Bush Plans to Modernize Older Americans Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Bush Administration stated on May 17 that modernizing long-term care for Baby Boomers is the top priority in the upcoming reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.

The Bush Administration plans to modernize the Older Americans Act by giving more financial planning responsibility to the individual; emphasize on managing one’s health responsibility; and to encourage home and community-base care as oppose to assisted living homes.

According to the U.S. Administration on Aging Josefina Carbonell, more detailed goals for reauthorization will be announced later this month.

The AoA hopes to achieve some of these modernizations by promoting better health through enrolling seniors to the Medicare prescription drug benefit program.

The modernization "will require that those who are not old should plan for their own long-term care. It will require the elderly who are not poor to make creative use of their existing resources to finance and support their care, with limited government assistance, to prevent poverty and the loss of independence," said Carbonell to the Commonwealth Fund Washington Health Policy Week in Review.

Currently the Act pays for nutrition, health care, and employment assistance programs for senior citizens, as well as, the Meals on Wheels programs.

The previous reauthorization, the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000 added the National Family Caregiver Support Program which offered support to older citizens endured with caring for individuals who are 18 and under. Furthermore, this program provides information and assistance to caregivers, counseling, and support groups.

The Older Americans Act was originally signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965.

Source: Helping Aging Baby Boomers to Help Themselves from the Commonwealth Fund Washington Health Policy Week in Review ; Binod Suwal, Program Associate, Center for Healthy Aging, The National Council on the Aging , 300 D Street, SW, Suite 801 Washington, DC 20024, (202) 479-6665, (202) 479-0735 (fax) , http://www.healthyagingprograms.org

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You Can! Surpasses 2100 Partners

According to the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA), You Can! – Steps to Healthier Aging accomplished its two-year goal to enroll 2,000 partners nationwide in just seven months on Tues., May 10.

You Can! has aligned over 1300 community partners, 600 champion partners that include national, state, international and area agencies, media partners that agree to feature You Can! as a part of the news or other programming, and 17 federal agency partners. The sponsors all consent to help spread the word about the importance of a healthier lifestyle.

The campaign is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Steps to a Healthier U.S. and President George W. Bush’s Healthier U.S. initiative. The goal of You Can! is to increase the number of active and healthy seniors by using a partnership approach to mobilize communities and create programs to help older Americans improve their lifestyle.

The AoA Assistant Secretary, Josefina G. Carbonell said in the AoA press releases that, “We are delighted that so many organizations have partnered with us to encourage and promote healthier lifestyle choices among older adults.”

In the U.S., today, there are over 80 million people that are over the age of 50. The program hopes to help these citizens maintain their independence and reduce chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.

You Can! first launched in Sept. and hopes to reach over 2 million people over the age of 50 by 2006.

Source: AoA Press Release (May 10, 2005) http://www.aoa.gov/press/pr/2005/05_May/05_10_05.asp

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Providing More Options for Maltese Older Adults

The first apartment complex for older adults in Malta will open soon and will help them remain independent. The government of Malta’s Housing Authority is starting to construct housing for older citizens. Recently the Housing Authority just finished a complex that will feature one bedroom units for independent older adults. Previously the Malta government did not focus on the housing needs of older adults. Up until this time, housing for older citizens was limited to residential care.

The Housing Authority has received an overwhelming response to fill the vacancies of this complex. The elevator of the apartment complex makes it accessible for older adults of various functioning levels. The complex is also centrally located in the neighborhood so that they have easy access to services and stores.

In the future the Housing Authority will begin to construct more units for older citizens. The Malta government wants to make it possible for older adults to age in place. By building more accessible housing, older adults will not have to enter a facility. This type of housing allows the older residents to remain in the community.

Source: “First sheltered housing for the elderly completed” The Times of Malta ( May 11, 2005) http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=186641

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Downsizing Is Not the Only Option for Boomers

Many Baby Boomers are using their wealth to build larger homes for their retirement. In previous years older homeowners who sold their homes would use the money to downsize their living arrangements. The new trend among aging Baby Boomers is to use the money from the sale of their homes to build the home that they always wanted. Usually this new home is much bigger and has more amenities.

