State Profile: South Carolina
Welcome to the South Carolina 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 OF SOUTH CAROLINA 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.
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ElderCare Trust Fund
Established in 1992, the ElderCare Trust Fund helps South Carolinians in need by awarding grants to innovative programs that help older adults age in place and avoid institutionalization. The South Carolina Department of Aging has awarded over $580,000 to more than 43 non-profit organizations via the Trust Fund, including the Anderson Interfaith Ministry Housing Program. This non-profit assists low-income homeowners to remain in their homes by providing ramps and repairs to support health and safety in the home.
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Community Long Term Care (CLTC) operates home and community-based waiver
This waiver helps individuals remain at home and avoid unnecessary or premature nursing home placement. Environmental modifications are an eligible service.
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SC Assistive Technology Program
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.
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South Carolina State Fall Prevention Coalition
The South Carolina State Falls Prevention Coalition provides information to help prevent falls and fall-related injuries among older adults in South Carolina.
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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Under One Roof
Under One Roof, a private non-profit, utilizes volunteers to repair and/or modify homes for homeowners, whose income is at or below poverty level. It is supported by local churches, donations from civic organizations and grant monies. Its goal is to help older adults remain in their familiar environment by increasing its accessibility, safety and comfort. Assistance is also provided by the South Carolina Department on Aging.
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Minor Home Safety Repair Program
The Minor Home Repair and Safety Program was developed to help homeowners sustain their efforts to care for themselves and/or a relative who resides in the home, by providing funds for the purchase of materials to assist in removing health and safety hazards and to provide nonstructural environmental modifications. The Minor Home Repair and Safety Program provides assistance in making modifications to homes for safety and accessibility purposes in order to allow seniors to remain in their homes for as long as possible, avoiding long-term care facilities. The program accomplishes this by focusing its efforts on the following categories and items: Ingress/Egress (wheelchair ramps, handrails, stairs, etc.); Bathroom Safety (raise toilet seat, transfer bench, grab bars, etc.); Extreme Temperature Safety (window units).
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Project VISION (Volunteers In Service In Our Neighborhoods)
Project VISION (Volunteers In Service In Our Neighborhoods) is a home repair initiative of the United Way of Aiken County, Inc. Home repairs are provided for low-income homeowners with disabilities or who are age 62 or older to improve their health and well-being. Types of repairs performed by skilled volunteers include: installation of wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and handrails. Materials are provided.