Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury death among Iowans 65 or older. However, falls can be prevented and do not have to be a “normal” part of aging. 

Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to inquire about fall prevention programs like A Matter of Balance, Stepping On, Tai Chi for Arthritis, Walk with Ease, and CAPABLE.

• Iowa Falls Prevention Coalition
• 2019 Policy Brief: Falls in Iowa
• Building Iowa’s Integrated Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Network Final Report (November 2016)

The Iowa Café is a new, innovative partnership between local Area Agencies on Aging and licensed foodservices establishments like restaurants, food trucks, cafés, convenience stores, and grocery stores with hot and cold food options.

Participant Eligibility

To participate in The Iowa Café, individuals must be 60 years of age or older, or a spouse of an eligible individual regardless of age. Meals are provided on a voluntary contribution basis, and individuals will be given the opportunity to contribute towards the cost of the meal.

Fill out The Iowa Café Registration Form to register.

Call to Licensed Foodservices Establishments for Proposals

Foodservice Establishments interested in participating in The Iowa Café must fill out The Iowa Café Restaurant Interest Form. Someone from the Iowa Department on Aging will contact you and provide you with more information once submitted.

Current Iowa Café and Encore Café sites

• LifeLong Smiles Coalition—The Iowa Department on Aging is an active member of the coalition to assure optimal oral health for aging Iowans. 
• ISmile Silver

• HF 653 Access to Dementia-Specific Care Task Force Final Report (December 2017)
• Creating a Dementia-Capable HCBS System in Iowa Semi-Annual Report (October 2016)
• SF 505 Interagency Dementia-Proficient Workforce Task Force Final Report (2015)

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Data Navigator
• CISS Final Report - Infographic
• Food Bank Association Final Report - Infographic

The Iowa Department on Aging received a grant from the Administration for Community Living to pilot CAPABLE in Dallas, Cass, Mills, and Pottawattamie Counties. Connections Area Agency on Aging, Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, and Dallas County Hospital are key partners. CAPABLE is an evidence based program to help older adults "age in place". Participants receive services from an occupational therapist, a nurse, and a handyman to potentially decrease hospitalization and nursing home stays. Access the flyers below to contact the CAPABLE project in your county:

• Dallas County
• Cass, Mills, and Pottawattamie Counties