AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
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.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Brisbane, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Presentations and displays will teach older adults and families how to improve home safety. Participants will connect with affordable home modification and repair resources.
Spring Valley, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: In rural communities, older adults faced fall hazards at home but were reluctant to ask for help, making aging in place risky. The project trained volunteers to assess homes and install safety upgrades like grab bars and secured rugs. It also completed multiple improvements and created a stock of equipment for future use. It introduced HomeFit concepts and built trust, with new requests already coming in. One couple said the heavy-duty grab bars installed by volunteers and a local handyman has finally given them secure footing in their bathroom.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Beaverton, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Educational training courses will share home safety and modification information with program members age 50 and older. Visual examples and outreach materials will support understanding and practical use.
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.
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 Wisconsin State Office
222 W Washington Avenue
Suite 600
Madison, WI 53703
United States