Journal

Senior Driver Safety Programs

2010-03-02T19:06:57Z

What do the AARP, AAA, 911 Driving School, I Drive Safely, and Washington Traffic Safety Education Association (WTSEA) all have in common? They offer driver safety courses, in varying formats, that are approved by the state’s Department of Licensing. The classroom course is eight hours, and takes place over one or two days, depending on the provider; the road course, at 911 Driving School, is staffed by off-duty police officers; behind-the-wheel assessments are provided in 60-90 minute sessions; other courses are offered online. The various programs can cost anywhere from $10-$175.

Gordon Olson, 76, is living proof that the programs can really make a difference for seniors. He retired in February 2004, took the AARP classroom course the following month, and then became a course trainer. He’s now the state coordinator for all of Washington’s driver safety programs. One benefit of the classroom course is the certificate of completion that enables seniors to receive a 5 to 10 percent discount on auto insurance. Olson notes that many seniors sign up primarily for that reason, but others do not take the course at all, on the mistaken assumption that it’s pass/fail. “There is no way under the sun that we can take their license away from them,” says Olson. “It is a refresher course.” Nationwide, the average age of those taking the AARP course is 72; it’s 54 for those taking the online version. Insurance discounts are available for drivers 55 and over, but drivers as young as 50 are welcome to participate. Almost 15,000 Washington drivers took the course last year.

Day One opens with a pre-course quiz, in which participants are asked to write down how the roads have changed, how the cars have changed, and how they have changed since they first started driving. Then the conversation turns to issues that directly affect driving, such as vision, hearing, reaction time, physical fitness, medications, and alcohol. The rest of Day One and most of Day Two are devoted to covering actual car and road situations. Olson believes the course is a real value for the money, and not just because of the insurance discount. “Most of them come in saying, ‘I’m going to endure this for the insurance.’ That’s why they’re there. But they go out saying, ‘I learned something.’”

The AAA Driver Improvement Program is offered through American Driving Services, which operates in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Instructor Danny Lillenes provides behind-the-wheel road evaluations, which last 60-90 minutes. The evaluations are often requested by physicians and occupational therapists who want to make sure their patients are road-worthy. During the assessment, Lilliness pays attention not only to navigation ability and recognition of right-of-ways, but to particular issues, such as memory, that can affect driving skills. (For example, in some cases, a driver may have kinetic memory with how to operate the car, but will forget his or her destination.) Lilliness’s general advice to drivers is to build good habits early. “Good technique will always serve you well,” he says. AAA has other senior driving resources available on its website.

Olson recommends that seniors also take part in CarFit, a cost-free, 20-minute session which determines whether the driver is physically comfortable in his or her vehicle. Church parking lots and community center parking lots are good places to hold Carfit sessions. Some instructors will schedule a session for Day Two of the classroom course. You’ll find there are remedies for some of the most basic comfort issues. Do you have a clear line of sight at least three inches above the steering wheel, or is an adjustment needed? Do you fit comfortably and safely in your seat, or could you use a tapered seat cushion? Do you need pedal extenders installed so that your feet can reach the pedals without difficulty? The Carfit checklist covers 12 main items, and anything that’s not a good fit is flagged for attention. At that point, you should consult with an occupational therapist for the best ways to make your car comfortable. Olson says, “If you’re a comfortable driver, you’re going to be a safe driver. If you’re uncomfortable, you’re going to be concerned about the discomfort, and it takes away from the driving.”

Author: Michele Horwitz

Medication Management

2010-03-01T21:17:02Z

More than 2.3 million drug-related errors adversely affect older Americans each year. These managment of medication errors often result in rush trips to the emergency room, expensive hospitalization, and the potential decline of a senior’s independence. What can we do to prevent this?

Ask your doctor and pharmacist: What food, drinks, other medicines, or activities should you avoid while taking the medicine? What do you do if you miss a dose? How often will you or your doctor have to check your medicine's effects?

Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you are already taking: prescription, herbal, or over the counter. Tell your doctor if you have any illnesses or problems for which another doctor or health professional is treating you. Your doctor needs to know what is important to you about your medicines: including but not limited to time of day taken, pill vs. liquid, and cost. Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to medications or if you have had any troubling side effects from medicines or if one of your current medications is causing side effects.

If you have any questions or problems with taking the medicine exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor, contact your physician or pharmacist.

