State Profile: New York
Welcome to the New York 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
STATE UNIT ON AGING: NEW YORK STATE OFFICE FOR THE 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
New York State Office for the Aging
It is 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. Minor home repair and home modifications are part of allowable services offered by the 59 Area Agencies on Aging in New York State.
2
CAPABLE Program Implementation
The New York State Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long-Term Care, has launched a statewide initiative to expand access to the evidence-based CAPABLE program for low-income older adults. Organizations were selected through a competitive process to receive funding to deliver CAPABLE across multiple regions of the state over the next three years to at least 200 participants per organization, with implementation expected to begin in 2026. Through this program, up to 2,600 older adults will receive in-home visits to provide nursing, occupational therapy, and handy worker services.
3
Care at Home Medicaid Waiver for Developmentally Disabled Children (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities [OPWDD])
This waiver program allows Medicaid to pay for some services not provided through “regular” Medicaid, including home adaptations. It provides medical assistance to families with children living at home who have severe disabilities or medical conditions.
4
Home and Community-Based Services Waiver/Long-Term Home Health Care Program (HCBS/LTHHCP)
This waiver allows Medicaid to pay for some services not provided through "regular" Medicaid such as respiratory therapy, medical social services, nutritional counseling, home maintenance and modifications, vehicular modifications, moving assistance, respite care, home delivered meals, personal emergency response system, assistive technology, community transitional services, and home and community support services.
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
Aging in Place Guide for Building Owners: Recommended Age-Friendly Residential Building Upgrades
Along with the City of New York and the American Institute of Architects New York, the New York City Department of Aging created this comprehensive guidebook to address the safety and home environments of older tenants.
2
Home Repair Programs
The agency has access to grants, low-interest loans, and cost-sharing programs to assist eligible households with home repairs in some localities. These home repair programs are operated by Cayuga County Homesite. They help with necessary home repairs, maintenance, and improvements.
3
Handyman Program
The Cortland County Area Agency on Aging’s Handyman Program provides minor home repairs and installs safety devices and equipment for income eligible homeowners age 60 years and older. They also have the “Make A Ramp” Program in which they purchase and own modular aluminum ramp systems that can be installed for short-term or long-term use for individuals age 60 and older.
4
Weatherization Program
The Weatherization Referral and Packaging (WRAP) Program provides home repairs to weatherize a home for energy efficiency as well as education on energy conservation. These repairs may include window replacement, insulation, caulking, weather stripping, broken glass repair and furnace repair or replacement.Other home improvement loans and grants may be available to seniors to help replace roofs, siding and make handicap accessibility modifications to their homes.