What has been your experience with Dept. Of Aging? Whenever I try to reach them I end up giving up after playing phone tag for a month.

No experience with them so can’t speak to it, but will suggest that you contact area churches and also boy scouts organizations. Churches often have volunteer groups that build ramps and scouts can do them as badge requirement such as moving up to eagle. It’s worth a try...best to you

I’ve had experience with them twice. A few years ago, one of their caseworkers came to our house. She spent over an hour with us and we spoke of how to file for assistance. I gave her as much of our personal financial information as she asked for. About three weeks later, I called and was told I needed to send in the same information I’d given her previously. No one could say what happened to it. I trekked to our local office and dropped it off. Another month went by and we heard nothing. We gave up. We never did hear from her again.

A few months ago, I spoke with our local community officer who is also a lieutenant in our fire department about the possibility of obtaining free repairs for a hole in our floor. He sent our information to the Area Agency on Aging who for some reason that is beyond me, sent it to APS. Turns out APS does more than investigate abuse and neglect. I began getting calls from a pushy and insistent caseworker who told me repeatedly that I should put my husband in a facility. Not doable. She was also insistent about coming out to talk to us. I decided to shut her down. WELL! One evening about 7:30 I was sitting in my p.j.’s watching “Jeopardy” and there was a knock on my door. I ignored it since we have a large, stranger aggressive dog and I wasn’t expecting anyone. The screen door opened and then someone started pounding loudly on the door. Thank God the door was closed and locked. The dog would have charged whoever was there. I finally got my (by then) hysterical dog in the garage and went to answer the door. Two policemen stood there. My first thought was that something had happened to one of my children. I almost stroked out right there. They informed me that my favorite caseworker had requested a well-check because she hadn’t heard from me “in a few days”. I had actually texted her that morning but the text went unanswered. They insisted on coming in and making visual contact with my husband to make sure he was ok. The house was a holy mess because I work and caregive for him 24/7. I was mortified and livid. The next day, I wrote a scathing email to this caseworker. Her response was to send me a print off of help available none of which we will qualify for. So, I guess be careful what you wish or ask for. It spun out of control for us.

I go to the actual business and do a face-to-face with them.  I live in the State Capitol of my state, so I know where to go.  I would call your Areawide Aging Agency or your DHS, or send them an e-mail.  If the e-mail doesn't return, then they got it.  Give them a week to respond, then send another one if you don't hear from them.  Getting a ramp put in sounds like a handyman project to me.  I'd call a handyman, or contact your church and see if they can suggest someone to you.  Also, contact Home Depot or Lowe's and see if they can offer suggestions.  They might have a list of people, and that is where the materials will probably come from to build the ramp.  Maybe some high school kids need to do some Community Service projects towards their graduation credits and could help you out there.  Contact the local high school, or the vo-tech school and see if they can offer help.