Homeowners see these purchases as a wiser investment compared to the stock market. Many Baby Boomers lost much of their retirement funds when the stock market was unstable. So for many Baby Boomers cashing in on their homes allows them freedom to create their fantasy homes. Troy Campa, principal of Newberry Campa Architects LLC in Houston stated that 30% of his business are Baby Boomers building these new homes with an increase of 10% each year. This generation wants to fully enjoy their retirement years and is creating mini-retreats with their new homes.

In order to pay for these massive homes some Baby Boomers also take out another mortgage or use stocks to pay for the construction. Some homeowners choose not to move out of their current residences and use loans to expand their current home. They are taking advantage of low rates to remodel their home so that they can age in place. Along with creating these dream homes, more emphasis should be placed on using the funds for home modifications. Without them the homeowners may not be able to enjoy their spacious homes in their later years.

Source: Laura Koss-Feder “A castle built for two: a growing number of empty nesters are pouring their life savings into mega homes” U.S. Edition, Time Bonus Section: Generations May 2005 ( April 25, 2005). http://www.time.com/time/generations/article/0,9171,1050317,00.html

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CAPS Makes Aging in Place Possible

 Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) installation of home modifications prevent early placement into long term care facilities. Mr. and Mrs. Sage were faced with the possibility of placing Mrs. Sage in a nursing home if they could not make changes to their housing environment. The Sages had lived in their current residence for 59 years. Mrs. Sage must use a wheelchair because she has lost feeling in her legs. Her primary caregiver is her husband and was increasingly having more trouble caring for her. They turned to a local Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) to include modifications in their bathroom. Now Mr. Sage can easily bathe his wife with the addition of the roll-in shower with chair. The chair height levers and hand-held showerhead also make it easier for Mrs. Sage. The area also includes a standard shower for Mr. Sage.

The CAPS program teaches contractors to fix barriers that do not allow their clients to fully enjoy their homes. When a client hires a CAP Specialist the process starts with a consultation. Then the CAP Specialist charges an initial fee which goes towards the design cost. The contractor then presents the final budget to the client. The cost and time varies depending on the project.

There are a variety of projects that CAP Specialists are able to complete in the homes of clients. A common project is installing grab bars in the bathroom. Other changes include lowering the kitchen cabinets. Countertops, dishwashers, and stoves can be placed on platforms so that the client does not have to bend to far to reach the surface. For people in wheelchairs, some of the kitchen cabinetry can be removed and lowered to allow space for the wheelchair. Carpet can be changed to hardwood or tile for easier use of wheelchairs and to reduce falls. Roll-out cabinet shelves can be installed to make it easier to locate items. Ramps can also be installed on the inside and outside of the house. For clients in wheelchairs expanding the door frame will allow the client to enter different rooms in the house.

Source: Kevin Bouffard, “Remodeling experts make homes fit for seniors” The Ledger ( May 14, 2005) http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005505140302

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Funding Available for Accessory Dwelling Units

The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program in Canada will provide funding to older adults for the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) is a federal program that will allow Canadian older adults to receive funding to remodel their current living arrangements. With these funds older adults will be able to avoid entering a long term care facility. The money can be used to either to create another addition to the current home which is called a secondary unit. In the United States these are referred to as “granny flats” or its official name Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Sometimes the units are rented out to create additional income for the homeowner. The funds can also be used to build a garden suite which is a separate structure that is built on the property of the main house.

During the first year of the implementation of RRAP there will be $128 million allotted to this program. There are limits on how much income the residents can gain from the new units. Also the new units must be built on property already owned by the client. Depending on the which area of Canada the older adult lives she can receive from $24,000-$36,000 for construction. If the older adult also has disabilities, there are additional funds available for accessibility products.

The Honorable Tony Ianno, Minister of State, Families and Caregivers, has also said that there will be changes made to loans available through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The new loan for less than five percent down will allow older residents to remain in their homes. CMHC has four goals: housing finance, assisted housing, research and

information transfer, and export promotion. CMHC helps Canadians of all ages to locate affordable housing in their communities. CMHC is also concerned about the housing needs of older citizens. The organization does provide funding for low-income housing for older adults. The Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence (HASI) is another program run by CMHC. With these funds older adults are able to spend up to $3,500 to buy home modifications so that they are able to remain in their current home.

