Eligibility for Environmental Modifications is open to individuals 60 years of age or older. Individuals ages 18 to 59 are also eligible to receive Environmental Modifications Services provided that such individuals are assessed and found clinically eligible for nursing facility services and are appropriate for diversion to OPTIONS Community Services. It is not required that eligibility be determined as part of an OPTIONS assessment nor is care management required by consumers receiving this service. However, AAAs may use care management (or selected components thereof) if the consumer’s situation or resource distribution considerations warrant.

¡ Services requiring periodic repetition or services that are minor in nature are not eligible for this service. These types of services would be considered for Home Support funding.

¡ Funds used for the adaptation of a consumer’s home must be pre-approved in the care plan.

    Environmental Modifications are activities of a major and largely non-recurring nature to improve the safety, sanitation and adaptability of a consumer’s home. Allowable activities include:

    ¡ Major Home Repair

    ¡ Fumigation

    ¡ Home modification or adaptation of homes if the improvement facilitates living in the home for the consumer and the provision of care

    ¡ Other home improvement activities of a major nature that ideally would not require periodic repetition.

        External modifications or adaptations that the AAA can generally approve include permanent or temporary devices to assist the consumer in exiting and entering the home to obtain needed medical services and other services outlined in the care plan. These include lifts and wheelchair ramps that extend to the middle of the yard and that may require a cement pad between the end of the ramp and the pick-up point.

        Examples of external modifications or adaptations that the AAA cannot authorize: roof replacements; installation of septic tanks; pavement of sidewalks (sidewalks that are not a part of the direct route from the doorway, ramp, etc. to a pick-up point); driveways; and modifications of vehicles.

        The AAA can approve modifications or adaptations to the internal structure that include changes, which enable the individual to function with greater independence within his/her home. Examples include: installation of grab-bars; widening of doorways; modification of bathroom facilities; installation of specialized electric and plumbing systems, which are necessary to accommodate the medical equipment and supplies needed for the health and safety of the recipient.

        The provider should be licensed and bonded, and applicants with experience in handicapped construction modifications are preferred.