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West Reading, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Reading Hospital addressed a common gap in care for older adults returning home after a fall or injury, when safety risks are often identified too late during discharge. The project strengthened referral pathways that connected high-risk patients to coordinated in-home support, including visits from an occupational therapist, a registered nurse and a handyman. Hospital staff across multiple departments were trained to identify eligible patients earlier and make timely referrals. For participants who enrolled, the visits helped address home hazards and improve confidence. The effort improved continuity from hospital to home and embedded fall prevention support into discharge planning.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

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.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Honolulu, HI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: In‑home visits will include pet‑inclusive home safety education for older adults. Simple adaptations will support safer aging in place with companion animals.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

St. Petersburg, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: The Dream Center works with low-income families throughout Pinellas County, focusing on improving safety and livability for older adults in their homes. This project made home repairs and accessibility modifications to 25 houses, including widening doors and installing grab bars, chair lifts, wheelchair ramps, handrails and toilet seat lifts. Project organizers say these repairs shielded families from facing potentially expensive fines for code violations. The Dream Center also provided food assistance and hygiene items to older adults. Today the Center continues to provide home modification assistance through its Adopt A Block program.

Pinellas County, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: The Florida Dream Center helps older adults in Pinellas County age in place, relying on federal grants and other funding sources to assist with home repairs and modifications. However, this funding is typically limited, meaning the nonprofit can only improve homes belonging to residents over the age of 62. To serve a larger subset of older adults, the Florida Dream Center created a program for residents between the ages of 50 to 61. Modifications include installing grab bars and handrails, replacing flooring, fixing holes in exterior walls, painting, rewiring exterior lights and mitigating rodents and other pests. By tapping a wide volunteer network to help make repairs, the Center has since expanded the services it offers to older homeowners.

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