3 minute read
SHRRP Accessibility Construction & Retrofitting
Esther and her husband Courtney have been living in their oasis of a trailer for more than 30 years. In the past 14 years, many improvements have been made by the Senior Housing Repair and Replacement Program, including retrofitting their master bathroom to make it accessible for Esther’s sister who was living with them at the time.
Most recently, SHRRP completed an accessibility ramp, making it easier for Esther, Courtney and their family and friends to safely access their home.
Rito Lopez, SHRRP program supervisor, explained that each ramp project is permitted and specifically designed for the home by an architect. The design meets compliance standards and takes into account the entrance height of the home and access from the driveway or other parking.
If you think you or someone you know may qualify, call the SHRRP helpline Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm at 480.362.7800.
He said that ramp projects also include an overhead door cover for protection from the elements and stairs, where applicable, to allow quicker access for family members and visitors.
“Sometimes they may have an armful of groceries or other items and it is more convenient for able family members and care givers to not utilize the switchback ramp,” said Rito.
SHRRP also installs prefabricated metal ramps to meet immediate and temporary needs.
“It is important to give our senior and disabled community members access to their homes. When they are vulnerable, having proper ingress and egress to their homes means they can continue to do more on their own instead of relying on a family member or care giver, said Rito. “Our clients are very appreciative of what we do and we’re just as appreciative to do what we do for them, said Rito. “That good feeling helps to motivate our staff to continue to improve and find ways to help expedite our service delivery.”
Esther sure is appreciative.
“I cannot say enough good things about SHRRP,” said Esther. “They always call right back, even if they are really busy. They are happy to serve seniors and the work they do is fantastic.”
“Don’t be hesitant even if you’re unsure if it’s a service we provide,” said Rito. “We will work with you and complete a needs assessment and create a plan to meet those needs,” said Rito.
Esther echoes his advice.
“Just call them. They are great and so willing to help. Don’t get discouraged because even when it might take them a bit to get to your project because they are busy helping other seniors, they will come as soon as they can and what they do makes such a difference,” said Esther.
In addition to accessibility services, SHRRP provides a variety of other services to qualified community residents. These can include complex renovations and retrofitting of interiors to meet health or safety need such as, but not limited to:
• Handicap Bathrooms
• Roofing
• Kitchen Cabinets
• Flooring
• Ramps
• Exterior Door Covers
SHRRP also provides day-to-day services that seniors and those with adaptive and medical needs may find challenging such as changing air filters, repairing exterior doors that do not close correctly or improperly sealed windows.
Qualified individuals must be members of the community, age 55+ or qualify with medical disability, and have a home condition that detrimentally affects the individual’s health, welfare or safety.
If you are an existing SHRRP client with an afterhours/weekend HVAC or plumbing emergency, you can call community dispatch to reach an on-call technician or plumber at 480.850.9230.
