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Town of Simsbury (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Cincinnati, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Home safety assessments will identify fall hazards inside and outside residents’ homes. Safety items such as grab bars will be provided during visits to help reduce injury risks.
Fort Collins, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: The Institute focused on a common challenge facing older adults who want to remain in their homes: knowing which design features truly support safety, accessibility and long-term independence. Builders and homeowners often lack practical guidance to apply aging-in-place principles with confidence. The project produced and piloted a Resident Guide that explains these features in clear, usable terms, tested with a homeowner living in a certified Lifelong Home. The guide helped residents better understand their home and nearby services while also serving as a replicable tool for housing professionals. One homeowner said the guide was "super helpful so I don't have to do all the research myself." The work increased awareness of age-friendly housing design, informed future pilot projects and strengthened partnerships that can influence how homes are designed and finished in the years ahead.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Florence, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults lacked clear information about home safety and falls prevention, making it harder for them to stay independent. NKADD partnered with SeniorSafe Home Solutions to offer classes that gave adults age 50 and over practical steps they could use right away. The organization also strengthened its resource guide by expanding the HomeFit section and preparing 9,000 updated copies for distribution, with broadcast segments planned to share safety tips more widely. One attendee said simple changes like rug tape and non slip strips "made a world of difference." The project set up long-term access to safety resources and opened new pathways for outreach through future sessions and referrals.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Simsbury, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Portable ADA compliant pathway mats will be placed at parks, trails and outdoor venues. These pathways will provide stable access across grass, sand and uneven ground.
Hartford, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: To draw more visitors to Colt Park, organizers with the Green and Blue Foundation hoped to make the area around the green space safer for pedestrians. Hartford's professional soccer team, the Hartford Athletic, hosts games at the park's stadium, the green space is otherwise underused. The Foundation joined with local partners and community leaders to host a walk audit to identify safety and aesthetic improvements that would make Colt Park more attractive to visitors. This project improved crosswalks near the park and installed traffic calming device, including speed bumps. Additionally, the Foundation beautified parking barriers, planted flower beds and added ADA-compliant benches.
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