4 replies to this topic

[Tim CA]

I have been searching the internet and calling agencies and can't find any funding, grants of loans through federal or state agencies for renovating our bathroom, widen doors for a safe way to exit home during an emergency. My wife was paralyzed July 2009 and all our bedrooms and full baths are upstairs. My wife sleeps in a recliner downstairs and takes sponge baths. I sleep on the sofa downstairs to be near her. Our son was wounded in Iraq in 2006 and I am depressed as hell and losted. We can't keep living like this. We have good insurance, but they wouldn't even cover a shower chair. Anyone know of funding for make your house handicap accessable?

[eva]

Tim CA, on 28 December 2010 - 05:39 AM, said:

I have been searching the internet and calling agencies and can't find any funding, grants of loans through federal or state agencies for renovating our bathroom, widen doors for a safe way to exit home during an emergency. My wife was paralyzed July 2009 and all our bedrooms and full baths are upstairs. My wife sleeps in a recliner downstairs and takes sponge baths. I sleep on the sofa downstairs to be near her. Our son was wounded in Iraq in 2006 and I am depressed as hell and losted. We can't keep living like this. We have good insurance, but they wouldn't even cover a shower chair. Anyone know of funding for make your house handicap accessable?

My father has been a full quad for 3 years now. When he first had his accident neither the insurance or his VA benefits would cover modifying the house or the van. My family with the help of their church held a community fundraiser, with a silent auction, auction and some local children put on a show of sorts. We advertised in the local paper and at the church. We also had a website with information on how to donate to a trust or fund. (I would speak with a lawyer and or a banker) That is the only way we could afford to make the house work for us. Just wanted to share some ideas, we had to get creative. You might also check with local contractors about donating time, you may be surprised on the response that you get. Just explain the situation. We had local guys come over on their days off and help with construction. I hope this helps. I know how it can be, you should take any steps necessary to help make life more bearable for everyone. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions, my mother is a genius when it comes to making things work.

[AbiliCize]

Unfortunately I don't know of any state/fed programs either but I do know that banks will sometimes extend loans for situations like this. For example, one of my local banks offers extra low rate loans for help modifying a home.

I'll give a second nod for churches. Even if you don't attend a church, call around and see what they say. Many will help anyone that needs help. Even one round of donations could help you out significantly.

In your situation, I don't know if an AmeriGlide style elevator would be of much help but something to think about.

Keep on pushing. I think what you and your wife really need is a small win. Instead of looking at the big picture every moment of the day, which is extremely overwhelming, try to find one little thing in your life that you can definitely change to make things better. Go ahead and make that change, that small win will help you tremendously.

[airart1]

vocational rehab can help, also maybe look for community action, both government programs......also the VA does have a one time program of 1200 bucks for non connected injury/he should and will get free healthcare thru the VA and all his equipment, they will also equip his vehicle with the necessary equipment for him to have a van, u have to buy the vehicle, regardless of connected/non connected......you do have to apply and be approved, now u cant make a ton of money i don't believe, i forgot what the cutoff is......google dasabled veteran and fill out the form and send in a copy of his dd 214.......sorry i took all 3 post together, but they apply to all 3, did your son not get any benefits and how was he injured in iraq, he should have all kinds of benefits and he does, u have to apply for them if he was wonded...... and if your son is connected with some injury, u dont state what, but he is entitled to free healthcare the rest of his life, and your insurance isnt very good if it doesnt supply you with heathcare........also sounds to me its time to sell and look for an accessable home if possible......

Edited by airart1, 11 February 2011 - 07:03 PM.

[S&W Winger]

Tim, I apologize for not seeing your post sooner...

As airart posted, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation may help...in conjunction with the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program for your state. These are federally funded programs that are administered by the states, so there is a wide range of availability of assistance...but even in Floriduh they have helped me immensely...with budget cuts be prepared to work hard...

Best wishes to you with these daunting tasks...but you will succeed with time...money is tight but there are funds out there, just need to find it and fight for it...

Edited by S&W Winger, 11 February 2011 - 08:58 PM.