Funds Support Non-Profit’s “Return Home Safe” Program
Habitat for Humanity Detroit is re-launching the Return Home Safe (RHS) program thanks to a grant from the National Council on Aging (NCOA). This program aims to reduce the risk for at-home falls for eligible low-income older adults. RHS operates as a partnership between Habitat for Humanity Detroit and Henry Ford Health.
Eligible participants in Return Home Safe are 55 or older, own their own home, and are considered at-risk for falls by Henry Ford Health’s Mobile Integrated Health team. Home improvements made under RHS include installing grab bars and handrails, leveling uneven floors or stairs, clearing out walkways, improving lighting options, supplying and installing raised toilet seats, and additional situational safety improvements to homes.
In total, 111 households participated in the initial round of Return Home Safe improvements and resulted in reduced numbers of emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to a fall. Additionally, 95% of participants reported that the program had reduced their fear of falling at home.
The re-launch of RHS comes thanks to a grant from the National Council on Aging, which works to improve the lives of older adults. According to the NCOA, 60% of falls happen in the home and more than one quarter of adults over the age of 65 have reported falling at least once in the last year. Habitat Detroit’s Return Home Safe program targets key areas of improvement in the household outlined by the NCOA as most likely to pose a fall-risk.
