# Development of an application ("app") for training and assessment of home modification installations for aging in place

> **NIH NIH R43** · HOMESRENEWED VENTURES LLC · 2021 · $251,841

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Improper installation of a grab bar can be a greater risk to seniors’ safety than one that is not there at all.
In this Phase I SBIR proposal, Homes Renewed Ventures, LLC (HRV, Washington, DC) creates an
interactive mobile application (APP) will captures site specific inputs from a licensed contractor
(contractor) to generate customized guidance and instructions for the proper specification, placement and
installation of grab bars including photo documentation of each critical step of the process which can be
used to verify compliance with the instructions. The goal is to help Americans age in their homes safely
and healthily, reducing health care spending and supporting independence and quality of life. The Joint
Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard University has observed not only that retrofitting older
housing with accessibility features (e.g., grab bars, stair rails, curbless showers, ramps, improved lighting,
non-slip flooring) will be a growth market for the remodeling industry; but that less than 5% of homes have
significant accessibility features today. The largest number of falls occur in the home - specifically in the
bathroom. Loss of independence in toileting is a trigger of a move from the home to a higher level of care.
As a result, bathroom safety and independence are the #1 priority for home modifications (“HM”).
While there are few rigorous studies to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of HMs , they are supported by
public policy, clinical practice and a large number of studies that have shown their effectiveness as part of
a multifactorial intervention to promote aging in place. Proper specification and installation of grab
bars are critical to the safety and health of seniors.
Grab bars can be easily purchased, are relatively inexpensive and can be installed in most dwellings.
However, installing grab bars can be a challenge due to the many variables. Yet there is a lack of
information readily available. Typically, this industry relies on complicated drawings, permits and trained
inspectors to verify that work is done properly. The HRV APP will automate the design process to
determine appropriate grab bar specifications (e.g., size, shape, location, fastener type) in existing
residential bathrooms, and use photo documentation to automate verification and inspection after
installation. In Aim 1 HRV will obtain feedback from an Expert Panel and survey responses from 100
contractors. In Aim 2 the survey results will be used to build a prototype APP. In Aim 3 the prototype will
be tested with two contractor focus groups to determine feasibility, usefulness and utility of the APP to
ensure the safety and health of individuals aging in place. The HRV APP will provide an effective process
to ensure the proper specification, installation and verification of grab bars installed in residences.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10156237
- **Project number:** 1R43AG067804-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** HOMESRENEWED VENTURES LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Louis Tenenbaum
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $251,841
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-02-01 → 2022-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10156237

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10156237, Development of an application ("app") for training and assessment of home modification installations for aging in place (1R43AG067804-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10156237. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*