AoA Provides Funds for Seniors to Age in Place

The Administration on Aging (AoA) recently provided over $5.1 million in grants to 22 cities and counties. By providing this money to new and continuing programs, AoA wants to find out which programs will help seniors to age in place.

The AoA press release gives a short description of each program and the amount of money given to the 16 new programs and two of the six continuing programs. The AoA wants to increase seniors’ access to health related and supportive services. There is special attention in many of the programs to increase awareness of services available to the seniors in their communities.

Each program is unique to the community and the needs of their seniors. For example, the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado will provide home modification along with other necessary services. The Jewish Seniors of Rhode Island and the Jewish Family Services of Seattle will implement fall prevention programs at senior apartments.

AoA wants to help seniors who desire to remain in community the opportunity to do so with an increase in services and programs. By testing these various programs in cities with a high number of seniors, the AoA will be better able to design programs for seniors in the future.

The full press release can be obtained by clicking the link below.

Source: AoA Press Release, AoA awards $5.1 million to support community services for seniors aging in place in 22 cities and counties, (September 13, 2004).

Home

Stairs no longer have to be barriers for potential homeowners. The Californian reported that the sales of elevators have increased dramatically over the years. In particular, elevators are becoming more commonplace in the homes of boomers.

Before elevators were considered a feature that were only in the homes of celebrities. In recent years prices for elevators have gone down considerably. This feature can increase accessibility of the home for aging adults and the disabled. It allows homeowners to do some preplanning for aging in place. More homeowners are choosing to make this worthy investment. Although the majority of homes that now have elevators are brand new, it is possible to install an elevator into an existing home.

More contractors are finding more interest in home elevators from homeowners of all ages and abilities. The article profiles the Bucherts who modify their new four story home to include an elevator.

Source: Michelle Day, The Californian.com, Giving Owners a Lift (September 17, 2004)

Home

The News-Herald of Ohio, recently reported that there has been a rise in the number of older women who reside together. This is a trend that is becoming more popular with boomer women who currently do not live with a significant other. One reason this is occurring, is that older women tend to outlive their male counterparts by several years. So many women spend a large part of their later years living by themselves. Living with another roommate is also a big support when her functioning level declines.

Older roommates should also consider changes to their home or apartment in order to make it safe and comfortable for everyone. The article discusses some possible design changes that will make living arrangements more accessible. Home modification should also be taken into consideration to allow roommates to live more comfortably. Some suggestions from the article include changing the heights of countertops in the bathroom and kitchen for persons in wheelchairs. Other changes include a walk-in shower and installing a ramp for wheelchair accessibility. Removing thick carpeting in the home can greatly reduce the chances of a person tripping. A phone that lights up when it rings would be helpful for the hearing impaired. Arrangement of furniture and lighting will also provide easier pathways for people to move throughout the home. Finally choosing the proper paint type can reduce the glare in the rooms of the home.

The last portion of the article provides several resources for readers to find out more about universal design and home modification.

Source: New-Herald.com, Shared Living Offers Mature Women Options and Opportunities (September 10, 2004)

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AARP’s Public Policy Institute recently completed a review of four federally funded surveys to find out how the government defines disability. AARP’s report, Disability: Federal Survey Definitions, Measurement and Estimate, can be accessed online... [Full Story]

The way disability is defined is important to federal and state programs. Depending on the federal definition of disability, this can increase or decrease the number of people who are considered disabled. This affects how programs are funded and which services are available to the disabled. The report discusses how limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) define the disability. Functioning level may change who is considered disabled for different programs.

The four surveys included in the report include the American Community Survey, the Survey of Income and Program Participation, the National Health Interview Survey, and the National Long Term Care Survey. Three of the surveys include data on disability for persons of all ages and those over 65+ years of age. The National Long Term Care Survey is the only one that includes persons 65+ years of age. Other issues discussed include the variability in the sample size used for each survey and how long a disability must be present before a person is considered disabled.

Source: AARP Public Policy Institute Data Digest “Disability federal survey definitions, measurement and estimates” (August 2004)

Home

The Resource Center is pleased to announce that the National Home Modification Action Coalition (NHMAC) has been successfully incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The organization will now be able to solicit grants and charge membership dues to promote its activities. The Board of Directors are: Leon Harper (President), Richard Duncan and Ed Steinfeld (Vice Presidents), Jon Pynoos (Secretary), and Phyllis Madachy (Treasurer).

Members of NHMAC’s Steering Committee comprise the following: Richard Duncan, Jane Gay, Laura Gitlin, Leon Harper, Maria Henke, Susan Klein, Phyllis Madachy, Elaine Ostroff, Jon Pynoos, Ed Steinfeld, Louis Tenenbaum, and Irma Tetzloff. Several members of the Steering Committee participated in two conference calls in August to refine a mission statement and decide on next steps.

The following is a current draft of the Mission Statement:

"The National Home Modification Action Coalition engages in activities to increase the availability of high quality and affordable home modifications to support independent living for people with disabilities, older people and others seeking to age in place."

If you would like to be kept informed of NHMAC’s activities, please email Chris Lee at homemods@usc.edu or call (213) 740-1364.

The Resource Center would like to acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Leon Harper that led to the incorporation of the NHMAC. Mr. Harper was formerly with AARP, and is now a private consultant headquartered in the State of Virginia.

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Freedom Machines

Freedom Machines wants to redefine society’s traditional views of disability. Universal design and AT in the past have been stereotyped as concepts that only pertain to the disabled. This view is slowly changing. Universal design is now starting to be recognized by the public as a concept that is for people of all abilities. Lack of funding, policies, and public awareness are some of the issues discussed that are hindering access to this technology.

The website for Freedom Machines http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2004/freedommachines/index.html also provides a wealth of information for viewers. It contains several articles and resources for viewers. What is Assistive Technology? defines AT and describes several products that are commonly used. The Principles of Universal Design discusses the seven principles and goals of universal design. A photo gallery of 13 products and concepts that are currently on the market are also included. The Promise of the Web discusses the application of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act which states that all government websites must be accessible for all users. Judy Brewer, Director of W3C Accessibility Initiative, discusses the status of this initiative and the actual implementation. 10 Quick Tips for Making Your Site Accessible is another useful section located in Brewer’s article.

Descriptions of the directors can be found in the Behind the Lens section and links to other organizations can be found in the Resources section. Information on how to purchase the film is located in the About the Film section. After the film viewers can post their opinions on the discussion board.

Check your local listings for additional times and channels.

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