Universal Design, Aging in Place, Home Repair & Accessibility Resource Links
Atlanta Home Modifications has compiled information and resources that may be helpful to you regarding assistive technology (such as ramps and stair lifts), universal design, aging in place home modifications, funding resources and home assessments.
Here you will find:
- Safety Guidelines and Checklists
- Home Modification and Universal Design
- Financing Resources
- Home Repair & Energy Assistance
- Assistive Technology
- Disability Resources
- Aging Resources
Paying for Your Stair Lifts
Medicare Benefits and other Financial Assistance
Does Medicare Pay for a Stair Lift?
We have frequently been asked over the years whether Medicare pays for a stair lift. Unfortunately for our increasingly expanding elder population, they do not. Stair lift customers who are unable to afford a lift frequently rely upon extended family, friends or even their church family to help with the approximately $4500 cost of a straight stair lift.
“Medicare supplemental insurance policies also do not cover stair lifts. These policies are intended to help with co-payments and deductibles for goods and services covered by Medicare. Since, Medicare does not help, neither would a Supplemental or Medigap policy.” says Payingforseniorcare.com.
Medicaid Coverage – Medicaid Home and Community Based Services
Home and community-based services enable targeted populations groups who are Medicaid beneficiaries to receive services in their own home or community. These programs particularly serve people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental illnesses.
Assistance for Veterans: The Veteran’s Administration
The Veteran’s Administration(VA) provides stair lift funding for veterans. The VA has a few different options available to fund your “stair glide,” as they’re called by the organization. You can also check out the Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services which gives veterans of all ages the opportunity to receive the Home and Community Based Services they need. More information is available at the US Department of Veteran Affairs website and as follows:
Veterans United Military Care
Provides support services and emergency assistance programs for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and military families. Services may include housing assistance, emergency financial help, food support, and other community-based resources.
Website: Veterans United Military Care
Phone: (770) 973-0014
Email: info@unitedmilitarycare.org
Veteran Services
Provides assistance and information for veterans seeking healthcare, benefits, housing support, disability assistance, and other veteran-related services.
Phone: 1-800-698-2411
State of Georgia Veteran Services
Provides information and assistance regarding veteran benefits, claims, healthcare access, education, housing resources, and support services available to Georgia veterans and their families.
Website: Georgia Department of Veterans Service
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Housing Grants
Offers housing grants for veterans and service members with qualifying service-connected disabilities to help purchase, build, or modify homes for improved accessibility and independent living. Programs may assist with accessibility renovations, barrier removal, and medically necessary home modifications.
Program Information:
VA Disability Housing Grants
VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Program
Habitat for Humanity Veteran Home Repair Program (Cobb, Douglas & Paulding Counties)
Provides home repair assistance for qualifying veterans and veteran households located in Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding Counties. Repairs may address safety, accessibility, and essential home maintenance needs.
Website: Habitat for Humanity Veteran Home Repair Program
Phone: (770) 432-7954
Tools for Life – Georgia’s Assistive Technology Program
Tools for Life – Georgia’s Assistive Technology Program is located at 512 Means St. Suite 250, Atlanta, GA and telephone is (800) 497-8665. Their website is http://www.gatfl.org/ Information about assistive technology funding in Georgia is available at http://gatfl.gatech.edu/#jQueryUITabs1-4
The Center for Financial Independence & Innovation, Inc.
A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals (and family members of) individuals with disabilities to increase security and financial independence. An Atlanta-based organization that helps to finance assistive technology, The Center for Financial Independence & Innovation address is 315 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 600, Decatur, GA 30030. The telephone number is 404-541-9005. The website is www.thecfii.org
Credit-Able (AFP) Program
Call 404-541-9005 and select the extension for the credit-able consumer liaison, Daphne Brookins. It is located at 1419 Mayson Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. The website for Credit-Able (AFP) Program is http://www.thecfii.org/
Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment for Veterans information is available at the Palmer Lake website. If you are a veteran, the Veteran’s Administration can be contacted at https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/
gTRADE, Georgia’s Online Equipment Exchange
gTRADE, Georgia’s Online Equipment Exchange encourages members to offer assistive technology and DME for sale or donation to others who may benefit from using technology unneeded by others.
FODAC
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) is Georgia’s statewide provider of home health and durable medical equipment. FODAC has distributed 20,000 wheelchairs and thousands of other pieces of DME since 1986. Internationally, 65 countries have received some equipment over those years.
