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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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See More Projects Like This One
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.
Bowling Green, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Community partners will educate older adults about home safety and provide basic prevention items. The project will reduce fall risks through clear instructions and simple equipment.
South Euclid, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults, yet many lacked practical strategies to prevent them. The organization hosted educational sessions and distributed safety kits with items like nonslip strips, LED lights and gripper socks, along with the HomeFit Guide. Social activities such as fall prevention bingo reinforced learning and encouraged engagement. Participants reported feeling more confident and appreciated tools that made daily tasks easier. "I'll feel safer in the shower once I use these nonslip strips," said one attendee, reflecting the project's tangible impact on home safety.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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