Taking your medication in the dose and at the times prescribed is often very important to the action of the medication. Many seniors have complex schedules for medications and have difficulty remembering to take the right medications at the right times, opening pill bottles due to arthritis, reading pill bottles due to vision problems, etc.

There are many wonderful medication management systems and products on the market now that can help us. These include medication reminders, timed dispensers, reminder alarms & watches, magnifiers, needle guides, large print labels etc.

If you or a loved one are having trouble managing your medications please let your SPOS Occupational or Speech Therapist know. We are here to help you to continue with an independent, safe, and successful life.

Sources: American Society of Consultant Pharmacists

Summit Pacific Outpatient Services 877-553-1953

Medicare Open Enrollment

2010-02-22T16:00:38Z

Most Medicare beneficiaries do not realize they can make one more change at the beginning of each year to the way they receive their Medicare benefits. This is called the Medicare Advantage Plan Open Enrollment Period and it runs from January 1 through March 31. This Open Enrollment Period is only for changing in or out of Medicare Advantage plans.

Why is this Open Enrollment Period Important?
There are several reasons. A Medicare beneficiary may have enrolled in a plan that they did not understand or that their doctor does not belong to. They may find that their costs under Original Medicare have increased and are seeking a less expensive option. There may be a wish to return to Original Medicare with a supplement that allows more freedom of choice. Furthermore, this is the last opportunity for most to make a change until the following year.

The Open Enrollment Period is only for changing in or out of Medicare Advantage plans. During this time frame, one cannot enroll in Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) for the first time, drop Part D, or change from one Part D stand-alone drug plan to another.

What are the Open Enrollment Period Rules?
During the Open Enrollment Period, a person can enroll into one of these Medicare Advantage plans, disenroll from one and go back to Original Medicare, or change from one MA plan to another. To make a change, a beneficiary must only enroll in the new plan by March 31. Disenrollment from the old plan should then happen automatically.

If individuals wish to return to Original Medicare, they should decide how they are going to supplement their Medicare before disenrolling from the MA plan. Depending on their health condition, they may not be able to enroll in a Medigap (or Medicare supplement) policy of their choice.

Remember, there is one main caveat:
A Medicare beneficiary cannot enroll into or drop Medicare Part D, the prescription drug benefit during the Open Enrollment Period. If one has started the year with Part D, s/he must keep it for the remainder of the calendar year; likewise if one has not yet enrolled in Part D, s/he cannot do so during this time frame.

Are There Any Exceptions to the Open Enrollment Period?
People who qualify for the Low Income Subsidy (otherwise known as Extra Help for prescription drug costs) can change plans in any month of the year if they wish. This is known as a Special Enrollment Period. Beneficiaries may qualify for the Extra Help by applying through the Social Security Administration at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp or by calling 1-800-325-0778.

North American Life Plans 877-515-0277

Seniors Renewing Drivers Licenses--What to Expect at the WA DOL

2010-02-18T18:53:16Z

Driver’s license renewal, undertaken every five years in Washington State, is often a routine endeavor. And online renewal is now available, making the process even easier. However, online renewal is not approved for drivers seeking commercial licenses, and is only available every other renewal for those 65 years of age and under. This means that seniors will always be renewing in person at their local Department of Licensing (DOL) office. If you have any medical, mental or vision issues (such as fast-moving cataracts or dementia) you may require a certificate from your physician, recommending testing more frequently than five years.

Like everyone, regardless of age, you’ll be required to take a vision test at the DOL. Patricia Hardy, technical operations consultant and trainer for Everett Licensing, explains the vision testing as follows: The Washington State standard is 20/40 vision—which means that the test subject can see at twenty feet what someone with 20/20 vision can see at forty feet. Those with 20/70 vision will still pass, but only be allowed to drive during daylight hours, and be required to carry a license with that restriction placed on it. 20/100 is the upward allowable limit for driving. All vision results are determined with or without your use of corrective lenses.

There are no automatic restrictions for the hearing impaired, and the DOL does not conduct hearing tests. However, certain visual enhancements—such as extra outside mirrors—may be necessary for some drivers.

