Download printable version of Fact Sheet 5 (PDF)
PDF files on this page require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader (download)
An estimated 5 million people over 65 have age-related difficulty with daily life functions. Cooking, bathing, dressing, getting out of bed, carrying groceries and housework can be affected by the normal process of aging. Changes in vision, hearing, mobility and dexterity may be the result of accidents or debilitating diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Arthritis, Macular Degeneration and etc. The following types of assistive technology can enable people to remain independent. They will also allow individuals to live in their own homes by increasing the safety of the home environment.
Funding for mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes and now Aug Com devices may be obtained as they clearly fill a medical need. Outlined below are programs that might be able to assist in purchasing these devices
Anyone over 65 who is eligible for social security or railroad benefits qualifies for Medicare. If you do not qualify for social security, you may voluntarily sign up for Medicare for a monthly fee. Since Medicare will only pay for 80% of expenses, and will not pay for emergency alert systems, hearing aids, and home modifications, other sources must be found to supplement their overage. Items covered by Medicare, such as wheelchairs, often have restrictions on cost, models and types that can be purchased. There are many special private insurance programs that are specifically designed as Medicare supplements. Some of these programs include Medicaid or private insurance plans can help fill the gap. For example, Medicaid offers a program such as the Home and Community Based Waiver, which provides some home adaptation along with other services. Also home health services provide durable medical equipment along with other services to enable individuals to stay in their homes.
Veterans Administration offers a program for making the home accessible. Financial amounts are based on the disability. For more information and eligibility requirements on this program and other services, contact VA at (800) 827-1000.
The MR/DD special equipment fund is restricted to persons with mental retardation or a developmental disability, which occurred before the age of 22. The fund can provide assistance when other possible sources of funding have been exhausted. For more information, contact the Special Services and Equipment Fund at (502) 564-7722 and ask for your local Comprehensive Care Center.
The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation provides an affordable choice to individuals to purchase their own assistive technology with a low interest loan. For more information, contact Sarah A. Richardson, at (877) 675-0195 or visit their website at katlc.ky.gov
Private organizations that may provide assistance include the Arthritis Foundation, the American Cancer Society, local lions clubs and other organizations that can supply durable medical equipment. Also, your local churches and other organizations may be able to provide financial assistance for assistive technology (See “Organizations and Websites that Help Older Kentuckians” below for contact information).
The KATS Network provides information and referral services about funding sources as well as information about assistive technology services and devices, available publications and mail-order catalogs. The six regional assistive technology resource centers are available for consultation, technical assistance, demonstrations and short-term equipment loans. For assistance, call the KATS Network Coordinating Center at either Toll Free - (800) 327-5287 or (502) 429-4484 or visit their website at www.katsnet.org
| Company Name | Address | City, State, Zip | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last updated: 4/22/2009 | ||||
| Administration on Aging | Washington, DC 20201 | (202) 619-0724 | ||
| American Cancer Society | 701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. | Louisville, KY 40201 | (502) 584-6782 | |
| KY Occupational Therapy (KOTA) | P.O. Box 21502 | Louisville, KY 40221 | (888) 987-5682 | |
| Alzheimers Disease & Related Disorders Assoc - Louisville Chapter | 3703 Taylorsville Rd Suite 102 | Louisville, KY 40220 | (800) 272-3900 | |
| Association of Older Kentuckians | 400 Old Vine St. Suite 203 | Lexington, KY 40504 | (800) 200-3633 | |
| Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living | 275 East Main St. | Frankfort, KY 40621 | (502) 564-6930 | |
| American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) | 601 East St. NW | Washington, DC 20049 | (800) 687-2277 | |
| OFB/Independent Living, Attn: Gay Pannell | 400 East Main Street, Suite 302 | Bowling Green, KY 42101 | (800) 222-1215 | |
| National Council on Aging | 1901 L Street, N.W. 4th floor |
Washington, D.C. 20036 | (202) 479-1200 | |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
KATS Network Coordinating Center
Charles McDowell Center
8412 Westport Road
Louisville, KY 40242
Local: (502) 429-4484
Toll Free: (800) 327-5287
Fax: (502) 429-7114