Return Home Safe

Introducing a specialized program to address in-home fall prevention for older adults.

Habitat for Humanity Detroit, in partnership with Henry Ford Health System will re-launch its successful Return Home Safe (RHS) program with the generous support of the National Council on Aging. This program is designed to reduce the risk for at-home falls by providing modest home safety repairs for eligible low-income older adults.A report by America’s Health Rankings said 29.3% of Michigan seniors ages 65 and older are likely to suffer from a fall, and one out of five falls causes a serious injury like a hip fracture and head trauma. These can lead to decreased mobility, loss of independence, social isolation and depression, and premature death.Eligible low-income older adults are ages 55 and older, own their home, and are considered at-risk for falls by Henry Ford’s Mobile Integrated Health team. The repairs would be at no cost to eligible homeowners.This is the continuation of a pilot program previously completed serving 111 patients and yielded statistically significant results in fall reduction and hospital readmission. The program will continue to gather data regarding fall prevention interventions. At this time, this program and services are not available to the general public and are only available via close-loop referral process exclusively with Henry Ford Health.

What do we do
to help stop falls at home?

  • Install grab bars
  • Supply and install raised toilet seats
  • Fix uneven floors or stairs
  • Fix or install handrails
  • Clear walkways of things that may make you fall
  • Fix lighting problems
  • Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
  • And more!

For more information on ways to help support this program, please contact Mary Ellen Kearney, Director of Fund Development, Habitat for Humanity Detroit, at [email protected]

Words from our clients:

“Thank you so much for helping us feel safer at home. I’m concerned about falling so the grab bars, handrails, lights and other things make me feel 100% safer. It is beautiful to see that people care so much and want to help seniors. We appreciate Habitat and the Return Home Safe Program so much.” – Donald and Margaret F.

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