 HOME
REMODELING...
is sometimes all that is needed to make your own home work
for you again. You may need grab bars in the bathroom, a ramp
to the front door, or more light in the kitchen. Some people
are able to get these changes made with the help of family,
friends, churches, etc., but others need a little extra assistance.
We can help you figure out what changes will be most helpful
to you, and can assist you in making arrangements for carpenters,
plumbers, and others to do the necessary work. In some cases,
the Area Agency on Aging may also be able to help pay for
these changes. For more information, contact the Area Agency
on Aging.
Federal and state agencies may also have programs that
will help fund remodeling or maintenance to your home. For
more information, contact the Housing Program Manager at
the Kansas Department on Aging, 800-432-3535.
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REVERSE
MORTGAGES OR HOME EQUITY CONVERSION LOANS...
borrow money using their house as collateral. The money
is converted to monthly payments for a given period or for
life. Repayment does not begin until the home owner sells
the home, moves or dies. When the house is sold, the loan
is repaid, and any remaining money goes to the person or
the person's estate. For more information, contact the regional
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office at 888-466-3487.
For information and a list of local lenders, consumers may
call Fannie Mae at 800-732-6643. Websites: www.reverse.org,
www.hud.gov,
and www.aarp.org/revmort/.
Not all banks or lending organizations offer reverse mortgages,
but checking your local resources first is always a good
idea. You may want to check with your local title company
to see if they have worked with these or other agencies.
In addition to the resources above, the following agencies
may be able to provide information: AARP; Wells Fargo Home
Mortgage Company (toll-free 866-246-9946 or in Kansas City
913-319-7900); J.B. Nutter and Company (800-798-3946). As
with all business transactions, be a wise consumer. Ask
for and check references and make sure you understand exactly
what is involved.
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Elder
Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO)...
ECHO housing refers to homes that are small self-contained
units that are placed in the backyard or attached to the house
of someone you know (like a son, daughter, friend, etc.).
A specialized unit can also temporarily transform a 2-car
garage into a home care suite. Units are portable and can
be moved to another location. They are designed to be energy-efficient
and handicap accessible. These units can be purchased or leased
on a monthly basis. For more information, call Life Designs,
Lawrence, KS at 785-838-3340 or 800-383-9090.
Earthbound Inc., 3601 SW 29th St., Ste. 215, Topeka, KS
66614, 785-273-1345, produces the TURTLE "Home Assistive
Bath," which can also be attached to your home. The
Turtle assistive technology equipped, barrier free factory-built
home is the first sectional home specifically developed
to provide a comfortable living environment for people with
disabilities. TURTLE Homes are fully accessible and custom
tailored, integrating a wide range of assistive technology.
TURTLE is an acronym for The Ultimate Rehabilitation To
Living Enjoyment. For more information, check out their
web
site.
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