Abstract:

Our society's changing demographics include the aging of our population and a greater number of persons with disabling conditions. As a result, many people experience obstacles in their homes that are inconvenient, limiting and dangerous. They are beginning to realize that their homes can better support their needs through home modifications; that they can remain in their homes and neighborhoods rather than move to more institutional settings. The ability to meet this growing need for home modifications is hampered by lack of information, limited funding and inadequate services. Because these barriers are interlinked, a complex scenario evolves that negatively affects the availability of home modifications. A Blueprint for Action is the print product of the second national conference on home modifications which was convened to address these barriers. 'A Blueprint for Action: The Second National Working Conference on Home Modifications Policy', held in April, 1996 in Washington, DC was attended by over 60 of the nation's leading experts in disability, aging, housing finance, remodeling, design and construction, community development and long-term care. Planned by the National Home Modifications Action Coalition, this conference provided the opportunity to develop home modification agendas at community, state and national levels. The publication reflects the four key action areas of the conference - Consumer Knowledge, Funding, Service Delivery and Systems Change. A Blueprint for Action was developed from the background papers written on the four themes, discussions and working groups at this second conference. Portions of the papers are excerpted. This report includes a discussion of barriers and recommendations for national, state and community change. Its use is intended to increase the availability and affordability of home modifications for individuals of all ages. A Blueprint for Action reflects the diverse perspectives and approaches of the many experts who have contributed to the conference and the papers. Most importantly, A Blueprint for Action is an action plan for promoting home modifications through coalition building and sustained and coordinated activities.