AT Depot Co-op: The Georgia AT Depot is a state-wide buying cooperative for assistive technology for customers in the state of Georgia. The website is at http://www.gatfl.gatech.edu/tflwiki/index.php?title=AT_Depot
The Dollars and Sense Assistive Technology Funding database is for use by individuals (or advocates of ) individuals with disabilities, to gather funding sources and service providers that match the user’s individual assistive technology funding needs. This database may be accessed at http://gatfl.gatech.edu/ds/search.php
Additional aging in place accessibility resource links and resources include:
The National Public Website on Assistive Technology
Friends of Disabled Adults (And Children Too)
Disability Resources – Georgia
Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment for Veterans
Video Link to ALS Home Modifications: ALS Home Modifications and Lift Systems Video Link
Safety Guidelines and Checklists
Home Safety Assessments For Seniors
Home Modification and Universal Design
University of Southern California Andrus Gerontology
The Center for Universal Design at No. Carolina State Univ
Financing Resources
Housing and Community Development Agencies
The Center for Financial Independence & Innovation
Home Repair and Energy Assistance / Housing-Rehabilitation
Cobb County Septic System Pumping and Repair Program
Provides assistance for low-income homeowners with septic system maintenance and repair needs. The program is intended to help qualifying residents maintain properly functioning septic systems through services such as septic tank pumping and eligible septic system repairs when needed.
Program Information: Cobb & Douglas Public Health Septic Tank Incentive Program
Phone: (770) 435-7815
Griffin Housing Authority Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP)
Provides housing rehabilitation assistance for eligible owner-occupied homes in Spalding County. The program may offer grants to help qualifying homeowners complete needed repairs and improvements that enhance the safety and livability of their homes.
Website: Griffin Housing Authority CHIP Program
Main Website: Griffin Housing Authority
Phone: (770) 227-7657
Home Repairs Ministry (Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, Milton, Sandy Springs (north of 285), Alpharetta, Roswell, and Mountain Park)
https://homerepairs.org/get-help/ info@homerepairs.org
404-618-5224
U.S. Department of Agriculture Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants Program
Provides grants and low-interest loans to eligible homeowners to help repair, improve, or modernize their homes and address health and safety hazards. Loan funds may be used for a variety of qualified home improvements, while grants are specifically intended to remove health and safety hazards for qualifying homeowners.
Program Information: USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants Program
U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program
Provides energy-efficiency improvements for qualifying low-income households to help reduce utility costs and improve home comfort and safety. Eligible services may include insulation, air sealing, HVAC improvements, and other weatherization measures designed to lower energy consumption and increase long-term affordability. Income eligibility requirements apply, generally serving households at or below program income limits. Priority may be given to seniors, households with children, and individuals with disabilities, including those needing accessibility-related improvements.
Program Information: Georgia Weatherization Assistance Program
Tallatoona Community Action Partnership Weatherization Services in Bartow, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Paulding, Polk, Fulton, and Cobb.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help qualifying low-income households with home energy costs. The program places special emphasis on assisting senior citizens, medically homebound individuals, and other vulnerable households through services provided by local Community Action Agencies (CAA). Assistance may include help with heating and cooling expenses and energy-related emergencies for eligible applicants.
Program Information: Georgia Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Partnership for Community Action (Dekalb, Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale Counties) Provides emergency assistance services to individuals and families in crisis. Heating and Cooling Assistance, Weatherization of homes.
Sunshine on a Ranney Day
Provides life-changing home makeovers for children with special needs and life-altering illnesses throughout Georgia. The organization creates custom dream bedrooms, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, and in-home therapy spaces designed to improve safety, accessibility, comfort, and quality of life for children and their families — all at no cost to qualifying families.
Website: Sunshine on a Ranney Day
Phone: (770) 990-2434
Disability Resource Center Home Modification Program https://disabilityresourcecenter.org/additional-services/home-modification/
706-778-5355
Ramps, Door Widening, Door frame leveling, Handrails, Grab Bars, Shower chairs, Handheld showers. NE Georgia Counties – Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White
Multiple Choices Home Modification Program
Ramps, Door Widening, Door frame leveling, Handrails, Grab Bars, Shower chairs, Handheld showers. Georgia Counties – Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Madison, Monroe, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton.
