A program aimed at decreasing the number of senior falls

CHICAGO | The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that falls among older adults are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injury in the United States and Illinois. In 2014, 841 Illinois residents age 65 and older died from falls and over 106,600 injuries from falls were treated at hospitals and emergency departments.

Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) won a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Community Living this month to implement “Fit & Strong!” programs in agency senior buildings. The program is aimed at decreasing the number of senior falls by increasing its core strength.

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Representatives from Macoupin Housing Services (MHS) and the Macoupin County Housing Authority (MCHA) cut the ribbons on three tax credit housing developments in the county at ceremonies held Sept. 23.

Home tours were available to area residents and local dignitaries at the 14 homes built in Staunton, nine in Bunker Hill and 15 in Gillespie. The homes were built through a low-income housing tax credit created under the 1986 Tax Reform Act. It gives incentives for the use of private equity in the development of affordable housing aimed at low-income Americans. The program is administered at the state level through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), which receives a fixed allocation of credits based on population.

The homes have to meet strict requirements with regard to construction standards and energy efficiency.

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