Helping a disabled person find housing

People who become temporarily or permanently disabled often have special housing needs. They may require a wheelchair ramp, bathroom sidebars, and one-level access to the entire living space. Because they usually are dealing with a host of other issues at the same time, such as finances, medical care, and social support, most are very grateful when a family member or friend offers to help. Here are some things you can do to help find suitable housing.

1. Check with a medical social worker. This person can be located through the hospital that may have been treating your loved one, or your doctor may be able to recommend one that can work with the disabled person and extended family to get the ball rolling. The social worker often knows of housing units that are available for people who are disabled and can help to put you in touch with the managers of those facilities. He or she also can go over financial options and social assistance that might be available for your loved one.

2. Contact the local housing authority. Depending on where the disabled person lives, the nearest major city or urban region may have an office that coordinates low-income housing for those that include the disabled. Since disabled people often are unable to work or are employed on a part-time basis, their income levels frequently qualify them for reduced-income housing. Check the yellow pages telephone directory to find the number of this office.

3. If there is no low-income or rent subsidy program in your area, contact the managers of larger apartment buildings. If they have no units that can accommodate disabled residents, perhaps they know of someone who does and can provide contact information for that person. You might also want to contact the local board of realtors for information about subsidized housing for disabled people in your area.

4. In lieu of finding special housing for a disabled tenant, you may be able to rearrange the person's current living quarters to accommodate disabled needs. For example, you can install bathroom bars, a porch ramp for a wheelchair, and take up throw rugs or other falling hazards. Consult a medical professional or social worker for help with making the necessary adjustments that will enable your disabled loved one to keep his or her current residence.

5. Check around. Sometimes you can find an individual apartment unit or twinplex that has been rearranged to facilitate a disabled person's needs. When that person moves out or passes on, the unit may be available for renting to someone like your loved one. Put out feelers among friends and coworkers to see if anyone knows of a place like this that is for rent or purchase.

Helping a disabled person find housing can be challenging. But with help, support, and leads, you should be able to find something or make adjustments that will keep your loved one in comfortable living quarters. You can always advertise in the classifieds or put a notice in the church or community newspaper as well.