https://multiplechoices.us/services/
|(877) 549-1020
Gwinnett Housing Older Adult Home Modification Program https://www.gwinnetthousing.org/homeowner_resource_center/older_adult_home_modification_ program/index.php
770-589-0270
info@gwinnetthousing.org
Habitat for Humanity Home Repair Program (Harris, Heard, or Troup Counties)-Storm Damage
https://www.hfhtroup.org/current-programs
Barrow County Habitat of Humanity Brush with Kindness Program (veteran and senior homes)
https://habitatbarrow.org/services/veteran-initiatives/
(770) 771-9575
Disability Resources
Americans with Disabilities Act
American Foundation for the Blind
Georgia Disability Resources List
Joni and Friends (International Disability Center)
Resources for major accessibility modifications or financial assistance:
Federal & State Home Modification Funding
USDA Rural Housing Repair Loans & Grants
- Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (RD – Section 504 program), very low-income homeowners can get:
- Loans up to $40,000 for home repairs and improvements.
- Grants up to $10,000 (higher in disaster areas).
- This can help fund things like structural improvements or expansions that improve safety and livability, though typically not a full home addition. (Rural Development)
Medicaid Home Modification Waivers
- Many states offer Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers that can fund home accessibility modifications.
- A case manager and therapist may help determine which modifications are covered — often ramps, widened doorways, bathrooms, and safety modifications, and in some states larger structural needs may be considered. Link to resource
- Contact your state Medicaid office or 211 to see what your state offers.
State Home Modification Grants
- Some states run programs that provide grants specifically to low-income households with one or more family members with disabilities. (e.g., Amy Young Barrier Removal in Texas). (TDHCA)
- Many states have similar programs — see state housing authority websites for details.
Search “[your state] home modification grants disability” online or call your state housing agency.
Nonprofit & Community Assistance Programs
Rebuilding Together Atlanta:
Rebuilding Together Atlanta is a nonprofit organization that repairs homes, revitalizes communities, and helps low-income seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities in the Atlanta area live more safely and independently through critical health and safety home improvements.
To qualify for assistance from Rebuilding Together Atlanta, applicants must own and live in their home, be a low-income senior, veteran, or person with a disability, and demonstrate a health or safety-related repair need rather than cosmetic improvements. Homeowners must complete the application process, provide proof of income, homeownership, insurance, and utilities, and agree to remain in the home for at least two years after services are completed.
Eligible homeowners in the Atlanta metro area should complete the online intake eligibility form and include their full name, address, city, zip code, and phone number with any communication to Rebuilding Together Atlanta due to the high volume of inquiries.
404-505-5599
Email: rtainfo@rebuildingtogether-atlanta.org / intake@rebuildingtogether-atlanta.org
Banks, Dawson, Forsyth. Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun. Stephens, Towns, Union, White County
https://disabilityresourcecenter.org/additional-services/home-modification/
706-778-5355
Fulton County Senior Services
https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/inside-fulton-county/fulton-county-departments/senior-services
404-613-6000
Cobb County Senior Services
https://www.cobbcounty.org/senior-services / CobbSeniors@cobbcounty.org
770-528-5364
DeKalb County Senior Services
https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/senior-services/office-aging
770-322-2950
Georgia Department of Aging Services
https://aging.georgia.gov/programs-and-services
(404) 657-5258
Greater Atlanta Chapter of National Council of Aging in Place
https://ageinplace.org/greater-atlanta/
GreaterAtlanta@ageinplace.org
Georgia Aging and Disability Resource Connection https://www.georgiaadrc.com/how_do_i/contact_us/index.php
866-552-4464
Solace Health: Solace Health provides nurse and community advocacy services for Medicare patients nationwide. Individuals simply contact Solace, complete the Medicare insurance approval process, and are then matched with an advocate who can assist with a wide range of needs, including healthcare coordination, medical support, and social determinants of health, with advocates working remotely across all 50 states. https://www.solace.health/
Gwinnett Housing Older Adult Home Modification Program: Gwinnett Housing Older Adult Home Modification Program provides eligible older adults in Gwinnett County with home modification assistance aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and independent living. https://www.gwinnetthousing.org/homeowner_resource_center/older_adult_home_modification_ program/index.php
770-589-0270 info@gwinnetthousing.org
FODAC (Statewide Georgia): FODAC is a statewide Georgia nonprofit that provides low-cost and refurbished medical equipment, mobility aids, and other assistive devices to individuals with disabilities and medical needs.
