Home Modifications Partners

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
Rebuilding Together has partnered with the American Occupational Therapy Association to educate and, when possible, unite Rebuilding Together affiliates and occupational therapists. It's a natural fit - as Rebuilding Together strives to keep homeowners warm, safe, and dry, AOTA and occupational therapists can provide guidance on what truly makes each individual's home safe. Occupational therapists across the country have consulted on RT projects to improve lighting, remove obstacles, install adaptive equipment, and recommend other strategies to make homes safer and more accessible.
Occupational therapy focuses on enabling people to do the activities of daily life. Occupational therapists are trained professionals working both privately and in conjunction with health and medical centers around the country to assist people in managing their activities of daily living. For those living with disabilities, whether temporary or permanent, or those finding it difficult to complete daily routines, the advice of an occupational therapist can make a world of difference.

In practical terms, occupational therapists working with a Rebuilding Together affiliate can assess homes for safety hazards beyond the typical construction issues, make recommendations for modifications based on the unique nature of the client, and offer training and support while the homeowner adjusts to such modifications.  Many Rebuilding Together affiliates have partnered with occupational therapists, and have found their contributions to be an essential part of their projects.

For more information on AOTA, visit www.aota.org.  To learn more about the AOTA-RT partnership, visit www.promoteot.org/AI_RebuildingTogether.html.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)
Rebuilding Together has partnered with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging to raise mutual awareness and unite Rebuilding Together affiliates and local AAAs. Currently, more than 60 RT affiliates have a relationship with their local AAA. 

The mission of the Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI programs is to provide services which make it possible for older individuals to remain in their home, thereby preserving their independence and dignity. These agencies coordinate and support a wide range of home and community-based services, including information and referral, home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation, employment services, senior centers, adult day care and a long-term care ombudsman program. In many locations, the Area Agencies on Aging serve as one-stop locations for community services for seniors. They have case managers on staff to assist seniors in finding and benefiting from needed services, and often serve as the individual’s primary advocate.  There are 655 Area Agencies on Aging and more than 230 Title VI Native American aging programs in the U.S.

AAAs in communities across the country plan, coordinate and offer services that help older adults remain in their home aided by services such as Meals-on-Wheels, homemaker assistance and whatever else it may take to make independent living a viable option. By making a range of options available, AAAs make it possible for older individuals to choose the services and living arrangement that suit them best.

To locate the AAA nearest you, visit www.n4a.org/locator/.