Aging-in-Place for Senior Veterans

With the “silver tsunami” already impacting cities, millions of Americas in their fifties, sixties, and beyond are beginning to require home modifications to successfully age in the communities in which they live.

While this is true for the estimated one-third of all non-veterans in the county who are older than age 55, it is particularly true for veterans who are more than twice as likely to be 55 or older.  

To help all seniors ensure their homes can best meet their needs, cities can improve the services and systems serving veterans to help with the targeting of limited resources and overall coordination.  

Integral to any effort aimed at seniors is the local Area Agency on Aging or the Aging and Disability Resource Center. Depending on local planning, these agencies may have designated resources for either housing or services.  

Another key stakeholder is the local VA Medical Center. Again, depending on budgeting at individual medical center, resources may be available for veterans such as the Home and Community-based Services Program. To determine availability for your community, contact the medical center director.  

Traditional housing modification efforts that are federally funded through programs such as CDBG and the HOME program are also important to have included in coordination efforts.  

Other partners to involve include non-profit organizations that have home repair/modification components to their work such as Habitat for HumanityRebuilding Together, and Meals on Wheels (with certain affiliates).