Older Adult Home Modification
Older Adult Home Modification Program
Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP)
What we do
We help you live safe, independent, productive lives in your own home. We do this by installing home modifications at no cost to you.
Who Are These Services For?
OAHMP is for homeowners and renters aged 62 and over who receive fuel assistance. Individuals must live in Athol, Petersham, Philliston, Royalston, or Franklin or Hampshire Counties.
How do I sign up?
To sign up you can call 413-376-1163, and leave a message or email Monique at mgagnon@communityaction.us. Please leave your name, address, phone number and fuel assistance application number if you have one.
If you are not currently receiving fuel assistance, you will need to submit a fuel assistance application. We determine who can get assistance from us based on eligibility for Fuel Assistance. You can decline the fuel assistance benefit if you choose to.
If you live in the North Quabbin region, you can either submit your fuel eligibility letter or complete our program application.
What can I expect once I am enrolled in OAHMP?
Once we have confirmed your eligibility, we will reach out to you by phone or email to complete a survey. This survey helps us prioritize those with the most need and safety concerns.
After you complete the survey, the coordinator will visit your home to look around. After her visit, she will come back with an occupational therapist to help figure out exactly what needs to be done to make your home safer.
The coordinator will write up a work order and submit it to a contractor. We will coordinate with the contractor to get the work done.
The coordinator will inspect the work once the contractor finishes.
How do I connect someone else to OAHMP?
Anyone interested in OAHMP should call 413-376-1163 or email mgagnon@communityaction.us
CONTACT INFO FOR THE PROGRAM
Forms, Documents & Downloads
IF YOU QUALIFY FOR THIS PROGRAM, YOU MAY ALSO QUALIFY FOR:
One of our successful projects: lighted hand railings!
Frequently Asked Questions about OAHMP
This program improves the general safety of your home through no-cost home modifications. We want you to continue to live safe, independent, productive lives in your own home.
You may still be able to get help from the Older Adult Home Modification Program. Income guidelines are higher than Fuel Assistance. Click here for more information.
The work is free to the homeowner.
The work in each home depends on the needs of the homeowner. We will use an occupational therapist to identify what to prioritize for each homeowner.
Work we can do includes:
- Stair rails
- Grab Bars
- Toilet Lifts
- Bathtub cut-outs
- Pathway lighting
- Stair treads
- Temporary Ramps
- Tub/Shower transfer benches
The participant must be the homeowner, must be 62 or older, and must be living in the home to be eligible for the OAHMP program.
Occupational therapists help people live independently. They do this by helping you identify areas of living that are difficult for you. They work with us to make changes in your home so that you can live safely and comfortably.
It will take about 6 months from the time you complete the phone survey to the time the work in your home is complete. This time may vary depending on what work we need to do and contractor availability.
The OAHMP program cannot fix major structural issues or code violations because of the limit on how much we can spend.
If you need help with structural issues or code violations, reach out to your town hall or the Franklin Regional Housing Authority for assistance by clicking here if you live in Franklin County.
Let us install railings for ease and safety!
