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Housing Options
Specialized Housing Options
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, check Part Four of this
book under "Home Repair" or 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.
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.
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 website.
The Kansas Department on Aging (KDOA) and the Kansas Department
of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) does not endorse
the products, services or manufacturers in this publication.
Names appear solely because they are considered a source of
information. KDOA and SRS assumes no liability for the use
or contents of any product or service mentioned in this resource
directory.
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