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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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Statesville, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Home safety trainings and simple modifications will be completed in many homes. The project will help reduce fall risks and support caregivers.
Gary, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults in Gary faced home hazards that increased fall risk, especially for those with chronic conditions. To address this, the organization distributed rug rippers and AARP HomeFit Guides to more than 200 households age 50-plus and hosted weekly sessions on safety and modification strategies. The effort encouraged residents to plan improvements and share tips with others, creating momentum for safer homes. One participant said they were ready to make changes after learning how simple adjustments could prevent injuries, underscoring the project's role in promoting independence and well-being.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Randolph, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Older adults in affordable housing often lacked tools and knowledge to make their homes safe, leaving them vulnerable to accidents and isolation. The project offered workshops on home safety and technology, installed video doorbell cameras and worked with maintenance teams to ensure compliance with housing rules. Residents reported feeling safer and more independent. One mother said the video doorbell gave her peace of mind and allowed her autistic daughter to stay home alone briefly, reducing stress and improving daily life.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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