New Program Helps Aging Adults Stand Up to Falls
Falls Prevention Week: September 18-24, 2022
As falls continue to be a national public health concern, a local nonprofit takes steps to keep older adults on their feet.
Direct Advocacy & Resource Center recently launched a new falls prevention program, the Rural Home Access Program to specifically address the needs of aging homeowners in seven counties.
Falling once doubles an individual’s chances of a repeat incident, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which also identifies about 36 million falls among older adults each year. The Joint Center of Harvard University reports that nearly half of older adults age in low-density or rural areas – many who need financial assistance to make accessibility and safety changes to their homes.
The Rural Home Access Program offers such assistance to homeowners ages 62+ with low to moderate household income (up to 80% area median income) in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and rural areas of Maricopa and Pima counties.
“Removing hazards at home can significantly reduce the risk of falling, Eliminating risk promotes aging in place by improving overall safety, preventing injury, increasing accessibility, and enhancing functional ability at home.”
Explains Jocelyn Lewis, Occupational Therapist at Direct Advocacy & Resource Center.
The Rural Home Access Program is free for eligible beneficiaries and includes individualized home assessments and low-cost, high-impact safety solutions (e.g., grab bars, handrails/railings, comfort-height toilet, lighting, shower chairs/benches, and anti-slip floor coating).
“There is a strong link between health and homes,” notes Lupita Munoz, Home Access Administrator at Direct Advocacy & Resource Center. “We help older adults make their homes safe so they can avoid unnecessary admittance to nursing facilities or assisted living. Everyone should have the opportunity to live in their own homes – for life.”
Through this new initiative, Direct Advocacy & Resource Center expands its 30-year-old Home Access Program for people with disabilities. Partnering with sister center Ability360 to expand reach, this new program offers services for traditionally under-served older adults in southeastern and central Arizona.
Funding for the Rural Home Access Program is through the Office of Lead Hazard Control & Healthy Homes, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD awarded $30 million to 32 nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and public housing authorities under a new Older Adult Home Modification Program.
Anyone interested in applying for the Rural Home Access Program should contact Direct Advocacy & Resource Center: hap@directaz.org, 520-561-8777, 800-342-1853 toll-free, 711 National Relay.
