How can we fund care for the elderly in their own homes?
The aging population in France is a growing challenge. By 2050, an estimated 35 percent of the French population will be over 60 years old. With this in mind, the government wants to help older adults who are losing their independence remain in their own homes.
This initiative involves, in particular, adapting homes to meet the specific needs of the individuals concerned, such as installing ramps, low-level furniture, and grab bars in the shower. These adjustments are intended to make daily life easier for seniors and to avoid, as much as possible, admission to a nursing home.
However, adapting a home can represent a significant financial investment, depending on the scope of the work required. To provide financial support to older adults in this process, the government has introduced a new assistance program called “MaPrimeAdapt’.”
The “My Life Changes, My Home Adapts” program will take effect on January 1, 2024, following its adoption as part of the Social Security Funding Act for 2023, dated December 23, 2022. In addition to enabling older adults to remain in their homes, MaPrimeAdapt’ aims to simplify the procedures required to undertake renovations and to harmonize financial assistance programs designed to adapt housing for aging residents.
The MaPrimeAdapt’ program offers financial assistance covering 50 to 70 percent of the cost of the work, according to information available on the France Rénov’ website, the public service for home renovation. Eligible renovations include replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower, installing an electric stairlift, widening doorways, installing handrails, and adapting floor and wall coverings.
To qualify for MaPrimeAdapt’, certain conditions must be met, including notifying the landlord for tenants in the private rental market, being 70 years of age or older (or 60–69 years of age if classified as GIR), residing in France, and having modest or very modest income according to a defined scale. Individuals with a disability rating of more than 50% or who receive the Disability Compensation Benefit (PCH) are also eligible for this assistance.
To begin the process, interested individuals can contact a France Rénov’ advisor to discuss their project in detail. The advisor will then connect them with a qualified Project Management Assistant (AMO) to conduct a housing accessibility assessment, determine the necessary work, and develop a financing plan. The final step is to submit a grant application online or by mail, have the work done by a contractor, and finally, receive the MaPrimeAdapt’ grant.
