AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
Many older adults in Authority housing faced preventable bathroom hazards that made daily routines risky and aging in place harder. Staff conducted in-home assessments, then supplied practical fixes such as grab bars, shower chairs, non-slip mats and adjustable shower heads. Using HomeFit guidance, they addressed immediate needs and explained the Reasonable Accommodation process for longer-term changes. The effort sharpened staff focus on older adult needs during rehab and construction. In one home, a tenant had used a kitchen chair to get in and out of the tub. Staff installed safer equipment, then helped pursue an accommodation that led to a walk-in shower. The project reduced risks and embedded age-friendly practices in ongoing operations.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Wayland, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults wanted to age in place safely but lacked guidance on home modifications to prevent falls. The Council hosted three workshops on aging in place and home safety, recorded sessions for cable TV and distributed 100 motion-sensing night light sets. It also installed grab bars in five homes through a pilot program. These efforts increased awareness, reduced fall risks and gave older adults confidence to remain in their homes, prompting plans for future workshops and ongoing educational programming.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Valparaiso, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Several home safety workshops will teach older adults practical ways to improve accessibility in their homes. Participants will learn affordable modifications that support aging in place.
Cincinnati, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Falls are a leading reason older adults lose confidence at home and seek emergency care, often due to hazards that go unnoticed until injury occurs. Colerain Township Department of Fire & EMS expanded its fall prevention program through in-home safety assessments and practical modifications. Firefighter-paramedics installed grab bars in key locations and reviewed fall risks, medications and care needs. One resident said that without the grab bars, they believed they would have returned to the hospital after repeated falls and that the changes helped them regain independence. By focusing on prevention inside the home, the project strengthened long-term support for aging in place with greater safety.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Shawnee, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Transportation Other
Description: The housing authority will extend walkways, add an accessible pavilion and install lighting, benches and driver warning signs in two neighborhoods. These changes will create safer routes, reduce conflicts with vehicles and support daily travel.
Shawnee, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Monthly meetings will provide disaster preparedness training for elders of The Absentee Shawnee Tribe at local community centers. The sessions will improve emergency readiness by offering transportation, weather radios and clear instructions on preparedness tools.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Oklahoma State Office
126 N Bryant Avenue
Edmond (Oklahoma City), OK 73034
United States