AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Pinellas Park Fire Department (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
Older residents in Pinellas Park faced high fall risks at home, often relying on emergency services after accidents. To improve safety, the fire department installed grab bars in homes of residents age 50-plus identified as high-risk. The project strengthened community ties and raised awareness about home safety, helping older adults feel more secure and confident. Participants expressed gratitude, saying the changes made them feel safer at home.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Rockledge, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Older adults in Rockledge faced trip hazards, poor lighting and hard-to-use fixtures, making daily life unsafe and independence difficult. Specialists assessed homes and completed modifications for 17 participants, installing grab bars, high-rise toilets, non-skid rugs and improved lighting. Outreach reached 68 residents and raised awareness of home safety. These changes helped older adults remain in their homes with confidence and spurred plans for a long-term program. One woman said her home feels "much safer" after upgrades like a deadbolt lock and task lighting, showing how small fixes can transform security and usability.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cortland, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Older adults faced safety risks at home and lacked affordable options for modifications. The project delivered home safety training and distributed low-cost products, while public presentations raised awareness and encouraged practical steps. Staff guided participants on using grab bars and other aids, and outreach sparked interest in borrowing equipment from the organization's loan closet. One attendee even opened his home for volunteer-led improvements, showing how education can lead to action and safer living.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Columbus, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Older tenants living with arthritis faced a high risk of falls in bathrooms, where a single slip could lead to injury, loss of independence and costly care. LifeCare Alliance modified 21 homes with tub-mount grab bars, shower seats and toilet safety frames. It also added anti-slip mats, raised toilet seats and night lights for extra protection. These changes help older adults remain safe and independent at home, reducing hospitalizations and nursing home placement. One client said she was "no longer afraid" to shower after receiving a grab bar and shower chair.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Florida State Office
360 N. Central Avenue
Suite 1750
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
United States
Phone: 866-595-7678
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]