State Profile: Arizona
Welcome to the Arizona State Profile Page! This page features a sample of survey and research results from a comprehensive review of state and local home modification activities across the country. It has a special focus on the aging population and the efforts of State Units on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, and Native American aging service programs that are funded by the Older Americans Act Title VI Grants for Indian Tribal Organizations.
Check back as new updates will be posted periodically! Have any changes or additions? Please contact homemods@usc.edu
SPOTLIGHT ON STATE LEVEL HOME MODIFICATION ACTIVITIES
This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.
This report by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence and ADvancing States reports on a national survey
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY (State Unit on Aging)
State Units on Aging (SUAs) are designated state-level agencies that develop and administer state plans that advocate for and provide assistance, including home modifications or repairs, to older residents, their families, and adults with physical disabilities. SUAs administer funds, including Older Americans Act funds, which may be used to support home modification or repair services through local Area Agencies on Aging and other state and local entities.
1
Older Adults Programs
The Arizona Department of Economic Security Services offers a range of supports for Arizonans aged 60 and older, including assistance with basic needs like home and community-based services.
2
Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS)
The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) acts as health insurance for individuals who are age 65 or older, or who have a disability, and who require nursing facility level of care. Services may be provided in an institution or in a home or community-based setting. Individuals eligible for ALTCS may receive home modifications that remove barriers to increase independence in the homes. This service covers only modifications to an existing structure and not adding on to the home. Modifications can be made to individuals’ or family-owned homes where the person with a disability resides. If the home is rented, the owner must give written consent to modify the home. The owner may require that the renter restore the premises to the condition that existed prior to the modification.
3
Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP)
AzTAP assists persons with disabilities of all types and ages as well as family members, service providers, employers and the general public to become better educated about the value and use of assistive technology. The State Assistive Technology Grant Program, funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, supports comprehensive, statewide programs in each state that improve the provision of assistive technology (often home modification-related) to individuals with disabilities of all ages.
4
Arizona State Fall Prevention Coalition
The Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition provides information, advice, and tips to help prevent falls and fall-related injuries among older adults in Arizona.
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL HOME MODIFICATION EFFORTS
This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.
This Data Brief highlights key findings from the 2019 National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging on how Area Agencies on Aging are providing and funding home modification and repair activities. It was developed by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging as part of the Administration for Community Living project, “Promoting Aging in Place by Enhancing Access to Home Modifications.”
1
Injury Prevention Program
The Health and Human Services Department of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, in Scottsdale, Arizona, has an Injury Prevention Program which offers fall prevention services to Tribal elders who are 55 years and older and clients who have fall risk factors identified. Home assessments, fall risk testing, and Tai Chi for Fall Prevention and Yoga for Fall Prevention classes are among the services that support older adults at home.
2
Falls Free Pima
The Pima Council on Aging’s Home Repair Program offers minor home repairs to lower-income homeowners living in Pima County. Services include installation of grab bars, ramps, and shower chairs.
3
Home Repair Program
The Home Repair Program of the Pinal/Gila Council for Senior Citizens aims to help older adults live safely and independently in their homes. It provides home adaptations such as installation of grab bars and ramps, structural repairs, and modifications that support safety and independence. Recipients must be at least 60 years old or ages 18-59 with a disability that limits their ability to perform activities of daily living.