Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) have recently announced the expansion of the District’s Safe at Home Program, building upon its successful legacy to further support older adults in Washington, DC. This significant development, unveiled after the 24th Annual Senior Holiday Celebration, introduces Safe at Home 2.0, a more comprehensive initiative designed to empower seniors to age comfortably and securely in their own homes. The program’s evolution includes a vital collaboration with Home Care Partners Dc, alongside American University, to offer a wider array of services focused on fall prevention and holistic well-being.
The original Safe at Home program, launched in 2016 by Mayor Bowser, was a direct response to address the risks of falls and household accidents among the District’s senior population. To date, it has successfully completed over 5,500 projects, enabling residents to maintain their independence at home through environmental modifications such as installing grab bars, hand railings, stair lifts, and bathtub cut-outs. These adaptations, focused on environmental fall risks, have proven highly effective in creating safer living spaces for older adults.
Building on this success, Safe at Home 2.0 broadens its scope to encompass all critical aspects of fall prevention identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to environmental modifications, the expanded program will now address medication management, vision screenings, and balance/strength training. This holistic approach recognizes that falls are often multifactorial and require comprehensive strategies to mitigate risks effectively.
Jessica Smith, Interim Director at DACL, highlighted the program’s positive impact, stating, “In a follow up survey, we learned that 99 percent of past Safe at Home participants were satisfied with the program, and 80 percent of those participants had not fallen since their adaptations were complete.” These compelling statistics underscore the program’s effectiveness and the commitment to continuous improvement. The expansion to Safe at Home 2.0, fueled by Mayor Bowser’s investment, aims to further reduce fall risks and empower seniors to age on their own terms.
A cornerstone of Safe at Home 2.0 is the strategic partnership with Home Care Partners DC and American University. Beginning in January 2023, participants can voluntarily engage in vision screenings, medication management support, and evidence-based balance and strength training classes. Home Care Partners DC, alongside American University, will deliver these crucial services, offering both virtual and in-person classes across all six senior wellness centers in the District. This ensures accessibility and caters to diverse needs and abilities within the senior community.
These enhanced services through Home Care Partners DC and American University are designed to provide older adults with more options and resources to proactively manage their health and well-being. By addressing key risk factors beyond just the home environment, Safe at Home 2.0 offers a more complete and person-centered approach to fall prevention. This initiative not only aims to reduce falls but also to enhance the overall quality of life for seniors in Washington, DC, promoting greater independence, choice, and dignity as they age.
To discover more about the Safe at Home program and how Home Care Partners DC contributes to this vital initiative, please visit dacl.dc.gov/safe-home. For specific details regarding balance and strength training classes offered in partnership with Home Care Partners DC and American University, please visit daclevents.splashthat.com or reach out to the senior wellness center nearest to you. Contact information for each center across Wards 1 through 8 is available for easy access and further assistance.
