Impact of Home Modifications and Repairs on Older Adults’ Health and Well-Being

Nearly everyone¹ prefers to remain in the comfort of their own home as they age. Unfortunately, most homes are not designed to support seniors, especially those with mobility challenges.

Recognizing the importance of home safety in promoting healthy aging, Meals on Wheels America partners with The Home Depot Foundation through the Helping Homebound Heroes program. As of 2020, the year of this report, the initiative had awarded grants to eight local Meals on Wheels providers so they could provide critical home repairs and modifications to over 1,500 veterans. This qualitative study explores the impact of these services on participants’ health and well-being.

Key Findings

For this study, the research team reviewed existing literature on outcomes associated with home modifications. They then conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 19 former program participants in November 2020.

The data illustrates how repairs can help seniors live more safely and independently in their homes:

Before receiving support, hazardous housing conditions compromised clients’ quality of life. 

• Common issues included steps without handrails, uneven flooring and bathtubs that were difficult to step in and out of. 
• Several participants said they feared falling or had already fallen because of safety issues in the home. 
• For some seniors, housing conditions affected their ability to perform everyday activities like carrying in groceries and walking their dogs. 
• The biggest barrier to addressing these issues was limited finances.

The number and types of home modifications varied widely. 

• Some participants needed minor repairs, such as replacing doors and patching ceilings. Others needed more substantial structural work.
• While most participants received help with two or three concerns, a few had extensive changes done to multiple rooms.

Home modifications greatly enhanced seniors’ safety and well-being.

• Physical Health: Participants reported reduced hospitalizations and doctor visits. Some seniors also noticed reduced coughing and sinus issues after mold removal. 
• Quality of Life: Many participants said the home improvements alleviated stress and anxiety. One even said the repairs gave them a “new lease on life.”
• Improved Independence: Home modifications improved participants’ ability to perform daily tasks, such as bathing and toileting. This reduced the burden on caregivers.
• Cost Savings: Some participants experienced reduced heating costs after receiving energy-efficient upgrades.

All told, Helping Homebound Heroes empowered Meals on Wheels providers to help seniors to age in place: 

• All participants agreed the home repairs allowed them to remain in their homes. 
• However, almost half reported additional hurdles that could compromise their independence. 
• Looking ahead, additional research is needed to explore effective strategies for addressing these ongoing challenges.

In reproducing any excerpts of this report, please provide a credit that recognizes Meals on Wheels America, such as: Meals on Wheels America. (2021). Impact of Home Modifications and Repairs on Older Adults’ Health and Well-Being: Evaluation and Recommendations Based on Examination of the Helping Homebound Heroes Program. https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/research/impact-of-home-modifications-and-repairs-on-older-adults-health-and-well-being/