BATH, Maine (April 8, 2026) — The Maine Legislature is recognizing Bath Housing’s Comfortably Home program as it reaches 10 years of helping older adults and people with disabilities remain safe and independent at home.
Launched ten years ago by Bath Housing, Comfortably Home tackles small but consequential repairs that help older adults and individuals with disabilities continue living safely and independently in their homes.
Sen. Denise Tepler (D-Sagadahoc) read the sentiment on March 19, coming on the heels of National Senior Independence Month, observed in February. At an average per-project materials cost of about $1,600, the program provides home safety checks, minor maintenance, and accessibility improvements such as grab bars, handrails, stair ramps, lighting upgrades, weatherization, and bathroom adaptations. These changes reduce fall risks and support dignity and independence – and are completely free for participants.
“Bath Housing and Comfortably Home have proven to be a model for how a Housing Authority can make the lives of all Mainers,” said Sen. Tepler. “I’m really, really proud to represent this organization, and I feel that their model is how all housing authorities throughout the state should be operating.”
The Community Aging in Place approach has demonstrated efficient use of resources and measurable health benefits. In the past three years, CAIP has seen annual reductions in hospitalizations among participants ranging from 15% to 76%, while falls among participants have dropped by 24% to 89% annually.
“With the support of MaineHousing, our local partners, and the dedicated teams doing this work on the ground, older Mainers have been able to stay in their own homes,” said Debora Keller, Executive Director of Bath Housing. “Comfortably Home shows that a simple grab bar, a sturdier handrail, or better lighting can make the difference between a fall and continued independence.”
The model has also been replicated in Old Town, South Portland, Ellsworth, Mount Desert Island, and Fort Fairfield as a proven, evidence-based, low-cost, high-impact way to support aging in place and ease pressure on Maine’s limited rental housing supply.
For more information on the program, visit Comfortably Home – Bath Housing.
About Bath Housing Authority
Founded in 1969, Bath Housing advances forward-thinking housing solutions so that all who want to call Sagadahoc County home can live, work and thrive together. It does this by partnering with community, state and federal leaders to develop sustainable, high-quality, and fair stable housing; administering federally funded housing voucher programs; and pioneering solutions to the region’s housing challenges, including Bath Housing’s award-winning Comfortably Home program helping eligible seniors safely age in place. FMI: www.bathhousing.org.
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