Angels with Tools – Free Home Help

I found this post on Yahoo by Aly Adair and thought some of you may be interested;

I was recently called away on a family emergency and during my three week stay, became a research expert for my senior citizen sister, who is a full time caregiver for her disabled husband. My sister and brother-in-law are retired and live on a fixed income of social security and a small monthly pension. My brother-in-law has numerous medical issues, including leukemia, which is making it more difficult for him to be independently mobile around their home.

Much of what they need is not covered by Medicare or health insurance, but I learned of some programs to assist with home maintenance, repairs, and home makeovers for handicapped accessible living that are also available in many other communities. I was humbled after meeting the angels with tools who volunteer their time and resources to help needy families. This is what I know about finding FREE home maintenance resources for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

City Planning Departments

Non-profit home renovation programs are available in cities, counties, and state planning departments where building permits are issued. Utah has a home makeover non-profit agency that recently rebuilt a home for a survivor of the Trolley Square shootings who is now paralyzed. In my case, the City of Thornton, Colorado offers a non-profit program called Brothers Redevelopment. Each family who meets the qualifications can receive up to $5,000 of services for free that includes:
* building a wheel chair ramp
* plumbing, heating, and electrical repairs and renovations
* roof repairs and replacements
* window and door replacements and repairs; widening doorways for wheelchairs
* miscellaneous repairs
* retrofitting bathrooms

We completed the application and based on income, the following services were completed in my sister’s home FOR FREE:
* rebuilt the master shower after leaks in the tiles ruined the walls; improved the shower to make it handicap friendly
* installed new door and carpet thresholds throughout the home for wheelchair accessibility
* rebuilt the exterior door and frame that was damaged by the excessive snow storms this past winter; installed a new porch light that was ruined by the snow
* installed new rain gutters around the entire house
* replaced damaged shingles on the house and roof

County Planning Departments

We needed some additional repairs and maintenance services to prepare for my brother-in-law’s return from the skilled nursing facility, but we ran out of money in the city program. The lady who coordinates the city program told us the county has a similar program. From this program, we received a new kitchen sink, faucets and reconstruction of the 25-year old wall that got ruined from leaks. Volunteers also came out and did all the maintenance on the swamp-type air conditioning unit to prepare it for summer. We received all these services free from skilled volunteers. Simply amazing and humbling once again.

Medical Equipment Supply Store

When my sister and I went shopping for wheelchairs and other medical equipment not covered by Medicare, the owner of the supply store gave us an pamphlet for a non-profit organization in Denver that builds wheelchair ramps and wheelchair door thresholds as well as other FREE renovations for handicapped people and senior citizens. It just so happens that the store owner’s wife is on the Board of the non-profit. It makes sense – but the point is – I would have never thought to seek FREE contractor services from the medical equipment supply store. If you are in need – call these stores in your local area. They have connections!

Hospital Social Services or Case Workers

These people can be very helpful in finding FREE or low cost resources. In our case, we discovered a program called Health, Happiness, and You for $15 per year. This program offers hospital VIP privileges, local partner retailers who offer discounts on medical equipment, home maintenance services, medical and handicapped educational resources, and resources for things like Medic Alert buttons. There is also information in newsletters about free transportation for wheelchair-bound individuals, assistance with grocery shopping, weekly planned outings for handicapped people and other daily living needs. It is similar to the benefits offered by AARP, but the resources are all local.

Local Senior Citizen Centers

My sister and her husband enjoyed attending activities at the community senior citizen center before he became ill. The senior citizen center provided us with a wealth of additional information about available local resources for individuals with disabilities. Members of the center also provide my sister with complete lawn care and snow removal twice a month for $30/month.

Many families have caregivers and individuals with disabilities, and in some cases these family members are not senior citizens. If you find yourself in a situation where you need these services and do not have the financial resources to pay for a safe quality of living, just contact these angels with tools. It will change your life.