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Assistive Technology Program Webinar

Assistive Technology Program Webinar. Welcome to Aging in Place Transportation and Home Safety June 16, 2011. Use the chat function on the right hand side. Questions and comments are encouraged and expected! The session is being recorded. We will start recording now.

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Assistive Technology Program Webinar

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  1. Assistive Technology Program Webinar • Welcome to Aging in Place • Transportation and Home Safety • June 16, 2011

  2. Use the chat function on the right hand side. Questions and comments are encouraged and expected! The session is being recorded. We will start recording now. About the Webinar 2 2

  3. Assistive Technology Program Webinar • Aging in Place • Transportation and Home Safety • June 16, 2011

  4. 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

  5. Aging in Place and Transportation Roberta Habowski, Area Agency on Aging 1-B Funding provided by:

  6. 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

  7. 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!

  8. Driving Abilities • Cognitive • Visual • Physical

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. Evaluations • Private – in home • Low cost, confidential • Commercial schools • Hospital rehab

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. Licensing Issues • Renewals • Referrals • How to report unsafe driver

  15. Request Driver Evaluation

  16. 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

  17. Tips for talking about Driving Concerns • Be respectful • Be specific when possible • Use “I” messages • Discuss with physician • Have an action plan • “We Need to Talk” – AARP

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. 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.

  21. 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

  22. 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”

  23. Local Community Transportation Plan

  24. Personal Transportation Network

  25. My Transportation Plan

  26. 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

  27. Questions about Transportation? • FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT : The Area Agency on Aging website • or call 800-852-7795

  28. HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST

  29. ENTRANCES & EXITS • 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? 29

  30. ENTRANCES & EXITS (cont.) • Is the threshold flush with the floor? • Are there throw rugs that could cause you to fall? • Does the door lock work properly?

  31. Steps and Stairways • 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?

  32. BATHROOM • 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?

  33. BATHROOM (cont.) • Are there grab bars? • Is there good lighting? • Are there adequate electrical outlets and ventilation?

  34. KITCHEN • 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?

  35. KITCHEN (cont.) • Are the cupboards accessible? What is the height? • Is there adequate lighting and ventilation? • Is there a fire extinguisher?

  36. LAUNDRY • Are the machines top or front loading? • Is there room to hang clothes? • Is there storage space?

  37. LIVING AREAS • 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?

  38. 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?

  39. GENERAL • 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?

  40. LOW COST SOLUTIONS

  41. EXTERIOR • Install motion detector lighting • Make sure the doorbell is working. • Install a security peephole in the entry door. • Insure the mailbox is accessible.

  42. STEPS & STAIRWAYS • 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

  43. BATHROOM Solutions • Install a nightlight • Use a bathmat or non-slip strips • Install grab bars by the toilet and tub • Install a hand-held shower.

  44. BATHROOM Solutions (continued) • Use an elevated toilet seat or switch to a comfort height toilet. • Consider lever type handles for the tub and sink. • Remove throw rugs!

  45. KITCHEN solutions • Use step stool to access high shelves • Change handles on cupboards • Rearrange cupboards with items used most frequently within easy reach.

  46. THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE • 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.

  47. Throughout the house(cont.) • 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.

  48. QUESTIONS about Home Safety? For more information contact: Carol Green OTRL, CAPS 248-302-4093 cgreen@flaxco.com Thank you!

  49. Thank you • Thank you for completing the online survey about this webinar. A link will be emailed to you. • Note: If you do not want to receive email notices of future assistive technology webinar opportunities, please send an email to mdrc@prosynergy.org and ask to be removed from the AT Webinar list. 49

  50. Final Thoughts • “There is no • place like home!” • --Dorothy 50

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