These are examples of designations listed on licenses:

“C” – Corrective Lenses
“Z” – Daylight Driving Only
“L” – Medical Certificate Cycle

You should be forthcoming about any medical history of seizures or blackouts, particularly recent ones. And your physician may have given you a medical certificate to produce for the DOL staff. If the staff concludes that there is a medical, mental or vision problem, you will be selected for re-examination. This will include an actual driving test (a road test), and possibly a knowledge test (a written test). The driving test will assess your familiarity with the car: the accelerator, brake, turn signals, wipers, lights, horn, etc. Staff will then test your ability at things like parallel parking, backing-up, and your interactions while in traffic. You’ll have three separate opportunities to pass. If you don’t pass after the third attempt, your driving privileges will be cancelled. But even then, there is an appeals process available to you, to be conducted over the phone by someone in the DOL hearings division.

A good way to improve your chances of passing re-examination is to take one of the many safe driving courses offered in Washington, through organizations such as AAA, AARP, 911 Driving School, Washington Traffic Safety Education Association, and I Drive Safely. All the courses are approved by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Completion of the eight-hour classroom course may even earn you a reduction in your insurance rates. (Safe driving courses will be covered in-depth, in an upcoming article.) If you want a refresher road driving course, like the ones we all took before getting our first licenses, check either a print or online phone book for listings of driving schools in your area. Anything you can do to enhance your skills will increase your likelihood of passing the exam.

Ms. Hardy points out that the DOL can also issue regular Washington State IDs. Many seniors think that the only legitimate ID is a driver’s license, so some will go to renew even when it’s time to stop driving. The state ID costs $20, rather than $25 for the driver’s license.

Author: Michele Horwitz

Insurance Policy Review: A great resolution for the New Year!

2010-02-16T20:16:20Z

Happy belated New Year! So we are a few weeks into February, but it is still an important time to reinforce key goals you should accomplish this year. Reviewing your insurance coverage on a periodic basis is an important process. Change is a guaranteed element of life, so reviewing your coverage annually helps insure your protection keeps pace with your assets and liabilities.

Typically, reviewing your insurance involved a trip to your local agent’s office, a thirty minute appointment, and a trip home. Cascadia Agency has made the insurance review process simple and convenient with ten minutes of video that cover important policy elements and some of the most frequently asked insurance questions. The videos are not meant to completely replace interaction with your agent, but they should help you hone in on questions and concerns that are relevant to you. Once you view the videos call your agent for a detailed and in-depth analysis of your person needs and factors that have change in the last year or since the last time you reviewed your policy.

Click here for: Insurance Policy Review Videos

Cascadia Agency 877-220-5505

Seniors and Driving – The Law Enforcement Perspective

2010-02-11T01:51:51Z

Though seniors may realize their driving skills are not what they should be, it’s often a family member that brings the subject up first. In many cases, however, there is someone who observes the diminishing skills of senior drivers before family members do—the local law enforcement officer. According to Sergeant David Harris, supervisor of the traffic section of the Lynnwood Police Department, senior drivers face special challenges when they get behind the wheel.

Collisions caused by seniors are rarer than they are for younger drivers, but when collisions do take place, the injuries can be more severe. Sergeant Harris, who oversees the investigation and reconstruction of all traffic accidents in the city, says that a primary cause of senior collisions is due to medical issues, particularly things like blackouts and heart attacks. Other medical conditions can influence driving as well: vision problems, the effects of certain medications, disorientation, dementia, and diabetes—which, without proper medication and diet, can appear as alcoholism. Physical mobility issues include the inability to hit either the brakes or the accelerator at the right moment (perception/reaction time), and difficulty turning one’s head around to look into the vehicle’s “blind spot.” Backing-up accidents are common.

To their credit, seniors are very responsible when it comes to possessing current licenses and carrying proper insurance. And their cars are generally well-maintained, which may be because a son or daughter has made sure the car gets regular service. As for which cars are safest, Sergeant Harris counsels that size does matter. “The bigger the better… Physics is physics, and it’s just safer to be in a larger car.” Seniors are also less likely to be driving while talking on cell phones. Most importantly, they are generally respectful of law enforcement, and will accept a ticket and the officer’s word that an infraction was made, even when they weren’t aware of making it. But that lack of awareness behind the wheel may be the so-called moment of truth, when it comes to assessing the merits of continuing to drive as the likelihood of age-related incidents increases.

