Independence

Fall Prevention - Patient and Caregiver Resources from the CDC

Falls affect us all—whether personally or someone we love or care about.

Every second of every day an older adult falls. In 2015 alone, more than one in four older adults reported falling and more than 28,000 older adults died as a result of falls—that’s 74 older adults every day.

There are simple steps you can take to prevent falls and decrease falls risks. CDC developed the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) initiative which includes educational materials and tools to improve fall prevention.

Use the included links to access useful information that can help prevent falls and increase independence.

Centers for Independent Living

What is Independent Living?

Independent living can be considered a movement, a philosophy, or specific programs. In the context of ACL, independent living programs are supported through funding authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (The Act). Title VII, chapter 1 of the Act states the current purpose of the program is to “promote a philosophy of independent living including a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society.”

Key provisions of the Act include responsibilities of the Designated State Entity (DSE), provisions for the Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), requirements for the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), and Center for Independent Living standards and assurances. (See below for details on all these areas.)

Area Agency on Aging, Region V (Pinal/Gila Counties)

Incorporated in 1974, Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens (PGCSC) is a non-profit organization designated as the Area Agency on Aging for Region V, which encompasses Pinal and Gila counties.

PGCSC’s mission is to assist seniors and persons with disabilities in Region V achieve and maintain self-sufficiency with dignity and offer choices of appropriate care by providing a wide range of community and home-based services.

PGCSC also represents the interests of the elderly and acts to advocate for change in public and private attitudes, policies, and regulations.

PGCSC provides a wide variety of services for seniors, persons with disabilities, and caregivers. These services are offered directly or through a network of provider agencies.

The focus of services offered is to help older adults continue to live independently in their own homes.

What are Independent Living Options?

Independent living refers to a wide range of residential options that afford older adults the opportunity to live on their own while taking advantage of various amenities and community offerings.

Independent living residential options are usually designed and arranged specifically for older adults, and the type of housing they provide—from apartments to townhomes to single family homes— can vary.

Read on to learn exactly what independent living is and what to consider when helping a loved one choose the best community for them. Fortunately, there’s a range of options to fit various health requirements, personal preferences and budgets.

State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)

The Arizona State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) is a collaborative mechanism by which to enhance statewide capacity building and strategic systems change efforts with, and for, Arizonans who have disabilities.

The Arizona SPIL is centered around the concept of enhancing the ability of individuals and entities to mitigate barriers, by working together to find solutions that result in increased opportunities for Arizonans who have disabilities to contribute to and engage in Independent Living services.

Featuring manageable goals, objectives, and metrics designed to foster planned outreach, strengthen partnerships, and leverage effective practices that maximize impact and measure success, the Arizona SPIL identifies the Arizona Independent Living (IL) Network, and outlines the means by which to sustain it.

This plan is the structure behind all State offerings intended to support independent living. Not really important to any individual applicants, but if you are interested in the legislative structure supporting this program enjoy your reading!

Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council

Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council (AZSILC) is one of 56 Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), which are federally mandated under the Rehabilitation Act. There is one SILC in each state and US territory. AZSILC members are appointed by the Governor, and the Council is comprised of Arizonans who have diverse disabilities, as well as advocates for people who have disabilities from across the state.

The Council participates in developing, monitoring, and reviewing the triennial State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), which is implemented by the AZSILC administrative team, in collaboration with the five Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Arizona.

Check for Safety - A Home Prevention Checklist for Older Adults

To help avoid falls, use this checklist to find and fix hazards in your home.

Mayo Clinic - Simple Tips for Fall Prevention

Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls

Falls put you at risk of serious injury. Prevent falls with these simple fall prevention measures, from reviewing your medications to hazard-proofing your home.

AARP - Caregiver's Guide to Smart Home Technology

Technology today can offer caregivers oversight into the lives of aging loved ones without being intrusive. The devices that can help put together the big picture of a loved one’s health and well-being aren’t a substitute for interaction. But they can help an older adult remain independent longer.

Striking a Balance to Avoid Dangerous Falls

The thing most likely to keep you from enjoying life after 65 is a fall.

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries to older Americans. Every 11 seconds, an older adult goes to an emergency department to treat an injury from a fall, according to the National Council on Aging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that death rates from falls among adults 65 and older increased more than 30 percent between 2007 and 2016.

So what’s the best way to prevent a fall? Finding the correct balance — with our minds as well as our bodies.

An interesting article from AARP.

Hip Fractures Among Older Adults

One of the most serious fall injuries is a broken hip. It is hard to recover from a hip fracture and afterward many people are not able to live on their own. As the U.S. population gets older, the number of hip fractures is likely to go up.

• Each year over 300,000 older people—those 65 and older—are hospitalized for hip fractures.1
• More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling,2 usually by falling sideways.3
• Women experience three-quarters of all hip fractures.1
  • Women fall more often than men.
  • Women more often have osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
• The chances of breaking your hip go up as you get older.

What is Independent Living and How Much Should it Cost?

When older adults picture their retirement years, many desire a relaxed pace of life enjoying hobbies and cherishing time with friends and family. However, continual responsibilities like household upkeep and cooking can get too burdensome for those seeking a leisurely lifestyle.

As the name suggests, independent living is a great solution. Designed for active seniors, these communities allow them to keep their independence and privacy, while also enjoying services and amenities to make their lives easier.

In this guide, we will explain what makes independent living different from other senior living options, review important factors like services and cost, and provide answers to frequently asked questions to help you decide if independent living is the right choice for you or your loved one.

Fall Prevention - Guidelines from the CDC

Falls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. However, falls don’t have to be inevitable as you age. You can reduce your chance of falling or help a loved one prevent falls. There are proven ways to reduce and prevent falls, even for older adults. We identify older adults as anyone 65 years and older. CDC uses data and research to help prevent falls and save lives.

Falls—and the injuries and deaths they cause—are increasing, but falls can be prevented.

Ability360

Ability360 continues a 40-year tradition of offering and promoting programs to empower people with all disabilities to take personal responsibility so that they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community.

Ability360 is a Center for Independent Living.

A Center for Independent Living, otherwise known as a CIL, is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities to address needs and barriers within the community. Ability360 is located in Phoenix, Arizona and provides services throughout the state of Arizona.

Keep on Your Feet - Preventing Older Adult Falls

Falls are common and costly, especially among Americans age 65 and older. But falls are preventable and do not have to be an inevitable part of aging.

Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.—making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group. One out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States, making falls a public health concern, particularly among the aging population.

5 Smart Ways to Check in on Your Independence

"Wondering if your health is on track to age in place? Here’s how to discover for yourself how you’re doing on your own."

"It’s nearly inevitable that your adult kids will start parenting you a bit as you grow older. They love you — and want you to be safe — but if they frequently express concerns about your independence, it can feel a little insulting. There’s a good chance that you’re managing everything at home just fine on your own."

“Most people want to age in place,” says Dianne Stone. She is the associate director of network development and engagement at the National Council on Aging (NCOA). “And by that, I mean in the place of their choosing and to live independently for as long as possible.”

"Maintaining good health and autonomy often comes down to savvy planning and a fair amount of self-awareness. Experts say that a big part of healthy aging is anticipating future needs."

Check out this article from SilverSneakers regarding ways to assess and maintain your independence.