State Profile: Massachusetts
Welcome to the Massachusetts 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
MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS (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
Area Agency on Aging Support
Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence provides support for home modification/repairs via Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and the Older Americans Act Title III, the Family Caregiver Support Program and Home and Community Based Waivers. It engages in activities to raise awareness through engagement with the AAAs and Aging Disability Resource Consortia and leveraging other state agency home modification/repair programs through the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
2
Home Care Program
This state-funded in-home services program provides services to help eligible residents of Massachusetts age in place by supporting daily tasks. Services may include home safety, independence evaluations, and adaptive housing.
3
MA Frail Elder Waiver (FEW)
This home and community-based services Medicaid Waiver program provides services to Massachusetts residents age 60 and older with needs ranging from basic to intensive levels so that they may live in the community. Environmental accessibility adaptations are included as a service support.
4
Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP)
This program provides 0% interest, deferred payment loans to modify the primary permanent homes of older adults and children with disabilities so that they may live more independently. Six agencies in Massachusetts administer the program. A one time loan of $1,000 to $50,000 may be borrowed by property owners; $1,000 up to $30,000 for mobile home owners. The modifications to be made to the residence must be necessary to allow the beneficiary to remain in the home and must specifically relate to their ability to function on a daily basis.
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
Senior Home Repair Program
The Boston Home Center works with several neighborhood agencies that will assist older adults with applying for minor to major repairs for their home. The program offers zero percent-interest (0%), deferred loans for older homeowners.
2
Home Care Program
Minuteman Senior Services, an Area Agency on Aging, offers personalized assessments and interviews by a Minuteman Care Manager to assess circumstances or concerns in the home. A detailed evaluation of the home is carried out to identify areas that present accident or fall risks. Areas assessed include: the exterior entrances and exits, interior doors, stairs and halls, bathrooms, kitchens and dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms.
3
In-Home Support
Home Care and Senior Care Options/One Care Services staff identify unmet needs and coordinate services to help individuals remain safely at home. Services may include “Home Safety Adaptations.”
4
Revitalize CDC
Revitalize CDC, a non-profit, provides repairs, home modifications, and rehabilitation on the homes and non-profit facilities of low-income families with children, the elderly, military veterans, and people with special needs. They work with donors, grantors, and volunteers to provide services that help to stabilize neighborhoods, strengthen the tax base, and support the ability of older homeowners to age in place through accessibility modifications.