Traffic tickets and collisions can cause insurance rates to skyrocket. Sergeant Harris suggests that seniors who have been in accidents have their licenses re-evaluated soon afterwards. If it’s clear there are too many issues occurring for driving to be safe, then the family has to make a decision about whether it’s time to put the car keys in the drawer. Sergeant Harris would much rather the family makes that decision than leaves it up to the traffic officer. “Taking away someone’s driving privileges truly is taking away freedom. We know that. We’re very empathetic to that.” Most often, it’s a collision scene, not a traffic infraction, which exacerbates the need for a decision. As for what can prevent the collision and injury in the first place? “It’s the conversations before something happens,” says Sergeant Harris.

Author: Michele Horwitz

Revocable Living Trust

2010-01-22T05:21:44Z

A revocable living trust is a plan you can implement to manage and distribute your property while you are alive and which can continue to operate for awhile after your death. A trust of this type is more complicated than a will and, therefore, is more expensive and time-consuming as an estate planning tool. A large portion of the work in creating a trust is “funding” the trust with the actual property you wish to be administered in the trust. Without actually transferring title to real property or personal property such as investment accounts into the trust’s name, the trust is not worth the paper it is written on.

There are a number of advantages to having a revocable living trust which include: avoidance of guardianship in the event of incapacity; avoidance of probate because you already have the asset transfer vehicle in place; privacy because trusts are typically not filed with the court or recorded; and, ease of flow in the distribution of your property upon death.

There are some disadvantages to having a revocable living trust as well which include: expense of drafting and funding the trust, plus the ongoing expense of managing the trust particularly if a bank or trust company is appointed as trustee; hassle of constantly monitoring the trust to make sure assets are property titled and the books are maintained; and, less protection of assets against creditors by a trustee rather than by a personal representative in probate or a court-appointed guardian in a guardianship setting.

Bell Ingram, P.S. 877-503-1004

Moving forward with your New Year resolutions:

2010-01-09T08:21:24Z

Put your promises into action by stepping forward physically, emotionally, and financially. Topics to be covered during this educational seminar include:

Staying heart healthy
Emotional well being
Medicare open enrollment basics
Financial inventory for estate planning
Protecting your assets

2pm Tuesday January 19^th, 2010

Harbour Pointe Retirement

10200 Harbour Place

Mukilteo, WA 98275

Click here to register for free today.

Retirement homes foster strong relationships creating a state of emotional well being.

2010-01-09T07:43:41Z

New Year may mean new resolutions for some, revised resolutions for others and a resolution for “no resolutions” for more than we know. Gyms and diet companies bank on a certain percentage of people setting goals to get healthier in the New Year; eating right, exercising and just being more aware of their physical being. What about the aspect of being emotionally healthy? Where does the necessary mental health concept lie in the state prioritizing overall wellness?

Yesterday, I discussed the events of the last year with a gentleman sitting in my office. We talked about losses, health, good times and children. At the end of the conversation he went into the dining room and ate lunch with his fellow neighbors here at Harbor Pointe Retirement. He was not doing calisthenics or counting calories however in my opinion he was increasing his well being by creating a healthy, emotional and social heart.

Loneliness, sadness, loss, guilt, happiness, excitement anticipation are heart issues of a different kind. As we age our body may lose its elasticity and firmness, but our heart doesn’t lose the ability to feel emotion, compassion, and bonding. As humans it is important to feel, to share, to be connected. Retirement communities offer a solution to isolation of living alone and create the opportunity to flourish socially and emotionally. Friends, peers, and staff are here, right down the hall, across the table, next to you, and surrounding you.

The opportunity to create a vigorous, emotional well being is why the elderly should not be in the home alone for long periods of time. Checking in just to see if a widowed relative needs anything with a quick phone call is not a sound way to create a social environment for your loved ones. Creating a heart healthy environment depends on more than the drive by dinner in between soccer games. We know that being creating a state of physically health requires a day-by-day consistent program. Creating a healthy emotional heart requires consistency, repetition, and commitment as well.

Come and visit us today and see and feel for yourself how a strong retirement community can create a healthier heart. All of us at Harbour Pointe Retirement Community look forward to you visit.

Harbour Pointe Retirement 877-845-2001

Expand your journalism, writing and marketing skills with a truly hands-on internship!

2009-12-16T22:10:42Z

Everett Senior Resources is looking for a college intern during Winter Quarter 2010 to write a series of articles around the topic of "Senior Driving: Recognizing the warning signs of when it is time to stop." Click here to get the full details on this great internship opportunity.