Aging Concerns – Welcome to Healthy Iowa County

Why is Aging Concerns a priority area?

Iowa County residents are aging. There are health implications to an older community including the need for more health care services, senior living options, and programs and services that address social isolation and loneliness. Those over the age of 65 have a higher rate of utilization of health services. As residents age, their need for housing options (assisted living, long term care, memory care) increase. Older adults in many cases don’t drive, limiting access to services. Older adults have a higher rate of social isolation and loneliness due to the death of friends, families leaving the community (especially in rural areas), and limited transportation services. There are fewer social opportunities in most rural communities.

Facts:

According to countyhealthrankings.org (2022):
- 20.1% of Iowa County residents are over the age of 65.
30.7% of Iowa County households have one or more people over the age of 65.
28.2% of Iowa County residents age 65+ are living alone.
21% of Iowa County residents age 65+ are still actively employed.
Iowa County lost 65 licensed nursing home beds in 2022 when the county nursing home closed.
Among older adults surveyed in the 2018 Iowa County HeART survey:
- 7.7% do not drive
- 5.4% have missed an appointment or have been unable to shop in the previous six months due to the lack of transportation
- 5.9% have no one they could call in an emergency
- Loneliness and social isolation were identified as gaps in the health and well-being of older adults.
The majority of caregivers are between ages 60-69. (2018 Iowa county HeART survey)
- 43.1% care for individuals that live with the caregiver
- 43.1% care for individuals that live on their own
- 40.6% care for a parent or in-law
- 37.5% care for a spouse
- 60.8% struggle with managing their emotions
- 58.1% struggle with meeting their personal needs such as personal time, exercise or sleep
Wisconsin has the highest dealt rate for falls in the nation.
Iowa County dispatch received 412 and 441 calls related to falls in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Goal: Reduce Falls by Increasing Awareness – Help us Help You Stay Safe in Your Home.

Objectives:

By November 1, 2023, determine data we currently collect and data we desire collecting to facilitate the identification of the contributors to falls and associated process improvements.
By December 15, 2023, define a plan to address gaps in the referral process to connect those in need to resources.
By December 31, 2024, decrease the number of repeat emergency response calls to clients who continue to fall and call 911 by 10%.
By December 31, 2024, increase the number of events, posts, awareness opportunities to provide information and awareness regarding falls prevention.

Strategies:

Identify our baseline number of emergency response calls through exploring/specifying who is (or could) track statistics. Measure the impact of the program and help determine where adjustments need to be made.
Investigate and determine a tool to streamline the referral process.
Develop a referral form/system between EMS and ADRC.
Identify numbers and brainstorm on specific events and awareness opportunities.