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Age-Friendly Saco (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
Older adults in Saco faced safety risks at home, making aging in place harder. To address this, the group created a universal design brochure with city planners and distributed it to residents seeking building permits. They also developed a home safety assessment tool used during handyman visits to suggest improvements like grab bars and smoke detectors. The brochure is now part of the citys permitting process, and discussions are underway to require universal design in new housing. One resident said installing grab bars gave her peace of mind and made her bathroom much safer.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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South Euclid, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults, yet many lacked practical strategies to prevent them. The organization hosted educational sessions and distributed safety kits with items like nonslip strips, LED lights and gripper socks, along with the HomeFit Guide. Social activities such as fall prevention bingo reinforced learning and encouraged engagement. Participants reported feeling more confident and appreciated tools that made daily tasks easier. "I'll feel safer in the shower once I use these nonslip strips," said one attendee, reflecting the project's tangible impact on home safety.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many affordable homes lacked accessibility features, making aging in place difficult for older adults and people with disabilities. To address this, Livability Initiative implemented 57 modifications across five homes. It also trained staff using the AARP HomeFit Guide. Laminated checklists and digital tools were provided to standardize assessments and ensure replicable processes. These changes improved safety and usability while raising awareness of accessible housing. One volunteer said, "Hearing that there are so many low-cost solutions, I'm inspired to make changes to my own home and implement these simple ideas."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Saco, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Saco is a coastal community with seven miles of sandy beaches. Until recently, there was no beach access for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. That changed thanks to the purchase and installation of three ADA-compliant beach mats. The mats run from a parking lot to the high tide mark, as well as parallel to the beach. Grant funding from AARP also helped Saco attract a donation from the local Rotary Club to purchase a beach wheelchair and beach walker. Lifeguards manage and loan out the accessibility equipment.
Saco, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Older residents in Saco and nearby towns struggled with limited transportation options, making it hard to reach groceries, social activities and essential programs. Age-Friendly Saco introduced an on-demand shuttle using donated vans, hired drivers and mapped routes based on community surveys. The service now provides rides for errands and social engagement, helping residents maintain independence. One rider said, "I won't drive forever... I'm glad to know this service exists," reflecting its impact on reducing isolation and meeting daily needs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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