Invitation for Competitive Proposals

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) seeks proposals from agencies or individuals capable of providing services to conduct home assessments of residents age 62+ for needed modifications to maintain independence and allow individuals to safely age in place.

Professional Requirements: Licensed Occupational Therapist

Project Time Frame: January 2026 – May 2028

Funding Source: HUD Older Adult Home Modification Program

Operating Agency: Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG)

Counties Served: Alexander, Burke, Caldwell & Catawba

Total Project Funding allocated for Occupational Therapist(s): $31,500

Project Summary:

WPCOG is a voluntary association of local governments organized in 1968 as a nonprofit group to provide long-range planning and technical assistance. The Area Agency on Aging serves as lead administrator for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs, including Housing and Home Improvement services. WPCOG was recently awarded a three-year grant from HUD to provide the Older Adult Home Modification Grant Program. This will provide home modification services to those eligible and most in need of this assistance. We plan to provide needed home modifications to allow approximately 126 older adults to age safely in their homes by reducing fall risks, improving accessibility, and enhancing functional independence. These efforts will allow seniors to age in place, reduce risks associated with substandard housing, and improve overall health outcomes. The modifications, including low-cost, high-impact repairs such as grab bars, ramps, and adaptive equipment, will be guided by individualized work plans created by an Occupational Therapist. Home For Life assessment tool and equipment will be provided for use of the OT. The OT will make a home visit for identified clients to assess the home and the older adult’s needs. The OT will make a follow-up visit after modifications are completed to review work and provide training and assistance to the older adult. The OT must have use of their own vehicle for home visits. Mileage reimbursement will be provided at the federal rate (currently $.70 a mile).

Education/Credentials: Qualified Occupational Therapy (OT) practitioners must be licensed in North Carolina, experienced in serving older adults/ gerontology, providing housing rehabilitation services, home modifications, aging in place modifications, or construction.

OTs may hold Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate Degrees and additional certifications such as gerontology, Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS), Executive Certificate in Home Modification (ECHM), Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP), gerontology, etc.

Interested parties should email sarah.evitt@wpcog.org to receive a copy of the proposal application no later than November 28, 2025. Deadline to submit a proposal is December 12, 2025.