by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Feb 18, 2016 | Healthy Aging, Uncategorized
Driving an automobile allows seniors in Michigan to maintain their independence. But as we age, our ability to operate a car safely declines. According to AAA, 90 percent of adults over 65 have health conditions that impair driving. In addition, age-related issues like loss of flexibility, diminished vision and reduced reaction time increase an older adult’s ability to drive safely.
Just a few years ago, this meant that seniors might have had to give up the keys. But automakers have developed high-tech safety features that allow older adults to stay safe behind the wheel longer.
These features include parking aids, backup cameras and reverse-sensing systems that can alert drivers to autos and objects in the driver’s blind-spots. Some cars are even equipped to automatically apply the brakes when a pedestrian or obstacle is in the path. Adjustable safety belts, pedals and seats can also improve visibility, reaction time and comfort.
Matching Senior Drivers with the Car Safety Features They Need
AAA Automaker software can help adults over 65 choose a car tailored to their physical limitations and health needs. This useful tool can help you and your senior loved one select automobile features that can help overcome some of the physical changes caused by aging.
AAA recommends:
Six-way adjustable seats. This can make is easier to get in and out of a car, as well as reduce hip and leg pain associated with rising and sitting. Seats with multiple positions, height adjustment and back support can help older adults feel more comfortable and confident behind the wheel.
Keyless entry and ignition. This is a must for seniors with arthritis. A push-button system eliminates the need for turning keys and fumbling around trying to push small buttons on a remote key chain.
Thick steering wheels. These are kinder on older hands because they reduce the need for a full grip on the steering wheel.
High-contrast, large print gauges. An easy-to-read instrument panel can help seniors with vision issues monitor their speed and vehicle issues.
Best Vehicles for Senior Drivers
Some cars are more senior-friendly than others. Consumer Reports rates new and used cars for older adults based on a variety of features ranging from seat adjustment to steering wheel comfort. Here are their recommendations for older driver safety:
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2014 Chevrolet Impala
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2011-2014 Chrysler 300
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2008-2014 Honda Accord
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2011-2014 Honda Odyssey
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2014 Kia Soul
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2004-2015 Lexus RX
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2009-2015 Subaru Forester
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2005-2012 Toyota Avalon
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2007-2014.5 Toyota Camry
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2004-2014 Toyota Highlander
For more information about older adult driving safety, visit the Michigan Guide for Aging Drivers and Their Families.
by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Oct 29, 2015 | Healthy Aging, Uncategorized
Strokes occur when the flow of oxygen to the brain is blocked. They can happen to people of all ages, but the chance of suffering one is much higher for seniors over age 65. When an aging parent suffers a stroke, it is crucial that they get treatment right away to improve the chances of survival and recovery.
October 29 is World Stroke Day, which is dedicated to raise stroke awareness and educate people about the importance of seeking help immediately when they see warning signs in loved ones of all ages.
Michigan residents can benefit from learning the three warning signs their senior loved one is having stroke. According to a 2007 study, many residents of the Great Lakes State could not identify all of the signs of stroke when surveyed. Stroke is the state’s fourth-leading cause of death and the nation’s leading cause of adult disability.
What to Know About Strokes
Here’s how you can help raise awareness that can save lives:
Know the signs. According to the CDC, the five most common symptoms someone is suffering a stroke all occur suddenly and without warning. They include
- A severe headache.
- Numbness or weakness in an arm, face or leg on one side of the body.
- Inability to walk or keep balance while standing or walking.
- Confusion, slurred speech and difficulty talking.
- Vision problems in one or both eyes.
Know what to do. Immediate action is key. If you see any of the symptoms in an aging loved one, don’t dismiss them. Call 9-1-1.
Educate your team. Make sure that all family and friends involved with caring for your senior loved one know the warning signs and know that if they see any of them, they shouldn’t hesitate to call 9-1-1.
Download the FAST Stroke Warning Signs mobile app on your mobile device. F.A.S.T is an acronym reminder of three common stroke signs and what to do when a loved one exhibits them. If you see Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, it’s Time to call 911. Use your device to show your aging parents this easy-to-read visual aid that can help them recognize the three most common stroke symptoms and remember what to do if they experience them.
Be Social. Share the American Heart Association’s World Stroke Day infographic and World Stoke Day messages on Facebook and Twitter. “Like” the American Stroke Association’s Facebook page.
Share the old fashioned way. If your aging parent resides in an assisted-living or independent-living community, ask to place fliers of posters in gathering areas.
Stroke can cause devastating lifestyle changes for older adults. Quick action can prevent disability and save your loved one’s life.
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by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Sep 30, 2015 | Dear Donna, Healthy Aging, Uncategorized
Dear Donna:
My father lives in southwest Michigan. He’s been on his own for a few years now since my mother passed away. Dad had been the primary caregiver for my Mom for about six years before her death. Since he has been on his own, he doesn’t seem to be getting out much. When I try to talk with him about it, he gets a little annoyed with me. The best I’ve been able to determine is that he doesn’t like to drive any longer and that he doesn’t feel like he has much purpose in life. I know he misses my Mom, and caring for her kept him very busy.
