The American population is aging, and so are our veterans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Vietnam veterans make up the largest portion of living veterans at 33%; Korean War and WWII veterans combined make up another 4% for a combined 37%. Persian Gulf and Post 9-11 veterans make up less than 30% each. These statistics demonstrate a strong need for services for aging veterans.
As our population ages, there is a growing need for safe, accessible housing. Additionally, aging veterans make up a disproportionate percentage of older adults who require accessibility modifications at home. The majority of housing nationwide does not meet the current and growing need of older adults. Fewer than one third of homes have accessibility features, and approximately 1% of homes in the U.S. are wheelchair accessible.
Milestone Senior Services provides a wide variety of services to support older adults in their choice to remain living at home. Their Home Repair & Accessibility program provides basic home repair and safety modifications including, entry ramps, grab bars, handrails, step repair, tub-to-shower conversions, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Milestone’s services are available to anyone, and because Milestone is a non-profit, many seniors qualify for grant-supported services.
Specific to veterans, Milestone has funding available to provide home repairs and modifications for veterans who are 60 years of age and older. Milestone receives funding for this program through Meals on Wheels of America’s Helping Homebound Heroes program which operates in collaboration with The Home Depot Foundation. Helping Homebound Heroes is a key program of Meals on Wheels of America’s work in supporting older adults’ ability to age in place and foster a safe home environment.
For many older adults, safe accessible housing makes the difference between being able to remain living at home in their community or having to relocate to a nursing facility. Arnie, a recent veteran utilizing Milestone’s services through the Helping Homebound Heroes program said, “My wife and I are really happy with the work that was completed. The Milestone crew did everything in a timely fashion and we appreciated the skill and knowledge they brought to the job. Last night my wife and I sat down, and we both looked around and just felt safer. Safer knowing all our smoke detectors were in the right places and that we now have grab bars to help get in and out of our home easier.”
In addition to providing safe, accessible housing for veterans, the Helping Homebound Heroes program also has a focus on reducing utility expenses by utilizing energy efficient and earth-friendly products when possible. The program utilizes Home Depot’s Eco Actions line of environmentally-preferred products. The Helping Homebound Heroes program is offered through Meals on Wheels of America and funded by The Home Depot Foundation as part of its mission to improve the homes and lives of our nation’s veterans. As a long-time partner of Meals on Wheels of America, Milestone Senior Services is proud to offer their home repair and accessibility services to veterans in Southwest Michigan through the Helping Homebound Heroes program. For more information, or to find out if you qualify for services, contact Milestone Senior Services at (269) 382-0515 or complete the Request Info form online.
