ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM WEBINAR
WELCOME TO AGING IN
PLACE
Transportation and Home Safety
June 16, 2011
1
ABOUT THE WEBINAR
• Use the chat function on the right hand side.
• Questions and comments are encouraged and
expected!
• The session is being recorded.
•
22
We will start recording now.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM WEBINAR
AGING IN PLACE
Transportation and Home Safety
June 16, 2011
3
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
4
AGING IN PLACE AND
TRANSPORTATION
ROBERTA HABOWSKI, AREA AGENCY ON
AGING 1-B FUNDING PROVIDED BY:
5
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
6
STATISTICS
7
•
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!
DRIVING ABILITIES
• Cognitive
• Visual
• Physical
8
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Visual
•Cataracts
•Glaucoma
•Macular Degeneration
•Diabetic Retinopathy
•Decreased night
vision/glare recovery
time
•Decrease in depth
perception
Medications
9
Neurological
•Stroke
•Dementia
•Alzheimer’s
•Parkinson’s
Other
•Diabetes
•Heart conditions
•Arthritis
•General aging issues
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
10
EVALUATIONS
• Private – in home
• Low cost, confidential
• Commercial schools
• Hospital rehab
11
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
12
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
13
LICENSING ISSUES
• Renewals
• Referrals
• How to report unsafe
driver
14
REQUEST DRIVER
EVALUATION
15
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
16
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
17
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
18
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
19
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.
20
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
21
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”
22
LOCAL COMMUNITY
TRANSPORTATION PLAN
23
PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION
NETWORK
24
MY TRANSPORTATION PLAN
25
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
26
QUESTIONS ABOUT
TRANSPORTATION?
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT :
The Area Agency on Aging website
or call 800-852-7795
27
HOME SAFETY
CHECKLIST
28
ENTRANCES & EXITS
29
•
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 (CONT.)
• Is the threshold flush
with the floor?
• Are there throw rugs that
could cause you to fall?
• Does the door lock work
properly?
30
STEPS AND STAIRWAYS
31
•
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?
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?
32
BATHROOM (CONT.)
• Are there grab
bars?
• Is there good
lighting?
• Are there adequate
electrical outlets
and ventilation?
33
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?
34
KITCHEN (CONT.)
• Are the cupboards
accessible? What is
the height?
• Is there adequate
lighting and
ventilation?
• Is there a fire
extinguisher?
35
LAUNDRY
• Are the machines
top or front
loading?
• Is there room to
hang clothes?
36
• Is there storage
space?
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?
37
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?
38
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?
39
LOW COST SOLUTIONS
40
EXTERIOR
41
•
Install motion detector
lighting
•
Make sure the doorbell
is working.
•
Install a security
peephole in the entry
door.
•
Insure the mailbox is
accessible.
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
42
BATHROOM SOLUTIONS
• Install a nightlight
• Use a bathmat or nonslip strips
• Install grab bars by the
toilet and tub
• Install a hand-held
shower.
43
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!
44
KITCHEN SOLUTIONS
• Use step stool to
access high shelves
• Change handles on
cupboards
• Rearrange cupboards
with items used most
frequently within easy
reach.
45
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.
46
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.
47
QUESTIONS ABOUT HOME
SAFETY?
For more information contact:
Carol Green OTRL, CAPS
248-302-4093
cgreen@flaxco.com
Thank you!
48
THANK YOU
Thank you for completing the online survey about this
webinar. A link will be emailed to you.
49
49
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.
FINAL THOUGHTS
“There is no
place like home!”
50
50
--Dorothy