When I talked with our family doctor about it (she is also my Dad’s doctor) she suggested he might be happier in an independent living community where there is a lot to do each day. Somehow he has the idea that these communities are mostly for widows after their husbands pass away. I guess I’m a little confused about independent living, too. How would my Dad really benefit from this type of move?
Kathy in Grand Haven, Michigan
Dear Kathy:
It’s unfortunately all too common to see the surviving spouse —especially if they have been a long-term caregiver — struggle to build a new life. As you probably know from watching your parents, caregiving is a full-time plus job. To go from being so busy to having whole days to fill can be a big adjustment.
Your father’s feelings about women and senior living are not without merit. Experts say the ratio of women to men in an assisted living community can be as high as 7:1. The simple fact is most women live longer than men. On average, women outlive men by 5 – 7 years. It is important to note, however, that most senior living communities realize men feel this way and are working hard to overcome that stereotype. They are incorporating more masculine décor, offering programs specifically directed at male residents and more.
Your family physician’s suggestion sounds like a good one to consider! If your father chose to move to an independent living community he would benefit from:
- A full calendar of life enrichment activities to participate in each day
- Neighbors who have experienced similar struggles and losses and understand what your father is going through
- Transportation services to local shopping centers, community events, physician appointments and more
- A hassle-free lifestyle that includes all maintenance and housekeeping
- The option to purchase meal service at dinner time if he no longer wishes to cook for himself
I hope this helps give you a better understanding of independent living in Michigan, Kathy! I wish you and your Dad the best of luck as you make this decision.
Donna
by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Sep 22, 2015 | Caregiving, Healthy Aging, Uncategorized
Most people who develop the flu recover from the aches, cough and fever quickly. But older adults are more vulnerable to severe and sometimes deadly complications.
September is the time of year to help your Michigan senior loved ones prepare to fight the flu.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people over the age of 65 account for 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and 90 percent of flu-related deaths each year.
It is crucial that you act early to protect your loved ones from this serious illness.
Here’s what you need to know to prevent your aging loved one from getting bitten by the flu bug this year:
- Get them vaccinated. According to the CDC, the flu shot is the best way to prevent high-risk populations from coming down with the virus. Getting the shot in October ensures they are protected through the peak season in January and February and on in to spring.
Though there is a slight chance that your vaccinated senior could contract the virus even if they receive their flu shot, the vaccine will reduce the severity of illness and the risk of complications.
Adults over the age of 65 may be given a standard flu shot or a higher-dose vaccine designed for those with compromised immunity. Talk with your loved one’s physician to determine which vaccine is best shot for them.
Vaccines can be given at physician’s offices, clinics, pharmacies and at your local health department. Visit the Michigan Flu Vaccine Finder to locate a clinic near you. The annual flu shot is covered by Medicare Part B, with no co-pay.
- Roll up your sleeve, too. The flu is highly contagious, so it is important that everyone who spends any time with your loved one is also vaccinated to prevent transmitting the disease. The CDC recommends the annual flu shot or nasal vaccine for everyone over six months of age.
- Limit your loved one’s contact with people who may have the flu. Don’t permit visits with anyone who has symptoms of illness. Remind visitors that the senior in your care cannot risk becoming sick.
- Encourage healthy hygiene. Remind your senior loved one to wash their hands thoroughly throughout the day and to avoid touching their face, eyes, and nose. This will prevent the spread of infectious germs.
- Take precautions when in public. Wipe down shopping cart handles with anti-bacterial wipes. Carry hand sanitizer and help elderly adults remember to use it frequently to kill germs they might pick up.
- Bolster immunity. Make sure your aging parents eat a balanced diet, exercise and maintain strong social ties. All of these things help strengthen their immune system.
If your senior loved one develops flu symptoms, call his or her physician. If they have the flu, the doctor can prescribe an anti-viral influenza treatment that can help them combat the virus more quickly and avoid debilitating complications.
For more information about flu prevention, visit the US Department of Health and Human Services website.
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by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Sep 12, 2015 | Caregiving, Healthy Aging, Uncategorized
When your senior loved one is discharged from a Michigan hospital, they may have a long road to recovery ahead. Depending on the illness, injury or treatment, it could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months before your aging parent has regained their independence.
In order to heal, they will not only need assistance with healthcare, but also with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing and meal preparation. Your loved one may get this care temporarily in a rehabilitation center, but will also need extra help in their home or in a respite care at an assisted-living community
Being involved in their care before and after discharge can help ensure that they recuperate and return to their daily routine as soon as possible.
The first step
Recovery from a hospital occurs in several stages. If your aging parent is doing well, the hospital may discharge them directly into home care, where family will be responsible for supervising their recovery. Because this situation is not always best for the senior, many are transferred to a short-term rehabilitation center, where they can receive 24-hour skilled nursing services, as well physical, speech and occupational therapy. If the senior meets the criteria, Medicare will cover up to 100 days in one of these skilled nursing communities.
