Home Modifications

There are some common terms you may hear regarding home modifications. These terms can be useful to recognize as the type of modification may or may not be covered by your insurance. 

  • The following is a list of common terms that you may see regarding home modifications: 
  • Assistive Technology: “refers to any item, system, or product used to improve the functional capabilities of individuals” (Bianchino, 2020). 
  • Adaptive Equipment: “refers to something specifically designed for people with disabilities” (Bianchino, 2020). 
  • Durable Medical Equipment: this is equipment that can withstand consistent use and services for a medical purpose. 
    • Examples of durable medical equipment: canes, bedside commodes, walkers, scooters, wheelchairs, lifts

Insurance Assistance with Home Modifications

Assistance Technology Coverage:
  • Medicare and private insurance may pay for some assistive technology if prescribed by a doctor and will be necessary to overcome a specific medical condition
Adaptive Equipment Coverage:
  • Medicare and other private insurance typically will not cover adaptive equipment as it is not specific enough for their guidelines.
Durable Medical Equipment Coverage:
  • Not all items will be covered if the reason for issuing the devices is not within the Medicare guidelines.
    • These devices require a doctor’s prescription and must fulfill Medicare’s strict guidelines on the medical reason why a piece of equipment is needed. 
  • Private insurance is not required to cover DME, but frequently it is covered. You will need to reach out to your insurance to see what is covered.
    • Similarly, must be prescribed by a doctor.

What Home Modifications Do I Need To Make?

Every family and their needs are different, so it is important to review what aspects of your or your loved one's life may become more difficult as you age. For example: I am worried about going to down the stairs to access my washer and dryer. I can overcome this barrier in the home by having the washer and dryer moved to the main floor. 

Linked is AARP's HomeFit guide that can help you assess your home. Click here for the guide. Additionally, the Davis Finney Foundation has created specific aging-in-place guidelines for individuals with Parkinson's Disease, that document can be found here. 
Parkinson's Disease Foundation has a podcast that discusses the importance of preparing for aging in place and the steps to take in order to age in place. Click here for the podcast.

Additionally, if there are certain tasks that you are unsure of how you can modify to make the easier and/or safer, an occupational therapist can complete a home/task evaluation to help you prepare to age in place. 
  • An occupational therapist can provide more specific recommendations based on your experience with a task or a specific room. The therapist could complete the evaluation within the clinic or the home.
  • The therapist may ask that you complete the task as you normally would so that they can observe the aspects that cause difficulty; and, then provide recommendations to improve the ease or safety of the activity. 

Resources:

Bianchino, B. (2020, August 31). Assistive technology vs. adaptive equipment; What’s the difference?. Optimum Health Solutions. https://opt.net.au/optimum-life/assistive-technology-vs-adaptive-equipment-whats-difference/ 

Hoyt, J. (2022, May 20). Durable medical equipment. Seniorliving.com. https://www.seniorliving.org/durable-medical-equipment/ 

Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage 

Social Security. (2022, November 28). Program operations manual system (POMS). https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0600610200

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