Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
The population of Northwest Iowa is aging. Approximately 20% of Sioux County’s population is greater than age 60. When this is coupled with the fact that about 30% of Sioux County homes were built before 1940, it becomes clear that home adaptations could increase the number of years adults could stay living independently. Life expectancies are increasing, and individuals want to stay living independently in their own home. Unfortunately, most aging people don’t realize or understand there are adaptations they can make to their existing home to allow them to live there longer, or they may not know what steps to take. They may also not be aware of the many products that exist to help with their daily chores, such as universally designed kitchen utensils or bathrooms.

Response:
Iowa State University Extension in Sioux and O’Brien County partnered with several other agencies, including Northwest Iowa Community College, NW Iowa Aging, Sioux Center Hospital, Sanford Hospital, Orange City Area Health System/Home Health and Hospice and Community Health Partners in Sioux County to create an awareness among seniors of home adaptations options. A planning meeting with the partners revealed that a logical way to move forward was to partner with an already scheduled Senior Citizen Day at NCC in Sheldon. Their program focused on education and entertainment and the ‘Aging in Place Expo’ seemed to be a nice fit to add to the day’s event. The Universal Design Trailer from Iowa State University was on display. This trailer featured a bathroom, containing many handicap accessible features that could be added to an existing home, or implemented in a new home design. Eighteen local vendors were present as well. To cover expenses the committee applied for County Foundation Grants in O’Brien and Sioux County.

Impact:
Committee received one of the two grants to help defray program expenses Comments/reactions following program:

• 230 attending the Senior day and expo with estimated 80 people going through the bathroom display trailer exhibit

• Items that generated the most interest included:

o Talking clock

o Robot vacuum cleaner (Roomba)

o Portable grab bars (As seen on TV; purchase at Target)

• Men were willing to try out the talking bathroom scales; Women were more willing to try out the electronic toilet seat lifter;

• Most frequently asked questions were where to get items and where to get funding for assistive technology and remodeling items

• Had in-depth conversations with consumers about the following issues:

o How to convert bathtub into a roll-in shower area (woman’s mother had had a stroke, now used a wheelchair, and they needed to remodel her home)

o Long-term care insurance. A former Extension Council member was concerned his 90-year old relative in a nursing home was not getting reimbursed on her long-term care insurance policy—thought she was being “ripped off.” I suggested he contact the Iowa Insurance Division to file a complaint.

• Still hard for consumers to understand the difference between “universal design” and “handicapped” housing. One woman wanted to know whether this equipment was used in nursing homes.

• Other—Extending the Word…

o Made two, 45-minute presentations on “Smart People Plan for Smart Homes” (attendance: 8 first session and 15 second session)

o Did 2-3-minute taped interview on KIWA played late Tuesday afternoon.

o Interview and photographs of exhibit by N’West Iowa Review

Contact:
Rhonda Rosenboom
O'Brien County Extension
340 2nd Street SE, Box 99
Primghar, IA 51245
712-957-5045