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Home modification might take many gradient changes from ramps, to elevator stair lifts, to bath and kitchen remodeling. A person can hire a handyman, do it themselves, hire a consultant, or a business. Some businesses offer rental of ramps and equipment for temporary changes to access living, while some other changes may be architectural and significant. We offer a list of CAPS specialists, trained in accessible remodeling, and a list of businesses in the Chicago area for rental or installation of more significant home changes.
Home modifications are intended to help a person move within the home more easily and safely; and provide a greater sense of security and independence. Home modifications can include:
- Changes or additions to the inside or outside structure (e.g. ramps)
- Special equipment (grab bars)
- Adjusting the location of furniture
There are many benefits to adapting the home:
- Increased privacy for daily activities
- Increased ability to perform daily activities
- Decreased dependence on others
- Lower chance of caregiver injuries
- Improved quality of life for the person with the disability and family/friends
Planning Home Modifications
Mobility Take a close look at how you or your loved one enter and move around the home (using a wheelchair, walker, walking independently, climbing stairs, etc.). Think about whether there are ways to make it safer and easier to move about.
Ability to Perceive and Understand Consider the ability to sense and recognize the distance of objects, the size or depth of areas or objects, and temperature changes such as recognizing sharp edges, hot water and edge of stairs.
Design and Structure of the Home Universal Design (UD) is becoming a popular way to help people create barrier free living areas.
Features that Promote Connections to Friends and Family UD principles also include a term called “Visitability.” Visitability includes design elements such as no-step entrances, usable climate controls and additional space in the bathroom area.
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) has the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential for the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place.
National Association of Home Builders listing of Certified Aging in Place Specialists for the entire United States. This web-based directory enables consumers to find remodelers or contractors who specialize universal design and the aging-in-place market.
Directory for business who install Ramps, Lifts, Elevators
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101 Mobility
A large outfitting of indoor, outdoor, and automotive customizations for accessibility solutions: ramps, lifts, elevators, rails, scooters. Rent or buy.
Phone: 888-258-0652
https://101mobility.com/
Access NSM (National Seating and Mobility)
Servicing Chicago and Surrounding areas
(630) 283-7181
https://accessnsm.com/locations/accessnsm-broadview-il/
Amramp
Purchase or Rent a ramp Serving Illinois and Wisconsin including: Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, IL, and Madison, WI. Amramp provides accessibility solutions for homes and businesses including wheelchair ramps, stair lifts and vertical platform lifts.
888-715-7598
https://www.amramp.com/franchises/chicago-illinois/
Bild - Bridgeway Independent Living Designs
(888) 482-2453
Email: info@bildnow.com
https://www.bildnow.com/
Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL)
At the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL), they believe in a future where every individual, regardless of disability, has the freedom and support to lead independent, fulfilling lives. Their mission drives toward this vision every day, they are pleased to support the Home Modification Program, funded by the State of Illinois.
https://incil.org/homemod/
Lifeway Mobility Chicago, formerly EHLS
Provides a wide variety of accessibility solutions, such as wheelchair ramps and lifts, bathroom modifications, stair lifts, residential elevators and more! Proudly serving Chicagoland, NW Indiana, and SE Wisconsin for more than 30 years!
Phone: 847-215-9490
https://www.lifewaymobility.com/chicagoland/
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Provides a state-wide directory for Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) designation
1-800-368-5242
https://www.nahb.org/nahb-community/nahb-directories/professionals-with-home-building-designations-directory#sort=%40lastname%20ascending
Ramp Now
Chicago land ramps for home, auto, and commercial use.
Call 630-892-7267
Call 877-700-7267 (Ramp)
https://www.rampnow.com/
SafetyGrab Home Stability Solutions
Grab bar installation service
847-873-4722
No website
Live Independently - Home For Life Advantage
Grab bars, ramps, lifts, bidets, and bathrooms.
tel:6304662611
https://homeforlifeadvantage.com/
slipproof (slipproofsafety.com)
8752 S 78th Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455
(708) 839-4775
https://www.slipproofsafety.com/
Home Modifications Funding
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IL and National Directory of Home Modification Agencies - from USC- Homemods.org
Modest Needs.org
Founded in 2002, Modest Needs is a non-profit organization with a unique, threefold mission. Modest Needs exists:
- To responsibly provide short-term financial assistance to individuals and families in temporary crisis who, because they are working and live just above the poverty level, are ineligible for most types of conventional social assistance but who (like many of us) are living one or two lost paychecks away from the kind of financial catastrophe that eventually leads to homelessness;
- To lessen the burden of state and federal agencies charged with the care of the truly indigent by doing everything in our power to stop these at-risk households from slipping into the cycle of poverty, despite the burden posed by an unanticipated, emergency expense; and
- To promote compassion and generosity on the part of individual persons living in the United States and Canada, the areas that we serve, by standing as a living testament to the power of human kindness to change lives, no matter how much (or how little) a person has to share.
https://www.modestneeds.org/
(844) 667-3776
National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA)
The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization created to advance, through advocacy and education, the efforts of the nation’s state HFAs and their partners to provide affordable housing to those who need it. Their mission is to advance through advocacy and education the nation’s state Housing Finance Agencies’ efforts to provide affordable housing to those who need it.
https://www.ncsha.org/
(202) 624-7710
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America
RESNA, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, is the premier professional organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of people with disabilities through increasing access to technology solutions. The purpose of RESNA is to contribute to the public welfare through scientific, literary, professional, and educational activities by supporting the development, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge and practice of rehabilitation and assistive technology in order to achieve the highest quality of life for all citizens. RESNA advances the field by offering certification, continuing education, and professional development; developing assistive technology standards; promoting research and public policy; and sponsoring forums for exchanging information and ideas to meet the needs of our multidisciplinary constituency. RESNA is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit membership association.
https://www.resna.org/
(202) 367-1121
City of Chicago - The HomeMod Program
The City of Chicago is committed to increasing the provision of accessible housing options for people with disabilities. Administered by the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), the HomeMod Program enables people with disabilities, of all ages and of low to moderate income, to have their homes modified for accessibility. All residences qualify for modifications, from single family homes and condominiums to rental apartments.
(312) 743-5767
mopdhomemod@cityofchicago.org
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/mopd/hous/general/HomeMod%20Brochure%202024.pdf
The HomeMod program provides accessibility modifications that will allow people with disabilities, under the age of sixty, to make their living environment accessible. Modifications can include: ramps, porch and stair lifts, roll-in showers, widened doorways, accessible sinks and cabinets.
All services will be performed in accordance with federal, state and municipal accessibility legal requirements. Modifications are limited to a maximum of $10,000 per project and are performed by licensed, insured and experienced home remodeling companies.
- Mayors Office for Home Mod Program
- Application for Home Mod
- Private and Government Funding Options
- Everything Medicare Covers Around the House
Capable Project
The CAPABLE program aims to help individuals live independently in their home and more fully engage in daily activities. Many adults prefer to age in place by remaining in their home and community. Please click on the link below for more information.
https://capablechicagoland.weebly.com/
You May Also Be Interested In:
Adapting a Home for Wheelchair Accessibility
https://www.sralab.org/lifecenter/resources/adapting-home-wheelchair-accessibility
