OUTREACH
One of the most important functions of the Senior Center is to link needs with resources. We are able to provide information on Housing, Health Care, Home Care Services, Fuel Assistance, help with Food Stamp applications and much more.
Please call the Outreach Department at 508-393-5035 for more information.
OUTREACH Notes
Many of us are familiar with advance directives that relate to health and end of life matters. In those cases a trusted person is designated to carry out one’s stated wishes in the event of illness or incapacity. Now researchers at the University of Colorado are looking into the idea of an advance directive for driving. An advance directive for driving would designate someone to take away car keys from a driver who is at risk of harming themselves or others. Right now the advance directive for older drivers is just a concept. It developed from a survey, also conducted by the University of Colorado, of 122 elderly people that found 71% supported age based testing.
AAA statistics regarding senior drivers include the following; senior crash fatality rates have climbed while overall fatality rates for all ages combined have remained stable since 1991, and most traffic fatalities involving older drivers in 2001 occurred during the daytime (82%), on weekdays (75%) and involved another vehicle (73%).
The topic of older drivers is a hot button issue. It is a highly sensitive issue for adult children to bring up with parents and it is also something many doctors are reluctant to address with patients. It is, however, conceivable that as people age they will develop health conditions, limitations or take medications that interfere with their driving abilities. Whether or not the notion of an advance directive is a good one, it emphasizes the importance of exercising foresight, planning ahead and being proactive so that you are driving under the best circumstances possible.
As people get older they frequently restrict their driving in bad weather and in the dark. Some limit their driving to local roads and give up driving on the interstate. But there is more to safe driving than that. It is also important to have your vision checked routinely and talk with your physician about your prescribed medications. Your car requires routine maintenance to ensure that it is in optimal condition. Make sure your car is equipped according to your needs and that your head rests and mirrors are adjusted according to your stature. There may even be modifications that you can make to your car to enhance its drivability and safety for you. There are online programs that test one’s reflexes and driving refresher courses where you can work with someone to test and improve your
skills. It is also important to become familiar with the options such as the Senior Center van service. Although it is admittedly a huge adjustment from driving oneself it is also a caring and social alternative that helps people retain their independence.
Mark your calendars; on March 9 the Registry of Motor Vehicles will be presenting a safe driving workshop at the Senior Center. And as always, feel free to see me for more information regarding the resources referenced in this article.
Jocelyn Ehrhardt, MSW
SHINE
Trained SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) volunteers can help you! They offer free, confidential counseling on all aspects of health insurance to anyone on Medicare. Call the senior center at 508.393.5035 to make an appointment.
Appointment dates for February:
Pauline O’Bray February 7, 21, 28
You can also call 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636), then press or say 3. Once you get the SHINE answering machine, leave your name and number. A volunteer will call you back, as soon as possible.
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