Nassau County Council on Aging Volunteers Build More Than Ramps – They Build Independence

For many older adults, remaining at home safely and independently is one of life’s greatest priorities. Thanks to the dedicated volunteers of the CHORE program at Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA), that goal is becoming a reality for seniors across Nassau County.

Last week, NCCOA’s volunteer CHORE Ramp Team completed a 35-foot wheelchair ramp installation in just two days, helping a local senior safely access their home and continue aging in place with dignity and independence.

Led by volunteer Project Manager Dave Brunelle, the nine-member volunteer team donated their time, craftsmanship, and expertise to complete the project—one of nearly 100 CHORE projects completed within the last year.

“Our volunteers are the heart of this organization,” said Janice Ancrum, NCCOA President & CEO. “Programs like CHORE show our mission in action every single day. These volunteers are helping seniors remain safe, independent, and comfortable in their own homes, and that kind of compassionate service strengthens our entire community.”

NCCOA’s mission is “to enhance the lives of older adults through services and compassionate care designed to improve the health, independence and economic security of all Nassau County seniors and their families.”

The CHORE program, NCCOA’s small home repair and accessibility assistance initiative, has become a critical part of that mission. Volunteers specialize in carpentry, electrical and mechanical work, installation, and home maintenance services that improve safety and accessibility for older adults throughout Nassau County.

In 2025 alone, CHORE volunteers contributed more than 1,245 volunteer hours, helping seniors reduce fall risks and maintain independence at home.

The need is significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 29% of adults over age 65 report falling at least once each year, and studies show that most falls occur inside the home. Simple modifications, such as wheelchair ramps, handrails, grab bars, shower benches, and non-slip flooring, can dramatically improve safety and quality of life.

NCCOA’s CHORE volunteers help address those challenges both inside and outside the home. Exterior projects often include ramp construction and handrail installation to help seniors safely navigate stairs and uneven ground elevations. Interior modifications focus heavily on kitchens and bathrooms, where fall-related injuries are most common.

For volunteers, however, the work often becomes about more than repairs.

“We help seniors stay in their homes, and they help us by sharing their stories,” one CHORE volunteer shared. “It’s a wonderful two-way street. You don’t work all day at someone’s house without creating a lasting connection.”

Nassau County Council on Aging has served local seniors for more than 50 years, continually expanding programs and services that support aging with dignity, safety, and connection. Through CHORE and its many other community-based programs, NCCOA continues to demonstrate how small acts of service can make a life-changing difference.

For more information about NCCOA programs or volunteer opportunities, visit Nassau County Council on Aging at nassaucountycoa.org.