Source: “Seniors to benefit from renovation funding and mortgage loan insurance enhancements” Canada NewsWire Group ( May 2, 2005) http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2005/02/c3033.html

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Good Design

 Home modifications are starting to be viewed as good design by homeowners. As more homes are being built, homeowners are becoming more aware of home modifications that they can include. Including home modifications such as wider door frames or elevators is much cheaper during the building stage instead of fixing it in a completed house. Homeowners are also more excepting of home modifications because they are more stylish than they were in the past. Companies are realizing that products should not detract attention from the function and style of the room. People who visit a universally designed home are not aware of changes in homes; they just see it as good design.

There is still some resistance among homeowners about including home modifications in the design of new homes. Many people do not want to think about possible disabilities or temporary illnesses that might make living in their homes difficult. Home modifications are not just for older adults but can also make tasks easier for all ages. Some contractors do include home modifications without mention of it. This way it is just seen as a design choice. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers Council found that Baby Boomers spend $25 million dollars on home modifications. This number will continue to grow as more and more homeowners realize the benefits of home modifications.

Source: Elizabeth Pope “Get smart about design” U.S. Edition, Time Bonus Section: Generations May 2005 ( April 25, 2005).

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A Growing Need for Senior Housing

More communities across the U.S. are realizing the need for more accessible housing for older adults. Older adults who choose to move out of their current homes are moving to new retirement communities that are accessible and provide a sense of community.

The older adult population in South Dakota is 14.3% and it will rise to 22% by 2025. In Sioux Falls, South Dakota there are several new housing projects that are being constructed to meet the growing need for this population. Jean Strum decided to move into Prairie Village Senior Apartments because she was unable to navigate the stairs in her home. While she did have mobility issues in her current home, she was able to take care of herself. In the modified environment of her new apartment Strum is able to live independently.

The Good Samaritans Communities in South Dakota are including home modifications in their new complex that will open later this year. The new homes and apartments will have raised outlets so older adults do not have to bend too low or can reach it from their wheelchairs. The homes will also have lowered countertops in the kitchen. The bathrooms will also feature roll-in showers. Not only will these homes be accessible but they are also affordable. Rent payments are based on the resident’s monthly incomes.

The older adult housing complexes also allow space for recreation and leisure. This allows the older adults to interact with their neighbors and to create a sense of community.

Source: Lura Robinson “Aging population needs housing” Argus Leader ( April 26, 2005)

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Federal Program Provides Funds for Older Homeowners

HOME Investment Partnerships Program provides money to local governments to purchase or remodel housing properties. The Miami Beach Community Development Corporation (MBCDC) has decided to purchase the historic Villa Maria Apartment Building. With a federal block grant from HOME Investment Partnership Program, MBCDC will convert this building into 34 apartment units for low income older adults. MBCDC has received $1.6 million to provide affordable housing throughout the city.

HOME is a program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is the largest federal block grant that can be used to purchase, construct or remodel low income housing for local residents. In addition HOME has created a guidebook for local governments to create a program for their older residents. The guidebook describes loans and grants that are available for home modifications in the homes of older adults.

Source: The South Florida Business Journal “Affordable housing to Grow in Miami Beach” ( March 30, 2005)

For more information: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/index.cfm

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Aging in Place Program Helps Older Adults Return Home

The Australian government is testing a pilot program to help older adults age in place. The Commonwealth and ACT governments in Australia have started a pilot program to help older adults age in place. In particular the programs targets older adults who are currently staying in hospitals or nursing homes. The program will provide necessary medical support to older adults in their homes. Instead of doing rehabilitation in a clinical setting, older adults can recover in the comfort of their own home.

This program will last 18 months. Twenty-five Canberrans at a time will receive short term medical and rehabilitation services. The older adult will receive these services for eight to ten weeks which will provide them the necessary time to recover. This program hopes to reduce hospital admissions and stays. If the program is successful there will be plans to expand it to other areas.

Source: ABC News Online “Program to support elderly in their homes” (March 7, 2005)

For more information: http://www.health.gov.au/...

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