Older Abington Residents Eligible For Housing Modifications

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — The township will launch a new initiative focused on installing mobility modifications for income-qualified older adults, allowing them to age safely and independently in place.

Township officials announced it has received 2025 PHARE (Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement) funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

The award will support the Township's efforts to maintain existing affordable housing access and improve home safety and accessibility for older residents.

With this year’s award, modifications may include grab bars, stair railings, accessible entryways, walk-in tubs, and other home improvements tailored to individual needs.

“As a state representative, I am committed to creating safer communities, especially for our seniors. I am thrilled that Abington Township was able to secure state funding through the PA Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE) for their new Older Adults Trip and Fall Prevention Program, which will address immediate safety concerns for seniors and empower them to remain independent,” State Rep. Nancy Guesnt said.

A key component of this program is a collaboration with the Occupational Therapy academic department at Salus University at Drexel University, which will provide clinical expertise, home assessments, and guidance on individualized mobility solutions to ensure modifications are functional, person-centered, and aligned with best practices in aging-in-place design.

“Our Occupational Therapy program is thrilled to collaborate and work with Abington Township on this excellent community project,” says Dr. Lauren N. Sponseller, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation and Chair, Occupational Therapy Department at Salus at Drexel University. “We hope to contribute to the success of this program by providing expertise in adaptations and Fall prevention to support the residents of the Abington community.”

“This funding represents an important investment in the well-being and dignity of older adults in our community,” Township Manager Christopher S. Christman said. “We are excited to launch this innovative partnership with Salus at Drexel University to deliver safe, effective home modifications that will truly make a difference in residents’ lives.”

Key Program Goals for 2025 PHARE Funding:

• Home Mobility Modifications: Install aging-in-place modifications in the homes of low-to-moderate-income seniors.
• Clinical Home Assessments: Partner with Salus at Drexel's Occupational Therapy students to evaluate individual mobility needs and recommend appropriate modifications.
• Affordable Housing Support: Continued investment in broader housing rehabilitation services within the Township.

Impact and Innovation

The program will serve as a model for municipal-university partnerships that leverage academic knowledge to meet practical community needs.

The effort will help prevent unnecessary displacement, reduce fall risks, and improve quality of life for aging residents, while fostering interprofessional learning opportunities for graduate students in healthcare and housing systems.

“I was thrilled to hear that the PHARE grant came through for Abington Township’s Older Adults Home Modification Program,” State Rep. Ben Sanchez said. “These crucial funds will have a significant impact on the aging population in my district and will allow people to live at home longer and maintain their quality of life as they grow older. I want to thank Abington Township for always being a leader in finding ways to support the residents that live within their borders.”