1. WELCOME TO AGING IN PLACE Transportation and Home Safety June 16, 2011 1 ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM WEBINAR

2. 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

3. AGING IN PLACE Transportation and Home Safety June 16, 2011 3 ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM WEBINAR

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 4

5. 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 6

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! 7

8. 8 Cognitive Visual Physica l DRIVING ABILITIES

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 9

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 10

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

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 12

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 13

14. 14 Renewals Referrals How to report unsafe driver LICENSING ISSUES

15. 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 16

17. 17 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

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 18

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 19

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. 20

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 21

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” 22

23. LOCAL COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PLAN 23

24. PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION NETWORK 24

25. MY TRANSPORTATION PLAN 25

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 26

27. 27 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT : The Area Agency on Aging website The Area Agency on Aging website or call 800-852-7795 QUESTIONS ABOUT TRANSPORTATION?

28. HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST 28

29. 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

30. 30 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.)

31. 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? STEPS AND STAIRWAYS

32. 32 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

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

34. 34 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

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

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

37. 37 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

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? 38

39. 39 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

40. LOW COST SOLUTIONS 40

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

42. 42 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

43. 43 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

44. 44 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)

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

46. 46 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

47. 47 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.)

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

49. 49 Thank you for completing the online survey about this webinar. A link will be emailed to you. do not 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.mdrc@prosynergy.org THANK YOU 49

50. FINAL THOUGHTS 50 “There is no place like home!” --Dorothy 50