Home Safety & Accessibility

Accessibility modifications promote independence and prevent falls to keep you safe at home.

Most older adults and people with disabilities express a desire to remain living independently at home for the rest of their lives. Called "aging in place," this desire is tied to maintaining autonomy, comfort, and familiarity in your current living environment and community.

 

The challenge is that, often, our homes are not designed to accommodate the physical needs of aging or disability. Additionally, fall injuries may make it difficult to continue living independently.

A few changes—home accessibility modifications—can make your home safer and easier to live in and are the key to successfully maintaining your independence.

90%

of older adults say they want to live independently at home as they age. 

1 in 4

Americans age 65 and older falls each year.

$30,000

is the average hospital cost for a fall injury, with costs rising with a person's age.

Home Accessibility Modifications

Several funding sources are available to assist eligible individuals with the cost of home modifications.

Eligibility:*
  • Homeowners
  • Residents of Marion County
  • Age 60 or over or a person of any age with a disability

*Some restrictions apply.

Home improvements that promote accessibility and prevent accidents include:
  • replacing standard, round door knobs or faucets with lever handles
  • adding grab bars and handrails
  • installing wheelchair ramps with handrails to a front or side door
  • widening doorways and securing thresholds
  • and more

 

Man using drill to make bathroom safety modification for a senior

Falls Prevention Resources

Steady Steps: A Comprehensive Guide to Preventing Falls Among Seniors

Empowering seniors with knowledge and practical solutions to prevent falls.

Get the Guide

Fall Prevention Checklist

The first step to enhancing safety and accessibility is to address common falling and tripping hazards within the home. Below are a few things we look for during an in-home assessment.

Review the Checklist

More Falls Prevention Resources

Learn the staggering statistics about the costs of older adult falls, and find more resources to keep safe the seniors in your life.

Get Resources

Get Started

If you're interested in a home safety assessment, contact us today for eligibility criteria.

Call the Aging & Disability Resource Center:

(317) 803-6131 or (800) 432-2422

Submit an Online Request Form

If you are seeking information on behalf of someone else, please have them available during the phone appointment to provide consent for screening or services, or notify the individual that you are making this referral and that CICOA will contact them by phone.

“It’s hard for me to do everything on my own, especially since I’ve lost my spouse and don’t have family. To have support from CICOA is a wonderful thing. It’s a relief.”

Carleen hopes to stay in her home in the Crown Hill neighborhood for as long as she can.