News

A grant-funded program administered by Council on Aging (COA) in Clinton County is entering its final months, and COA is encouraging older adult homeowners who may benefit from no-cost home safety modifications and repairs to apply as soon as possible.

In 2024, COA launched the Clinton County Older Adults Home Modification Program after receiving a $1.25 million grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide home repairs and modifications to enable lower-income older adults in the county to remain in their homes. The program aims to reduce older adults’ risk of falling, improve general safety, increase accessibility, and improve functional abilities in the home.

Approved modifications and repairs are completed by COA-approved providers at no cost to the homeowner. COA’s program manager works closely with each client every step of the way. “They saved me a lot of money,” Barbara, a Wilmington resident, said. “And I didn’t have to do anything.”

“To date, we’ve completed about 100 jobs for Clinton County homeowners,” said Stephanie Seyfried, COA vice president of Medicaid services. “Those who have participated in the program have received everything from improved home lighting and smoke alarms to bathroom grab bars and ramps to help them access their front door. It’s amazing how small fixes such as these can make an enormous difference in the lives of older adults.”

“Putting all these things in, it actually makes you feel emotionally better. I have more independence,” said Emeline from Sabina who qualified for a ramp, grab bars, a light replacement and a raised toilet seat.

To qualify for the program, an individual must:

• Be 62 years of age or older
• Own a home and its land in Clinton County
• Reside in the home
• Have an annual household income of $48,350 or less for a household of one or $55,250 or less for a household of two (80% of the area median household income)

How to apply

Currently, COA plans to accept program applications through May 1; however, the date may be moved up depending on the number of active jobs and pending applications it has.

“We highly encourage those who are interested in the program to complete an application as soon as possible,” Seyfried said.  

Individuals who believe they meet program qualifications should:

• Complete the online application located here, OR
• Call Council on Aging at (937) 584-7200 and select Option 2 from the menu

If anyone was unsure about whether to apply to the program, “I would tell them that it’s easy to do. It’s only a phone call. They walk you through everything you need to do,” Barbara said. “It’s almost silly not to look into it.”