September 3, 2026

A Safer Place to Call Home: Fall Prevention Renovations Complete at AHEPA 100

At AHEPA Senior Living, the safety of our residents is the foundation everything else is built on. With the help of a $60,000 grant from the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, AHEPA 100 Senior Apartments in South Bend, Indiana, has just completed a targeted safety upgrade that will help residents age with dignity and peace of mind.

Why Fall Prevention Matters

Falls are one of the most serious and preventable threats to older adults’ independence. Each year, an estimated three million older Americans visit emergency rooms after a fall, and more than 319,000 of those visits involve hip fractures. For many older Americans, a single fall at home can be the difference between continued independence and a life-altering health crisis.

Turning Bathtubs Into Safer Showers

The grant from the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County funded the conversion of 25 bathtubs into walk-in showers equipped with safety rails at AHEPA 100, with matching funds identified through HUD 202 reserves. The work wrapped up recently, and residents in those units now have showers built for safer, more independent bathing.

These renovations took place at AHEPA 100’s original Phase I building, while the newer Phase II community next door, which opened in December 2025, was already built with walk-in showers. This project brings Phase I up to the same standard, so residents and their loved ones don’t fear that they have to be in the newer building to have a safer bathroom.

“Safety is the foundation of healthy aging – and for very low-income seniors, that safety cannot be taken for granted,” said Aaron Perri, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. “This grant reflects a commitment to the older adults of St. Joseph County who deserve to live with dignity and independence in their own homes.”

Panos Niarchos, board president of AHEPA 100, Inc., echoed that sentiment: “Safe housing means safe bathrooms. Our residents have worked hard their entire lives. They deserve to age at home without fear of falling.”

Building Awareness Beyond the Home

Fall prevention also means giving residents the knowledge and tools to reduce their risk. Across AHEPA Senior Living, communities in Albuquerque, Houston, Cincinnati, Milford and Hoover recently partnered with health professionals and community organizations to provide residents with education on fall prevention, balance, foot health, mobility, home safety and the potentially serious consequences of a fall.

A Model for Community Partnership

“Fall prevention is one of the most direct investments we can make in the long-term health and stability of our residents,” said Ike Gulas, Chairman of the Board of AHEPA Senior Living. “The Community Foundation of St. Joseph County’s investment in AHEPA 100 reflects exactly the kind of community partnership that makes a difference for older adults who have no safety net beyond the home we provide. We see that same spirit of partnership across our communities, where local health professionals and organizations are helping educate residents about fall prevention and giving them practical tools to stay safe and independent.”

Looking Ahead

The $60,000 grant covered half of Phase I, 25 of the building’s 50 units. AHEPA Senior Living is already exploring additional grant funding and partnerships to bring the same safety upgrade to the remaining 25. This project is a reminder of what’s possible when local foundations and mission-driven housing providers work toward the same goal of helping older adults live safely and independently in their own homes.

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