Elderly Americans in Avilla, Connecticut, Minnesota, New York and Ohio will soon find themselves living in upgraded apartments equipped to meet their physical needs because of $23.7 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD today announced the grants to help convert existing multifamily projects into assisted living facility for the elderly.

Avilla's LaVerna Terrace Apartments, N. Main, was the only project approved in Indiana, and only one of seven in the nation. It received a $2,251,361 grant.

The Assisted Living Conversion Program grant funds will be used to convert 20 existing elderly units into assisted living units for the frail elderly to age in place. The units within the north wing will be modified to provide one hundred percent accessible dwelling units through modification of all kitchens and bathrooms. The common areas to be developed include a new commercial kitchen providing comprehensive food services for all meals; a new dining room; therapy room; commercial laundry; nursing office; flexible spaces for multiple activities including exercise; and a personal resident laundry.

Providing Assisted Living in Laverna Terrace will allow frail elderly residents already living in an independent environment to receive the support they require, while remaining in an environment where they are comfortable.

The funding is provided through HUD's Assisted Living Conversion Program which provides grants for the physical conversion of eligible multifamily assisted housing projects or portions of projects to assisted living facilities.

"The funding we announce today will allow the elderly an opportunity to age in place in familiar surroundings as they become older and require supportive services," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "These grants will provide an affordable option to nursing homes, helping seniors to live independently."

Assisted living facilities are designed to accommodate low-income frail elderly persons and persons with disabilities who can live independently but need assistance with the activities of daily living such as help with eating, bathing, grooming, dressing and home management activities. These affordable facilities provide support services such as personal care, transportation, meals, and housekeeping.

The grants are awarded on a competitive basis. During the review process, HUD assesses several ranking factors including: the extent to which the conversion is needed by the persons that the project is intended to serve; the quality and effectiveness of the proposal in addressing the proposed conversion including the meals and supportive services which the project intends to provide; the ability of the project owner to secure other community resources which can be combined with the grant to achieve the program's purposes; and the capacity of the project owner to carry out the conversion in a timely and effective manner.

The owners are responsible for ensuring that converted units meet all local standards, codes and regulations governing assisted living facilities. The projects must also be licensed and regulated by the appropriate governing body.