Home Modifications Program Handles 'Everything' for Consumers
By Lois Thompson
The program is called Home Modifications, but Steve Johnson believes that name is a little limiting. As he explained, "That's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what it actually provides to the community."
Johnson is director of marketing for Voices for Independence (VFI) in Erie and Transitional Paths to Independent Living (TRPIL) in Washington, PA, and the Home Modifications program was first established by VFI in 2002. Johnson said that, as its name implies, such home modifications could be a ramp, an accessible bathroom or kitchen – things that would help people get into or out of or navigate inside the home, including widening doorways for a power chair.
But in addition, "Now we're also able to do assistive technology in the home, which would be smart home features, like voice activated lights or locks, or automatic door openers. As technology rapidly grows, so do our options, in terms of how we can best assist a consumer. As a result, we're currently helping people live more independently than ever before. This program operates on a person-centered and individualized basis, to ensure that the scope of work being completed truly addresses the recipient's needs."
“We pride ourselves in making sure that we communicate with the consumers we serve. Before the contractor is called, we meet with the consumer and talk to them about what’s going to keep them independent in the home, keeping their safety and comfort in mind while they age in place.”
Further, Johnson said the services provided are more than just making modifications. "Our team basically handles everything. The consumer is a key component in all of this. We try to take worry and stress out of the process. If there's a need for home mods they may not know who to trust to do the work, how to handle the contractor pricing process. We help navigate that process and make them an active participant in the build, and in many cases we try to help them find funding."
He acknowledged that the program "is a lot more robust now. The home mods are like another piece of the puzzle to make sure individuals are able to live independently at home." Johnson said a key component is that they know the contractors who are experienced in this work. "Often we meet with people who say, 'Yeah, we had a bunch of friends come together and build this ramp.' But the grade of the ramp may be too steep, or the threshold isn't great. So we step in to make sure things are ADA compliant, and the contractors we use are all aware of that.
"We oversee the entire project, and everything is done with ongoing approval. We make sure the consumer is satisfied with the quality of the work as it's happening, so there are no surprises at the end."
For more information, call 724-223-5115 or visit vficil.org