Is there a program that will come install a bathroom down stairs for mom?

My thought on this is if the elderly person doesn't have enough income or savings to maintain a house through all the things that may need to be fixed, it is time to sell and move into something less costly to own or rent.

This one repair will lead to many other unforeseen repairs. Like just this weekend I noticed water on the floor in the basement... I looked up and sure enough there was the drip from a pin hole in the main copper water pipe, then I checked the rest of the pipe, more pin holes staring. That cost me over $500.00.

Also this weekend, one of our large old TV's decided it had showed enough TV shows and wouldn't work any more. Thank goodness I had an extra TV to use, other wise an extra large sum cost for a new TV.

Repairs tend to come in threes.... holding my breath for the next great happening.

If you google Ohio Area Agency on Aging, they have listings of all kinds of resources in your state and contact information.

My moms bathroom needs the shower and tub drains fixed and her roof and gutter repaired but she is on a fixed income and she has about 100.00 dollars left each month. What do I do.

My mom is becoming more and more dependant on me mobilizing her. I almost carry her from wheelchair to chair, or wheelchair to potty. Does anyone know where I can find something like a device to pick her up and place her on another seat or even in the car?

Did you guys notice this original question is almost a year old?

pstegman is right once you let Codes through the door, if the house is older you can find yourself in for a huge night mare. rewiring and raising the basement wall above the level of the last 100 year flood are just a couple.

If you are looking for a program that will completely pay for the cost of the bathroom, forget it. There are programs that will defray the labor costs, but not materials.

Adding a bathroom is a minimum 10K project, with permits, reassessment and in our location, code upgrades to include hardwired smoke detectors throughout the house. Often older homes are already underwired, so adding a bath can mean a complete electrical service upgrade. It can turn into a scene from The Money Pit.

Putting in a bathroom is a major construction job. It requires the installation of plumbing and GFI electrical circuits, putting up walls, etc. You are talking many thousands of dollars to do this. (I know.....I had it done.) In addition, you have to meet the "code" of the municipality.

As others have pointed out, I would first contact the local Office of Aging in your area to see what kind of services might be available. However, many of the volunteer services will only do "light repairs" - not the installation of an entire bathroom.

This forum raises an important issue.......why is it that everyone waits to think about home renovations AFTER they have already become old and infirm and have no employment income? My husband and I are in our early 60s. Three years ago, I hired a contractor to enlarge the downstairs bathroom and put in a handicapped-accessible shower stall with built-in seat. It came in handy after my husband's open-heart surgery this past year. I also had the upstairs bathroom redone with grab bars in the shower and non-slip floor tiles. I am having the downstairs inside porch redone this spring to make a first-floor laundry room. We are paying out of pocket for this via HECL, because we are still gainfully employed. But we know the day will come when neither of us can physically hold down employment......so we are already planning head. (In fact, my husband will retire at the end of this year due to health reasons.....so I am on a rampage to get renovations done this year while he still has a salary.)

I know we qualified for help through the Area of Aging and Disabilities in our city. Check and see if there is one in your area. They set us up according to my mom's income level. And she was at the lowest and qualified for many things. They said they would even have someone come out and build a ramp for a low cost to us. Plus if your loved one qualifies...you can get respite workers to come out and do light housekeeping, sit with your mom. They can also do errands. There is so much out there in government agencies that many of us don't know about. Just ask around and do the homework. Good luck.. I hope you can get some help.

See if there is a Habitat for Humanity. Sometimes they will offer their services if there is some down time or they can do it for less money.

It really depends on location & accessibility to plumbing - is there good spot for a bathroom downstairs that doesn't require major renovation? (next to the kitchen or laundryroom, for example?) If so, it will be a LOT easier to get someone to volunteer their labor - if not, no way as there are engineering issues involved at that point. Moving her to a more accessible home might be the better option.

Yes, the program is, you pay to have a bathroom installed, or sell that place and move someplace which is more logical for her circumstances. If you are looking for someone to help because of limited expenses, contact an organization that has volunteers come do the work. I think Home Depot has employees who volunteer their time to do renovations. Churches are another place to look.

In my area the local Office of the Aging has a residential repair service. Volunteers will come and make minor home repairs...you have to pay for the parts but the labor is free.

See if your Office of the Aging has a similar service.

I think she is just living on the first floor, not the basement. Right?

I don't know what state you are in, but be careful with that. In some locations if they know you have someone living downstairs, there can be a lot of issues with fire escapes, permits, etc. So do the research to see what your city or state allows for bathrooms and livable spaces downstairs before you commit to anything. You could have a much bigger headache than you realize.

Try an organization called Friends of Man. They do offer some assistance, but I don't know what the qualifications and limitations are.

I would suggest that you ask that question of your area Agency On Aging. Where your mom lives and her age and condition will all have a bearing on that, I would think. The folks best equipped to answer your question would be that agency.