Dear Doris --
I am caring for my disabled brother who recently moved in with me. I know your organization provides short-term vouchers that allow me to pay someone of my choosing to care for him, so that I can tend to my own needs. Might you also provide money to be used to modify things like a shower or perhaps a ramp to make the home more accessible for him? Having a more handicapped accessible home would make life easier for both of us!
Thank you,
Robin R.
Hello Robin,
Your question is perfectly timed! November is not only National Family Caregivers Month, but also Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Month.
At NYSCRC, respite is our main mission. Yes, we offer a program that helps family caregivers pay someone to care for their loved one, up to $600, so that the caregiver can get much-needed respite. While the NYSCRC voucher cannot be used for home modifications, there are programs across the state that may be able to assist you.
Through the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) offer a variety of supplemental services to help families care for their loved ones. Depending on local availability, these services may include transportation, meals, assistive technology, and home modifications to improve accessibility. Because services vary by county, we encourage you to contact NY Connects to learn more about the programs and resources available through your local AAA, including potential assistance with home modifications. To find your local AAA, visit https://aging.ny.gov/local-offices\
Another resource: The USDA offers Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants (also known as the Section 504 Home Repair Program). It provides loans to low- and very-low income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes, or remove health and safety hazards. To qualify, you must: • Be the homeowner and occupy the house • Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere • Have a family income within the low- or very low-income limit. The Section 504 program also offers grants to people 62 or older who have a household income within the very-low-income limit. The following PDF can provide more information about these loans and grants: https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/rhs-fs-sfh-504-repair-loan-grant.pdf
There are also programs for veterans that you may be eligible for. The VA offers housing grants for veterans and service members with certain service-connected disabilities, so that they can buy or change a home to meet their needs and live more independently. Find out if you’re eligible for a VA housing grant—and how to apply – here: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/
Lastly, it’s also possible to borrow assistive technology devices. A local TRAID center can loan AT devices on a short-term basis (generally up to 60 days), to allow an individual to give the device a try and see if it meets their needs. Find a TRAID in your area by clicking here: https://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2026/10/traid-contact-10226.pdf
Thank you for your question, Robin. I hope you find these resources helpful.
Doris