Services
Aging Services
Federal grant will bring help to senior citizens in North Iowa
Senior Ability,
a program aimed at making home modification and assistive technology more
accessible to North Iowa's elderly to help maximize their independence, is
offered by Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa and East Seals. The program
is funded by a $339,075 federal grant.
The Senior Ability Project strives to reduce exposure to unsafe situations by attempting to connect seniors with resources to get the equipment they need. Making small changes in a home can have significant effects. An elevated toilet seat makes it easier and safer for someone to get on and off the toilet. Hand rails can help someone get in and out of the tub. Being able to do these tasks independently may make it possible for someone to stay in his or her home compared to living in another setting. The bathroom is the room in the house where the majority of falls take place. Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and can lead to further injuries.
In-home assessments are made by an Easter Seals representative, home health professionals, and nursing and rehabilitation professionals. Upon completion of the assessment, recommendations and referrals will be made.
Easter Seals operates a used equipment loan program that can be accessed by the seniors. Additionally, Easter Seals Iowa will accept donations of quality used devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers and other equipment, for use in the Senior Ability program.
During the second to fourth year of the grant, the program will be expanded to the 15 counties served by Mercy Health Network - North Iowa. The project includes education of two groups. Senior citizens receive information on the types of assistive technology and how to get an assessment of their needs. Health care professionals receive training in recognizing potential hazards in the home and helping seniors connect with the resources they need.
Northern
Iowa residents taking advantage of the Senior Ability program will have access
to an information network for those needing or using assistive technologies.
Also, Senior Ability offers a Peer Support Network, and Ingenuity Network
and a Speakers Bureau - all as a means to educate program participants and
provide feedback to Easter Seals and Mercy Medical Center -North Iowa.
Jeannette Adamski, Rehabilitation Director at Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa, is Project Director. Deb Loux, Manager, Occupational Therapy, is facilitating education and training for the project. Tracy Keninger, Program Director, coordinates the project for Easter Seals. "Easter Seals is pleased to be working with Mercy to increase access to services to North Iowa's rural elderly. Easter Seals has been providing services to people with disabilities for more than 75 years. We are excited to expand our services to meet the needs of the rural elderly," Keninger said.
According to the 1990 census, Iowa ranks first in the nation in population over the age of 85, second in the nation in population over age 75, and third in the nation in population over age 65. People over the age of 85 are the fastest growing part of the population in North Iowa. Senior Ability recognizes the desires and benefits of elderly persons staying in their home. We will strive to make this a feasible and safe option for North Iowa's elderly.
Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa and Easter Seals will provide $42,192 or 12.4% of the cost for the project with in kind services. The federal grant will pay for 87.6% of the costs.
To be eligible to participate in the Senior Ability program, a person must be:
- 65 years or older
- Reside in Butler, Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Clay, Floyd, Hardin, Hancock, Howard, Franklin, Kossuth, Mitchell, Palo Alto, Winnebago, Wright, Worth counties.
If you are aware of someone 65 or older who may benefit from the Senior Ability services, please call Tracy Keninger, Easter Seals, at 515.289.1933, extension 251 or Deb Lassise at 641.422.5525.