waivers; and 3) the Medicaid 1115 Transformation Demonstration Waiver. These waivers provide long-term services and supports to adults with unmet needs for assistance with activities of daily living due to functional impairments caused by age, physical disability or cognitive impairment. Services and supports may also be provided to their unpaid family caregivers. Home modification is an eligible benefit. The 1115 Demonstration Waiver’s home modification benefit level meets home modification needs up to $3,600.
2
Veteran Directed Home Services
This program provides eligible Veterans with home and community-based services that enable them to continue to live in their homes and communities. The services are coordinated and delivered by four Area Agencies on Aging in Western Washington. Participants may choose to spend funds on a modification to their residence or vehicle to accommodate their disabilities and promote functional independence, health, safety and welfare. Modifications include: ramps, grab bars, modifications of doors, and minor home repairs.
3
Northwest Access Fund
Northwest Access Fund, a non-profit, provides funding to people with disabilities in Washington and Oregon so that they may purchase assistive technology and home modifications that support independence. For home modifications, the loan may be up to $40,000 with a 10-year term.
4
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)
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
Minor Home Repair Services Program
Aging and Long-Term Care of Eastern Washington’s Minor Home Repair Services Program provides services for persons aged 60 and older. Services include repairs or modifications to client-occupied structures that support the health and safety of older occupants. Repairs are covered up to $1,000 annually for state-funded services or $150 for federal-funded services.
2
Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) of Southwest Washington surveyed older adults when creating the 2020-2023 Area Plan and found that individuals need more home modification supports to stay in their homes as long as possible than they were currently receiving. As a result, the AAA Advisory Council submitted a proposal to the county government board that was accepted to pilot a one-year home modification program using $35,000 of the AAA’s discretionary funding. The Program provides older adults with minor home modifications so they can continue to live independently and safely in their own homes. Modifications include grab bars, handrails, handheld showers, and access ramps.