AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Wayland Council on Aging (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
Many older adults wanted to age in place safely but lacked guidance on home modifications to prevent falls. The Council hosted three workshops on aging in place and home safety, recorded sessions for cable TV and distributed 100 motion-sensing night light sets. It also installed grab bars in five homes through a pilot program. These efforts increased awareness, reduced fall risks and gave older adults confidence to remain in their homes, prompting plans for future workshops and ongoing educational programming.
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
Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Older adults in Philadelphia faced home safety hazards that threatened independence and increased fall risk. To address this, the program hosted three workshops led by health professionals, teaching practical strategies for aging in place. Participants received tailored products like shower chairs and collapsible tubs, installed to improve safety. Eighteen older adults now live more confidently at home, and many reported immediate habit changes. One client said that these improvements made her routine safer and more comfortable, and the project fostered increased safety and independence.
San Antonio, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Homeowners in San Antonio's repair program often lacked skills to maintain improvements, risking safety and costly fixes. To address this, six workshops trained 128 homeowners age 50-plus on plumbing basics, disaster prep and financial management. Trainers demonstrated safety tools like alarms and fire extinguishers, and participants received items to reinforce lessons. Afterward, all said they'd recommend the training, and the city reported no callbacks from attendees, showing a sign of lasting impact. One participant noted, "I learned about simple plumbing fixes that I can make myself."
Salem, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Older adults often lacked guidance on affordable home safety upgrades and legal planning, leaving them vulnerable to falls and uncertainty about aging in place. The library hosted four expert-led workshops on topics from elder law to home modifications, drawing 122 attendees. Early participants received practical items like nightlights and jar openers, and 100 aging-in-place workbooks were distributed. Attendees said the sessions were "very informative," with one noting, "The elder law talk really helped me know what I need to do to protect myself." Afterwards, many began planning to contact local agencies or pursue safety improvements.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Watertown, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing stability
Description: Older adults in Watertown faced eviction risks and housing instability, often without access to traditional rental assistance. To address this, the city launched a Tenancy Preservation and Community Support Program, hosting workshops on eviction prevention, tenant rights and affordable housing options. Partnerships with legal and housing agencies expanded resources, and 18 older adults received direct financial aid to prevent crises. The program strengthened community ties and empowered older adults to advocate for themselves. One participant shared that the workshops "helped me feel less alone and more prepared."
Cambridge, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Pedestrian safety in Cambridge's Alewife area was hindered by poor crossings and limited accessibility, making it harder for older adults to navigate safely. Green Cambridge organized a walk audit and community tour, engaging residents and producing a report with the National Park Service to guide improvements. The audit raised awareness and informed recommendations for safer connections, with a demonstration project planned to act on these findings. Community involvement strengthened advocacy for inclusive design and laid the groundwork for lasting improvements.
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 Massachusetts State Office
One Beacon Street
Suite 2301
Boston, MA 02108
United States