Lexington launches home-modification help for low-income seniors

Lexington has launched a new home-modification program aimed at helping low-income seniors stay safer in the homes they already live in.

The city announced the program on June 25 and said it is working with Bluegrass Care Navigators to provide safety updates for older residents who want to age in place. The goal is practical: reduce fall risks, improve mobility and make everyday tasks easier without forcing a move to assisted living or a nursing home.

Who can apply

This is not a general senior benefit. Lexington says residents must be at least 62 years old, live in Fayette County, have income at or below 80% of area median income, own or rent their primary residence, and need changes that make the home safer for aging in place.

The city says the upgrades are provided at no cost to those who qualify. That makes the program especially relevant for older adults on fixed incomes, as well as family members and caregivers looking for ways to reduce the chance of falls at home.

What the program can cover

According to the city’s program page, possible modifications can include grab bars, handrails, non-slip flooring, improved lighting, ramps, and adjustments to doors and windows for accessibility. The city says residents first work with a licensed occupational therapist, who visits the home, talks through goals and daily needs, and helps identify fall risks and mobility challenges.

If the resident is approved, an LFUCG-approved contractor completes the work.

Why Lexington is doing this

Local officials framed the program as an aging-in-place effort. For many older adults, a few small changes can make the difference between staying home and having to leave because stairs, bathrooms, poor lighting or other hazards become too difficult to manage.

Bluegrass Care Navigators is the city’s delivery partner on the program. Lexington said the nonprofit will help guide residents through the process and provide the home assessment that leads to the recommended modifications.

For Lexington families, the program may offer a concrete option before a crisis hits. A safer bathroom, better lighting or a handrail on the stairs can matter long before a fall happens. The city also said the effort is supported by an award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Residents who think they may qualify can review the city’s Home Modification Program page and contact Bluegrass Care Navigators for next steps.

Sources

• City of Lexington news release: Home Modification Program provides support for older adults
• WKYT report: Lexington launches home modification program for low-income seniors