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The Arc Jacksonville (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
The Arc Jacksonville focused on reducing fall risk and safety hazards that can quickly undermine independence for older adults with intellectual and developmental differences. As vision changes and mobility challenges made familiar homes feel unpredictable, caregivers and staff needed practical ways to adapt living spaces. The project delivered five hands-on trainings for direct support professionals, family caregivers, managers and residents, combining walk-through home assessments with guidance from the HomeFit guide and a low-vision session led by an occupational therapist. Equipment was added to improve lighting, visibility and stability in several homes. One resident with significant vision loss regained confidence moving through his home and returned to daily routines. Staff now carry repeatable assessment skills into ongoing training, strengthening the long-term capacity of community homes to support older adults safely and with dignity.
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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Ferguson, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Older residents in Ferguson worried about staying safe and independent, but lacked affordable guidance on aging in place. The organization offered training on practical home modifications, energy efficiency and basic maintenance, along with digital literacy to reduce isolation. Residents learned simple changes like adding grab bars and improving lighting to prevent falls. One participant called the program a game-changer, saying these steps gave her confidence and peace of mind to remain in the home she loves.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Tempe, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: An educational session will guide memory care caregivers through home safety checks using a home modification guide. Participants will receive door alarms and learn to use them for safer caregiving and greater peace of mind.
Simsbury, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many residents needed clear guidance on how to remain safe and independent in their homes as they aged, and local leaders saw a gap in accessible information about home modifications and assistive technology. The town's Aging and Disability Commission subcommittee hosted three events that offered practical advice from experts, hands-on demonstrations through the Smart Home on Wheels and direct access to service providers at an Aging-in-Place Expo that drew more than 250 attendees. Residents received the AARP HomeFit Guide and connected with builders, attorneys, transportation providers and others who could help them plan changes that support aging in place. Strong feedback prompted nearby towns to inquire about replicating the model. The subcommittee now plans to make the Expo a yearly event to sustain these connections and help more residents prepare for long-term independence.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Jacksonville, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: To incentivize business development along Jacksonville's Main Street, the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council worked to improve the appearance of area. They installed trash receptacles, bike racks and bike maintenance stations. The improvements keep the streets clear of litter, give visitors with a safe place to lock their bikes and provide a convenient place to repair bike and wheelchair tires. Organizers say they hope the improvements set the stage for this historic community's continued popularity.
Jacksonville, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
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