Arizona State Veteran Home

The Arizona State Veteran Home is one of the best kept secrets in Central Phoenix. It is a 200 bed facility that offers nursing home and short term rehab in a skilled nursing facility to Veterans and their spouses. It is a thriving facility that welcomes the surrounding community into their home. The community visits through a variety of programs. For example, on Veterans Day, over 200 visitors came to the home to thank the Veterans, assist them to the parade and share a barbecue hosted by the Phoenix Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 2 and the Vietnam Veterans of America. The Honorable Governor Janice Brewer was in attendance for an afternoon of entertainment and tribute to all who have served our country through the military. The home is a hub of activity thanks to the many volunteers who share their talents, kindness and gratitude. The Director of the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, Colonel Joey Strickland, summed it up best when he said "The Arizona State Veteran Home is a place where Veterans come to live, not to die". That statement is evident when you come to the home. At first impression you see a beautiful building with a lobby filled with veterans sitting around talking, watching TV or playing a game a pool. As you venture on you see volunteers visiting with their dogs, you may hear the birds singing from the large aviary or you may hear the caller from a game of bingo. Volunteers are the constant reminder to the Veterans who reside at the Arizona State Veteran Home that the community remembers what these elderly Vets have done for them. If you would like to thank a disabled Veteran from World War II, Korea or Vietnam please consider volunteering at the Arizona State Veteran Home. There are a variety of volunteer positions available. If you can't find one that interests you, the Volunteer Department will help create the perfect job just for you. The greatest need right now is for Volunteers to help with the Adopt A Vet program, the Family Pet Visit program and the front receptionist/greeter program. If you are available to volunteer even one day a month, please consider volunteering at the Arizona State Veteran Home. The men and women who served our Country so bravely appreciate the fact that they are not forgotten. For further information contact Candy Covarrubiaz at ccovarrubiaz@azdvs.gov or call her at 602-351-6879

Need help paying for the care? Arizona Long Term Care (ALTCS) can assist with this cost.

Fall Prevention

Reduce Your Risk Of Falling
Tips For Seniors And Family Caregivers

Each year, falls involving older adults account for thousands of hip fractures and other serious injuries. In fact, injuries resulting from falls are a leading cause of death for older persons. Not all falls can be prevented, but many can! So, it is important to understand the risk, and to know what can be done to help protect yourself or your loved one.

SENIORS HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF FALLING BECAUSE OF?
Physical and mental changes - Most older persons, sooner or later, will experience problems with their eyesight, sense of balance, mobility, bone structure, and reflexes. Confusion, forgetfulness, stroke, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's are also important risk factors.

Medications - Most seniors take a variety of medications, both over-the-counter and prescription. Many medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other side effects that make it harder to keep your balance.

Environmental causes - Throw rugs, electrical cords, wet and slippery floors, rough floor surfaces, slick walkways and steps, and poor lighting are all examples of things or conditions that can trip you up.

PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR PROTECTING AGAINST FALLS
Although it is unrealistic to think we can prevent all falls from happening, there are many proven ways of reducing the risk. Here are some important examples of how you can protect yourself:

• Ask your doctor about setting up a fall prevention exercise program for building up your strength and coordination. A good program will include aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility exercises, as well as specialized balance training.
• If you have experienced episodes of dizziness, or if you think you may have a problem with balance, vision, or your medications, talk with your doctor.
• Eat right. Getting the nutrition you need is just as important as getting appropriate exercise and rest.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Give yourself time to react to your physical surroundings and the other people around you, and pay special attention any time you are in new or unfamiliar surroundings.
• Do a careful safety inspection of your living spaces. Look for anything that could make you trip, like rough floor surfaces, throw rugs, poor lighting, extension cords, or clutter. While you are at it, try to identify improvements that could make your situation even safer, such as extra grab bars in the bath or shower, a second hand railing on the stairs, and additional lighting indoors and out.

Make fall protection a topic for discussion with family and healthcare providers. Preventing falls is a topic that deserves time and attention!