Need
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| Need
89% of Americans over 55 years of age want to remain in their homes as they age.
Low-income homeowners, and particularly the elderly, often are unable to maintain their property. Costs for basic care and maintenance such as electrical and appliance repair, painting, plumbing and roofing are difficult to do on fixed incomes. Equally important, is the issue of the homeowner no longer having the physical ability to address these problems...problems that are seriously compounded for elderly women representing 70% of our eligible recipients.
With increasing age, the need frequently arises for installation of critical safety features such as grab bars in baths and kitchens, handrails on stairs, improved security and lighting and wheelchair ramps. Often, doors need to be widened to accommodate wheel chair ramps and occasionally mechanical lifts are required...in Orange County, less than 1.8% of single – elderly households have any home modifications. Yet, installing safety modifications can prevent up to 50% of all home accidents including falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury to older adults and 78% of those falls occur in and around the home!
The death of an older adult spouse complicates or accelerates the problems and progressive deterioration of the home can set in. Sources of outside help are limited and difficult to obtain and are usually very costly. Many homeowners are unwilling to borrow against their equity if it exists. It is an economic and emotional downward spiral that can easily engulf the elderly and leave them in great despair.
Equally significant is the fact that most RTOC recipients are confined to their homes a great deal of the time due to restricted transportation options and very limited economic means. They cope with physical disabilities and condition that minimize their mobility. Living in a home with dignity, safety and security take on a dramatically increased importance for seniors.
Despite the fact Orange County is thought of as a very affluent area, current demographics reveal a much different story. Of the roughly 400,000 older adults in Orange County, it is speculated that as many 100,000 are living at or near poverty levels. .
The need for Rebuilding Together services addressing affordable housing and safe housing needs expands each year as the general population increases and the number of elderly grows – Orange County’s older adult population will increase 61% from 383,185 by 2020.
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