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West Allis Fire Department (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ HomeFit Modifications
└ HomeFit Modifications
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, yet many homes lack basic safety features. To reduce risks, firefighters installed grab bars, raised toilet seats, shower chairs and bed transfer rails during home visits, along with walkers for those with mobility challenges. These changes helped older adults navigate their homes safely and maintain independence. One widow said the modifications gave her confidence to move without fear, adding, "It feels like someone truly cares about me and my safety."
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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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.
Saint Paul, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Small but critical home safety issues left many older adults at risk of falls and struggling with daily tasks. North East Seniors for Better Living launched an in-home repair and safety inspection program by hiring a dedicated staff member to address urgent needs. Visits focused on fixing broken items, identifying fall hazards and talking through other challenges such as transportation, food access or chore help. In one case, a resident regained safe access to his garage after storm damage was cleared. By pairing repairs with personal check-ins, the program helped older adults remain safer at home and created an ongoing way to connect residents with broader support.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Madison, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: A home safety class will teach residents how to make low‑cost accessibility improvements. Hands‑on guidance and free materials will help older adults reduce their risk of falls at home.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
West Allis, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: A safer ADA-accessible pedestrian crossing with rapid-flashing beacons, marked crosswalks and boarding pads will be created near a community for older adults. The improvements will enhance transit access, mobility and walkability.
Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Jackson Park Community Association focused on unsafe streets surrounding a major neighborhood park where fast traffic and unclear crossings made walking stressful for residents, including older adults. Through a series of walk audits, residents, volunteers and local officials documented specific hazards and discussed solutions at key intersections. Findings were shared through community meetings and presentations to city leaders, grounding the conversation in lived experience. Volunteer feedback highlighted anxiety at crossings and concerns about speeding vehicles. The work helped inform reconstruction discussions and contributed to funding being allocated for future intersection improvements that support safer park access.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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