The discharge plan
As soon as your aging parent is admitted, the staff begins discharge planning. When a team of caregivers determines that your senior is healthy enough for release, they will call a meeting and provide options for the family to investigate and consider.
Use a Discharge Planning Checklist to help you prepare for the meeting. It will make it easier for you to have all the information discharge planners need to assess your senior loved one’s care and home environment.
If you aren’t certain if your senior loved one will be safe at home, be sure to share your concerns with the discharge team. They can share resources, offer support and possibly alter their plan. You can also appeal a Medicare discharge decision and request a reassessment.
What’s next?
Once a senior in your care is released from a hospital or rehab center, you will need to decide the best approach for making a full recovery. You will have several choices to consider:
1) Home care administered by family. This will require that you wear many hats as you take on a nursing role. You may need to administer medications, care for wounds, and oversee exercise, as well as bathing, dressing, meals and housecleaning. If your loved one lives alone, you may need to stay with them until they are in better health.
2) In-home care. You might consider hiring a visiting nurse or a private duty aide to lighten your load. A qualified caregiver can make recovery easier on your senior loved one and on you. If a physician orders skilled home health care, it will typically be covered by Medicare. Otherwise, your loved one will have to pay out of pocket.
3) In-home therapy or outpatient therapy. If your loved one needs therapy to build muscle strength, recover lost speech skills, or to re-learn ordinary tasks, a physician may order in-home therapy or outpatient therapy. With a physician’s order, both are usually covered by a senior’s Medicare.
4) Respite Care: You may want to consider a short-term stay at an assisted living community if your loved one is not ready to return home alone after a hospitalization. This allows them to live in a safe and comfortable home-like environment where they can get 24-assistance with care tasks. They can also receive therapy services through a skilled home health agency while they are recovering at an assisted living community.
If you are considering respite care for your recovering senior loved one in the Great Lakes State, call the Heritage Senior Community nearest you.
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by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Aug 16, 2015 | Caregiving, Healthy Aging, Uncategorized
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, which focuses on promoting vaccinations to prevent serious illness and to save lives. Many mistakenly believe that immunizations are only necessary for infants and young children. But vaccines are not just for kids. Seniors in Michigan needs their shots, too.
As we grow older, our immune system weakens, putting each of us at a greater risk of life-threatening diseases that are often times preventable with a simple vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that as many as 70,000 adults lose their life each year from vaccine-preventable illnesses. It is vital that you know which vaccines are recommended for your Michigan senior loved one to ensure they are protected.
Immunizations for seniors over age 65
The CDC recommends an annual flu shot and several one-time vaccinations for your senior loved one.
- Influenza or flu vaccine: This annual shot is a must for older adults. The flu can be deadly to people of all ages, but kills more seniors than any other group. Almost 90% of flu-related deaths are in adults over the age of 65. Seniors also account for more than 50% of hospitalizations for the influenza virus.
This important vaccine reduces the likelihood that an older adult in your care will contract the flu virus. If they do, the symptoms are less likely to be severe and less likely to require a costly hospital stay.
The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends your senior get the influenza vaccine in October or November to ensure they are protected through the peak season.
- Pneumonia vaccine: Pneumonia is responsible for almost 50,000 deaths in older adults each year. It is also the leading cause of hospitalization in Americans over the age of 65. This one-time vaccination, covered by Medicare, can protect against 23 different strains of bacterial pneumonia.
The Pneumovax immunization also helps to prevent infections of the bloodstream and bacterial meningitis.
Recently, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that seniors also receive an additional dose of a new pneumonia vaccine that prevents 11 more types of this life-threatening disease. Prevnar13 is not yet covered by Medicare and costs up to $150.
- Shingles vaccine: Seniors over 60 are more prone to shingles, a painful and long-lasting skin rash caused by the chicken pox virus. The one-time Zostavax vaccine lowers the risk of contracting this infection by 50%. If your senior loved one does come down with shingles, the shot reduces the severity of the rash and the level of pain.
The shingles vaccine can be given even after an outbreak, preventing further infection.
Vaccines for special circumstances
Additional vaccinations may be required based on medical need.
- Tdap: This vaccine is the tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster for adults who may or may not have been given the DTP vaccine when they were younger. The one-time shot was added to the CDC’s recommended vaccinations list after a recent outbreak of whooping cough, or pertussis, which is deadly in infants.
- Hepatitis A and B: Physicians often administer these vaccines to seniors in assisted living communities and nursing homes, where an outbreak may occur.
To track vaccines for a loved one in your care, you may want to use a Vaccine Administration Record.
Vaccinations are an important part of your senior loved one’s health and well-being. Check with their health care provider to make sure they are protected. For more information about vaccinating a senior loved one, visit US Department of Health and Human Services Senior Vaccine Schedule.
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