Download - Assistive Technology Program Webinar
WELCOME TO AGING IN PLACE
Transportation and Home SafetyJune 16, 2011
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM WEBINAR
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• Questions and comments are encouraged and expected!
• The session is being recorded.
• We will start recording now.
ABOUT THE WEBINAR
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AGING IN PLACETransportation and Home Safety
June 16, 2011
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM WEBINAR
AGING IN PLACE• Communities should offer ways to provide
necessary services for the elderly
• Older adults can act as economic generators, philanthropists and volunteers
• Communities prosper
• In 2009, baby-boomer households in the U.S. spent about $2.6 trillion
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AGING IN PLACE AND TRANSPORTATION
ROBERTA HABOWSKI, AREA AGENCY ON AGING 1-B FUNDING PROVIDED BY:
INTRODUCTION
• Mobility is crucial to maintaining Quality of life
• Mobility decisions are as unique as the individuals involved – there is no “one size fits all” solution
• Our goal is to help seniors drive as long as safely possible and/or transition to mobility options when driving is no longer an option
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STATISTICS
• Older drivers account for about 15% of licensed drivers, but cause only 7% of all traffic crashes
• By 2030, one in five motorist will be age 65 or older
• In MI, from 2001-2010, there was a 17% increase in licensed adults age 65 +, and a 95% increase in adults between 90-99
• Most of us will outlive our ability to drive by 7-10 years!
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•Cognitive
•Visual
•Physical
DRIVING ABILITIES
MEDICAL CONDITIONS Visual•Cataracts
•Glaucoma
•Macular Degeneration
•Diabetic Retinopathy
•Decreased night vision/glare recovery time
•Decrease in depth perception
Medications
Neurological•Stroke
•Dementia
•Alzheimer’s
•Parkinson’s
Other•Diabetes
•Heart conditions
•Arthritis
•General aging issues
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SAFETY ISSUES
Am I / my loved one safe to drive?
•What is prompting question
•Any “near misses” or unexplained damage to the vehicle
•New medical diagnoses/condition/medication
•Lost or confused while driving
•Suggest a “ride along,” or refresher course
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• Private – in home
• Low cost, confidential
• Commercial schools
• Hospital rehab
EVALUATIONS
HOSPITAL DRIVER REHABILITATION
• Very in-depth evaluations
• Need for training on special equipment
• Generally must have physician’s referral
• Stroke/Dementia/Alzheimer’s
• Some vision issues
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SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT
• More than wheelchair lifts
• Use only licensed providers
• May need a prescription
• May need training
• New vehicles – auto manufacturers may offer partial reimbursement
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• Renewals
• Referrals
• How to report unsafe driver
LICENSING ISSUES
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REQUEST DRIVER EVALUATION
HOW/WHEN TO DISCUSS DRIVING CONCERNS
• Begin discussions early, before there is a need
• Talk about it along with financial retirement, end of life choices, power of attorney
• Use family/friends/current events to start conversation
• Express concern for their and others safety
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• Be respectful
• Be specific when possible
• Use “I” messages
• Discuss with physician
• Have an action plan
• “We Need to Talk” – AARP
TIPS FOR TALKING ABOUT DRIVING CONCERNS
WHEN DRIVING IS NO LONGER AN OPTION
• Grieving process
• May need counseling• Make/review action plan
• Provide a list of public, private and • personal options
• Assist in finding deliveries/home services
• Any other services needed
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WHEN A LOVED ONE WILL NOT STOP DRIVING
• Enlist help of family doctor
• Complete and submit OC-88 form to Secretary of State
• Disable the vehicle
• Remove/sell vehicle
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DID YOU KNOW?
• More than half of all non-drivers age 65 and over stay at home in a given day, often because they do not have transportation options
• Only half of Americans age 65 and older have access to public transportation.