770-491-9014
https://fodac.org/
Home Access Program (Statewide Georgia): Georgia Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission Home Access Program provides grant assistance for home accessibility modifications to eligible Georgia residents who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury (SCI) caused by an external event such as a fall, vehicle accident, or assault, with physician documentation required.
https://bsitf.georgia.gov/
https://dca.georgia.gov/affordable-housing/special-needs-housing/home-access-program
STARline – Fulton County Department of Senior Services (Office of Aging): Free information and referral service for older adults (55 and older), their families/caregivers and the community.
https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/inside-fulton-county/fulton-county-departments/senior-services/starline-information-hotline
404-613-6000
State of Georgia Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP):
The Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP) provides services that help eligible adult Medicaid recipients with physical disabilities remain living safely in their own homes or community settings rather than in a hospital or nursing facility. Covered services may include: Environmental modifications, Vehicle adaptations, Medically necessary home modifications to improve accessibility and safety, Modifications to a member-owned vehicle to improve access, driving ability, and transportation safety
To apply for the ICWP program, contact DCH’s contractor, Alliant Health Solutions, at 1-888-669-7195.
Georgia Department of Community Health – ICWP Information
State of Georgia Health and Human Services In Home Services Housing improvement services that promote the safety and well-being of adults in their homes; designed to increase accessibility, reduce the risk of injury, and improve older adults’ ability to stay at home; may also include the purchase of certain assistive devices
https://aging.georgia.gov/programs-and-services/home-community-based-services/home-services
Home Repair Programs
City of Atlanta Watershed Management Care and Conserve Plumbing Repair Program
https://atlantawatershed.org/care-and-conserve-plumbing-repair-program/
(404) 546-3419 / (770)742-0706
City of Atlanta WeatheRISE ATL Program
Energy efficiency and healthy home upgrade assistance for eligible owner-occupied single-family homes located in high energy-burden neighborhoods within the City of Atlanta. The program includes a professional home energy audit along with approximately $4,000–$6,000 in recommended energy-efficiency and healthy home improvements at no cost to qualifying homeowners. Eligible upgrades may include insulation, air sealing, HVAC improvements, weatherization measures, and other home performance improvements designed to reduce utility costs and improve comfort and indoor health. Income and geographic eligibility requirements apply.
Website: WeatheRISE ATL Program
City of Atlanta Home Repair Program (Neighborhood Works) https://www.neighborhoodworks.org/Repair-Program/
City of Atlanta Safe and Healthy Homes Program https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/grants-and-community-development/healthy-homes-atlanta
HopeWorks https://www.hopeworks4us.org/programs Rome, metro Atlanta, Gainesville, Athens, Macon, Savannah, Brunswick, and Valdosta
404-872-0167 ext 1 info@hopeworks4us.org
Habitat for Humanity and Local Home Repair Nonprofits
- Some local affiliates offer repair or modification grants or low-interest loans for low-income homeowners.
- Example: Cadillac Area Habitat launched a home repair program (Big Rapids Pioneer)
Local Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
- Administered by local governments to help low-income homeowners with repairs.
- These grants can sometimes be used for bigger structural work if it enables accessibility or safety.
- Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Here are concrete steps to take:
- Call 211 (United Way):
– Automated and live help for housing, disability, and financial assistance resources in your area.
– United Way of Greater Atlanta - Check Federal Listings:
– Grants.gov — search federal grant opportunities for disability and housing modification funding. (Administration for Children and Families) - State Housing Authority:
– Your state’s housing department often lists special needs housing and home modification programs. (e.g., Georgia’s Special Needs Housing resources). (Georgia Department of Community Affairs) - Local Nonprofits & Churches:
– Many community organizations offer funded assistance or referrals for building access ramps or other structural needs.
Facts
➤ There is no broad federal grant that pays for a full home addition simply based on income and disability. (USAGov)
➤ Funding is usually for specific accessibility modifications, safety upgrades, or assisted living support.
Summary: Best Paths for Help
| Type | What It Offers | Applicability |
| USDA Section 504 Grants/Loans | Home improvement funds | Low-income homeowners |
| Medicaid Waiver Programs | Disability-related home mods | Depends on state |
| State Accessibility Grants | Grants for accessibility mods | State programs vary |
| Nonprofits (Rebuilding Together) | Free volunteer repairs | Low-income, disability focus |
Aging Resources
Georgia Division of Aging Services
Housing Resources
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Provides information and resources related to safe and affordable housing programs throughout Georgia, including rental assistance, housing development initiatives, and homeowner resources.
Website: Georgia Department of Community Affairs Housing Resources
Phone: (404) 679-4840
City of Atlanta Housing Help Center
Provides housing assistance resources, housing counseling, eviction prevention information, and affordable housing support services for Atlanta residents.
