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Saco, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: 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.
Tucson, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: This project will host a community-wide education event. This event will align with the city of Tucsons Age Friendly Plan and the Affordable Housing Initiative for Older Adults.
Green Valley, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults lacked resources to make their homes safer for aging in place, increasing fall risks and limiting independence. Valley Assistance Services responded with HomeFit education and safety demonstrations at community events, expanded outreach through classes at libraries and its office. They also distributed easy-to-read guides and home safety kits. Participants requested extra kits for neighbors, amplifying impact. The effort raised awareness and created lasting access to tools that help prevent falls. "It was very easy to read and full of great information," said one participant.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Cincinnati, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults, often resulting in hospitalizations and loss of independence. Many homes lacked basic safety features, leaving residents at risk. Colerain Township expanded its fall prevention program by assessing homes and installing 30 grab bars, with firefighter-paramedics trained for safe installation. These changes reduced fall risk and eased strain on emergency services, with early data showing fewer 911 calls. Residents called the grab bars "life changing," one writing, "The grab bars have been a blessing... I was able to relax and not be worried about him falling."
Cincinnati, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Transportation barriers limit independence for older adults in southwestern Ohio. To improve access, COA launched the Passenger Portal, enabling online trip booking and management. The rollout included tutorial videos, a direct mail campaign to 35,000 residents and five outreach events. Early adoption brought 61 registered users and 187 free rides. One caller shared how the service let her brother join Thanksgiving dinner, calling it a "sense of independence" that strengthened family ties. The portal now offers a lasting tool for autonomy and efficiency in specialized transportation.
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