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TRANSPORTATION PLAN
• Involve the transitioning driver
• Remind them they still have control
• Plan for driving retirement just like you would financially
• Change lifestyle
• Help them use the internet to shop
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KEY TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
• Basic information
• Curb to Curb Service
• Door through Door Service
• Special equipment needs
• Cost constraints
• Is need on-going
• Suggest making a “Transportation Plan”
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LOCAL COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
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PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION NETWORK
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MY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
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IN CONCLUSION• Seniors desire to remain in their homes as they age
• Transportation (in own vehicle or not) is key to helping seniors age in place
• Communities should provide services, including driver refresher courses, and transportation options
• Livable communities value and support people throughout their lifetime
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT : The Area Agency on Aging website
or call 800-852-7795
QUESTIONS ABOUT TRANSPORTATION?
HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST
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• Are the pathways well lit?
• Are the sidewalks and driveway in good condition?
• Are there handrails on the steps?
• Is the door knob easy to use?
• Is there a peephole in the door?
ENTRANCES & EXITS
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• Is the threshold flush with the floor?
• Are there throw rugs that could cause you to fall?
• Does the door lock work properly?
ENTRANCES & EXITS (CONT.)
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• Are they in good condition?
• Are the handrails mounted securely on the wall? One side or both?
• Is there adequate lighting?
• Is there clutter on the stairs?
STEPS AND STAIRWAYS
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• What is the height of the sink, mirror and toilet?
• What is the width of the doorway?
• Is there a tub or shower?
• Are the medicine cabinet and linen closet accessible?
BATHROOM
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• Are there grab bars?
• Is there good lighting?
• Are there adequate electrical outlets and ventilation?
BATHROOM (CONT.)
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• What is the height of the countertop and sink?
• Where are the controls for the stove?
• How does the refrigerator open?
• Is there counter space near the stove?
KITCHEN
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• Are the cupboards accessible? What is the height?
• Is there adequate lighting and ventilation?
• Is there a fire extinguisher?
KITCHEN (CONT.)
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• Are the machines top or front loading?
• Is there room to hang clothes?
• Is there storage space?
LAUNDRY
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• What is the height of the sofa, bed and chairs?
• Do rugs have non-slip tape underneath them?
• Is there a chair available with arm rests?
• Are light switches accessible?
LIVING AREAS
LIVING AREAS (CONT.)• Is there adequate space to move
around?
• Are closets and drawers accessible?
• Are electrical cords a tripping hazard?
• Is there ample lighting?
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• Are there smoke detectors on each level of the home?
• Is there a carbon monoxide detector present?
• Are windows in good working condition? Can they be locked?
• Is there adequate storage space?
GENERAL
LOW COST SOLUTIONS
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• Install motion detector lighting
• Make sure the doorbell is working.
• Install a security peephole in the entry door.
• Insure the mailbox is accessible.
EXTERIOR
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• Install handrails on both sides of steps
• Insure adequate lighting, consider night lights.
• Place non-slip reflective or contrast tape on the edge of the stair tread.
• Remove clutter
STEPS & STAIRWAYS
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• Install a nightlight
• Use a bathmat or non-slip strips
• Install grab bars by the toilet and tub
• Install a hand-held shower.
BATHROOM SOLUTIONS
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• Use an elevated toilet seat or switch to a comfort height toilet.
• Consider lever type handles for the tub and sink.
• Remove throw rugs!
BATHROOM SOLUTIONS (CONTINUED)
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• Use step stool to access high shelves
• Change handles on cupboards
• Rearrange cupboards with items used most frequently within easy reach.
KITCHEN SOLUTIONS
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• Remove all throw rugs
• Put double-sided carpet tape under area rugs
• Increase lighting by opening blinds, shades and curtains
• Replace light switches with rocker switches.
THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE
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• Replace round doorknobs with lever handles or adaptors
• Ensure all electrical and phone cords are out of the path of travel.
• Install off-set hinges to enlarge doorways
• Install smoke detectors on every level.
THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE(CONT.)
QUESTIONS ABOUT HOME SAFETY?
For more information contact:
Carol Green OTRL, CAPS
248-302-4093
Thank you!
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THANK YOU
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FINAL THOUGHTS
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“There is no
place like home!”
--Dorothy
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