Website: City of Atlanta Housing Help Center
Phone: (404) 492-7640
City of Atlanta Affordable Housing Guide
Provides information about affordable housing resources, programs, tenant assistance, and housing opportunities available within the City of Atlanta.
Guide: City of Atlanta Affordable Housing Guide
Housing Authority of Fulton County
Provides affordable housing programs, rental assistance, and housing support services for eligible residents throughout Fulton County.
Website: Housing Authority of Fulton County
Housing Authority of DeKalb County
Provides affordable housing opportunities, rental assistance programs, and housing resources for qualifying residents of DeKalb County.
Website: Housing Authority of DeKalb County
Cobb County Social Services Collaborative
Provides information on emergency shelter, food pantries, and additional social service resources available to residents of Cobb County through a network of local organizations and agencies.
Resource Guide: Cobb County Social Services Collaborative Resource Guide
Cobb County Housing Resources
Provides information on housing assistance resources, affordable housing programs, and housing-related services available throughout Cobb County.
Housing Resource Guide: Cobb County Housing Resource List
Elder Care Resources
ElderCareMatters “America’s #1 online source for Elder Care Experts plus information & answers about a wide range of elder care matters”.
Atlanta Regional Commission – Area Agency on Aging
The Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging serves as one of the primary senior support networks in Metro Atlanta, helping older adults remain safely in their homes and communities as they age. Through the Empowerline program, seniors and caregivers can receive assistance locating affordable housing resources, in-home support services, caregiver programs, transportation, meal assistance, and aging-in-place resources. The organization also provides guidance on long-term care planning, Medicare counseling, and referrals to home repair and accessibility modification programs that help seniors maintain independence and avoid institutional care.
Telephone: 1-866-552-4464
AgeWell Atlanta
AgeWell Atlanta helps older adults throughout Metro Atlanta connect with services that support independent living, housing stability, and healthy aging. Their coordinated network assists seniors with care management, transportation, food access, wellness support, social services, and referrals for in-home care. AgeWell Atlanta also helps families navigate resources related to aging in place, helping seniors remain in familiar surroundings while accessing the support necessary for safety, mobility, and daily living.
Telephone: 1-866-243-9355
Fulton County Senior Services
Fulton County Senior Services offers a wide range of programs designed to help seniors maintain independence and continue living safely at home. Services include senior centers, meal assistance, transportation, wellness programs, and referrals to housing and home support resources. Older adults and caregivers may also receive information about home modification assistance, accessibility improvements, and community-based programs that reduce the need for nursing facility placement.
Telephone: 404-613-6000
Gwinnett County Senior Services
Gwinnett County Senior Services provides support programs focused on helping seniors remain active, healthy, and safely housed within their communities. Programs include transportation, nutrition services, wellness programs, caregiver support, and access to housing-related assistance. Gwinnett County also offers resources that can help seniors identify aging-in-place solutions, home accessibility improvements, and community partnerships that address safety and mobility concerns within the home.
Telephone: 678-377-4150
DeKalb County Senior Services
DeKalb County Senior Services supports older residents through programs that promote independent living and long-term housing stability. Services include transportation, nutrition programs, wellness support, senior centers, and referrals to housing and home repair assistance programs. The department helps connect seniors with community organizations that provide accessibility improvements, fall prevention modifications, and supportive services designed to help older adults age in place safely.
Telephone: 770-322-2950
Meals On Wheels Atlanta
Meals On Wheels Atlanta supports homebound seniors by delivering nutritious meals and conducting regular wellness checks that help older adults remain safely in their homes. Beyond meal delivery, the organization often serves as an important connection point for isolated seniors, helping identify unmet needs related to housing safety, mobility limitations, caregiver support, and access to additional aging-in-place services throughout Metro Atlanta.
Telephone: 404-351-3889
Georgia Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
The Georgia Aging and Disability Resource Connection serves as a statewide gateway for seniors, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities seeking assistance with housing, home care, Medicaid waivers, transportation, and long-term support services. The program helps connect older adults with resources that support aging in place, including home accessibility modifications, caregiver assistance, independent living programs, and referrals for home repair and supportive housing services.
Telephone: 1-866-552-4464
Senior Services North Fulton
Senior Services North Fulton provides programs that help older adults continue living independently throughout the North Fulton area. Services include Meals on Wheels, transportation, wellness programs, caregiver respite, and in-home support services. The organization also works with seniors and families to identify community resources related to housing stability, home safety, accessibility modifications, and aging-in-place planning.
Telephone: 770-993-1906
