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laska residents Thomas and Frank were simply going about their daily lives when tragedy struck and permanently altered their worlds. A volleyball coach and a father, Thomas was paralyzed following a slow-speed motorcycle accident on his way home from a softball game in 2003. Frank suffered a seizure in April 1998 which led to the discovery of a plum-size tumor in the front part of his brain that required intensive surgery. Since their life-changing incidents, both men share much in common, including a new lifestyle. Both have found aid through Access Alaska—one of Alaska’s four centers for independent living (CIL) — that is focused on helping those with physical, mental, or other health issues live an independent lifestyle rather than living in a nursing home or care facility. Access Alaska covers the southcentral and interior regions; the Independent Living Center serves residents in the gulf coast region; Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) focuses on the southeast region; and the Arctic Access center provides independent living services for northwest residents. The four CILs work with all ages and all disabilities to provide five core services: independent living skills, peer support, advocacy, transition support to move out of nursing homes and assisted living, and youth transition to adulthood. While they can help residents acquire needed assistance with finding a place to live, the centers don’t own or run housing.
The Independent Living Quest “We help you identify what your independent living goals are,” explains Doug White, executive director of Access Alaska. “So, it could be housing, employment, transport, or it could be improved quality of life through increased socialization.” Enhanced quality of life is exactly what’s been provided to both Thomas and Frank. “Independent living is everything to me. Being able to be here [at home] with my wife and kids is the best thing in the world,” Thomas shares in a video on Access Alaska’s website. He receives personal care services that help him with daily needs from bathing to brushing his teeth. He’s been able to continue his coaching passion and has an active social life with family and friends. “I’m a happy camper as I can do whatever it may be. Independent living has made life just about normal,” he says. For Frank, who is an Access Alaska client and employee (he serves as the center’s durable equipment manager and ensures donated medical equipment is put back into the community to help those in need), the CIL services have played a big role in his ongoing recovery. “My independence looks different than everyone else. No one really knows from my outward appearance that I’m dealing with challenges,” he explains in his video story. The CIL advocate says the hope and support provided is critical to those wanting to live independently. “When you can give someone hope when they have none, that’s a great job,” says Frank. www.akbizmag.com
Image courtesy of Access Alaska
Frank Box, manager of the durable medical equipment loan closet at the Anchorage Access Alaska location.
February 2018 | Alaska Business
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