The ECC for Geriatrics

1. The ECC for Geriatrics By: SteffaniLeuteneker Bryant A perspective on Independent Living with a focus on what is offered by the Division for Blind Services in Texas

2. The ECC for Geriatrics According to the Foundation for Health in Aging, between 2010 and 2030, it is projected that one in five Americans will be over the age of 65. Geriatrics can be defined as “the branch of medicine that focuses on health promotion and the prevention and treatment of disease and disability in later life” (Foundation for Health in Aging).

3. The ECC for Geriatrics What are some of the concerns of the geriatric population? • Financial concerns: • Will their retirement be enough to live off of? • Will they need to continue to work? • Does their current medical insurance support their needs, or does it pose a financial burden? • Health concerns: • Incontinence • Frequent falls • Memory problems • Side effects of multiple medications • Overall quality of life and ability to accomplish their goals and dreams

4. The ECC for Geriatrics We are used to talking about the ECC in regards to school age kids, however, how does this apply to the geriatric population? Assistive technology Compensatory Skills Career Education Recreation and leisure skills Orientation and Mobility Social interaction skills Self-determination Visual/Sensory Efficiency Skills Independent living skills

5. The ECC for Geriatrics Objectives of DARS in regards to this population include but are not limited to: • living independently; • decreasing dependence on family members; • decreasing the need for attendant services; • decreasing the need for supervision in activities of daily living; • increasing a self-directed lifestyle; • improving ability to perform activities of daily living; • improving mobility; • improving communication; and • improving personal/social adjustment. Services provided in the Independent Living Skills (ILS) program may include: • counseling and guidance; • training and tutorial services; • adult basic education; • rehabilitation facility training; • telecommunications, sensory and other technological aids for people who are deaf; • vehicle modification; • assistive devices such as artificial limbs, braces, wheelchairs and hearing aids to stabilize or improve function; and • other services as needed to achieve independent living objectives, such as transportation, interpreter services and maintenance. http://www.dars.state.tx.us/drs/il.shtml

6. The ECC for Geriatrics Services provided on the ILS case load: • Eye Examinations • Information and Referral (to establish connections with community resources and programs) • Orientation and Mobility Training • Counseling (addressing adjustment to vision loss) • Recreation and Socialization (how to stay active and develop confidence in social settings) • Independent Living Skills Training (specific everyday skills essential to stay in your home such as meal preparation, identifying money, identifying medications, telling time, etc.)

7. The ECC for Geriatrics The “Big Six” The “Big Six” are the six skill areas that the Texas Confidence Builders program revolves around. The Texas Confidence Builders program is the heart of the philosophy of Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center (CCRC) as well as DBS programs. • Adjustment to Blindness: Understanding the diagnostic procedures, medical treatments, and other aspects of their vision loss so that the individual can develop coping and self-advocacy skills. These will in turn boost confidence and self-esteem. • Independent Living Skills (IL): Promote personal independence and self-sufficiency. • Independent Travel Skills: O&M skills with ensure the individual can navigate safely throughout their home, workplace and community, as well as unfamiliar environments. • Communication Skills: Areas included are reading, writing and using Braille as well as other adaptive techniques, technology and accessing information. • Building Effective Support Systems: The process of developing a strong and effective support system allows the individual to connect with a wide range of groups such as peer groups, parent, sibling and education groups and their families, advocacy groups, and other special interest organizations (AFB, NFB etc.) • Vocational Skills: Encompassing employment-related skills training.

8. The ECC for Geriatrics Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center (CCRC) Located in Austin, the training facility offers assistance in all areas of the Big Six. Starting 2012, consumers can develop an individualized program with their DARS caseworker to address skills needed in any of the areas of O&M, Braille, Daily Living Skills/Career Development, technology, Adjustment to Blindness, and advanced career guidance.Consumers can either commute daily to training or live in a dormitory while attending training. CCRC also offers a Community and Outreach Department which does offer community based training such as mini-training (group activities in home communities that build confidence in basic blindness skills such as cooking classes and resume workshops), Statewide Diabetes Consultant Services, and Staff Immersion Training (opportunity for DARS/DBS staff to experience blindness through intense blindfold experiences.)

9. The ECC for Geriatrics To meet the needs of this population, how much money do you think the state spends verses those that are considered vocational rehabilitation (those going to work)?

10. The ECC for Geriatrics References Research, AARP, & Analysis, S. (2011). Baby boomers evision what's next. Retrieved from http://www.aarp.org/work/retirement-planning/info- 06-2011/boomers-envision-retirement-2011.html The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging. (2009). What is geriatrics? Retrieved from http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/what_is_geriatrics.php Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. (n.d.). Independent living services. Retrieved from http://www.dars.state.tx.us/drs/il.shtml