Every day at Habitat DC-NOVA, we work towards building communities where everyone can thrive. One way we ensure that we address this goal is by working with older audiences through our home repair and aging-in-place services. This May, we celebrate Older Americans Month, a time to honor the resilience, wisdom, and enduring contributions of older adults in our communities. This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” encourages us all to rethink how we view and support aging, focusing on opportunities for purpose, connection, and independence.
Why home repairs matter
For many older adults, the ability to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes, or to age in place, is vital for maintaining independence and quality of life. Yet, more than 19 million older Americans live in homes that are in disrepair or lack the modifications needed for safe, accessible living. Simple barriers like steep stairs, poor lighting, or inaccessible bathrooms can threaten both health and stability. Displacement and the breaking up of established communities are often the major outcomes of inadequate living conditions as well.
Home repairs and accessibility modifications like installing grab bars, ramps, and handles can make a world of difference. These changes help prevent falls, support daily activities, and allow older adults to stay connected to their communities. Research shows that aging in place not only extends longevity but also improves mental and physical well-being.
Supporting aging in place and stability
Habitat DC-NOVA is deeply committed to helping older adults age in place with dignity and security. Through partnerships with local organizations, Habitat DC-NOVA offers critical home repairs and accessibility upgrades for seniors and adults with disabilities across the region. Habitat DC-NOVA has supported more than 300 older adults through our home repair program to make their homes safer, healthier, and more accessible. In partnership with TruBlue Total House Care of Vienna and DC’s Safe at Home program, we’re working to address the growing concerns facing older adults’ homes.
What we offer:
- Critical home repairs: Addressing urgent issues that threaten health and safety, from deck repairs to bathroom modifications
- Aging in place modifications: Installing ramps, handrails, grab bars, and other features to enhance accessibility and independence
- Personalized assessments: Collaborating with licensed therapists and senior safety experts to tailor repairs to each homeowner’s needs
- Community partnerships: Working with agencies like TruBlue Total House Care to provide up to $2,500 in repairs for eligible Northern Virginia residents
- Affordable solutions: Program fees are income-based, and some repairs are offered at no cost, ensuring help is accessible for those who need it most
If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, Habitat DC-NOVA is currently accepting applications for home repair programs in D.C., Northern Virginia, and the Springfield Supervisory District. Eligibility is based on location and income, with a focus on serving those at or below 60% of the area’s median family income.
Older Americans Month is a reminder of the strength and value older adults bring to our neighborhoods. By supporting home repairs and aging in place, we’re not just fixing up houses; we can preserve independence, foster stability, and honor the contributions of those who have shaped our communities for generations.
Let’s flip the script on aging together by ensuring every older adult has the opportunity to thrive at home, today and for years to come.