Tag Archives: Peg Cochran

Safe Driving for Seniors

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By Peg Cochran, Holland Home

 

According to a University of Florida study, people over the age of 75 are more likely to be involved in fatal automobile accidents than any other age group, except for teenagers. In addition, 28 percent of crashes involving older drivers happen while making a left turn. Why? There are several factors that impact our ability to drive safely as we get older.

 

Factors Affecting Safe Driving
One of the most common changes we experience as we age occurs in our ability to react. We react more slowly, we move more slowly, and we are more likely to be distracted by road signs, lights, billboards and other things in our line of vision. We may also have changes in our eyesight—for example cataracts or macular degeneration—that influence our ability to drive safely. Finally, physical changes such as stiffness in the neck can make it difficult for us to turn our head sufficiently while backing up or making turns, and stiffness in our legs or leg pain can impact our ability to quickly move our foot from the gas to the brake.

 

Warning Signs of Unsafe Driving

What are the warning signs of a decreased ability to drive safely? An increased number of traffic citations or “close calls” can be a clue that you or your loved one is no longer safe on the road. Memory issues are another red flag that it might be time to give up driving. In addition, problems with hearing, issues with eyesight or taking medications that cause drowsiness or have other side effects that might interfere with concentration and reaction time, need to be taken into consideration.

 

Staying Safe on the Road
One of the best ways to remain safe on the road is to take a safe driving course and brush up on your skills. A vehicle with good visibility, power brakes and power steering is a must. Keep your car in good repair and be sure that your windshield and headlights are always clean.

 

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As we age, night vision diminishes, and you may want to consider limiting driving to the daytime if you or your loved one is experiencing changes in vision. Avoid driving in bad weather or on unfamiliar roads. If health changes persist, you may also want to consider limiting highway driving.

 

Alternatives to Driving
One of the many advantages to living in an independent retirement community is that it’s possible to give up driving without being housebound. Enjoyable communal activities, along with the proximity of friends and neighbors, makes it possible to have a fun, active social life even if you choose to no longer drive.

 

“Even bad weather can’t keep you isolated,” said Michael Loughman, director of sales for Holland Home. “Most independent living communities offer a full calendar of outings and events, along with weekly trips to the supermarket and many on-site amenities like beauty salons, banks and health centers.”

 

Giving up, or limiting, driving also encourages walking, which is a wonderful exercise option that leads to better health. Most towns have some form of public transportation or shuttle service. In Grand Rapids, Go!Bus provides low cost, door-to-door service for seniors over the age of 65. Taxis are another option, as is arranging rides with younger family members or friends.

 

Giving Up the Car Keys
At a certain point, it might be necessary to take the car keys away from a loved one because of safety concerns. This is a very delicate situation and requires a great deal of sensitivity. The key is to show respect for your loved one and be mindful of their dignity. Giving up driving is an enormous transition, and they may feel as if they are giving up more than just their car.

 

It is helpful to give them specific examples of times when you felt their driving was no longer safe — close calls, driving citations, unexplained dents or dings in their car. You may have to lean on other family members for help and support. It can also be reassuring to explore other means of transportation with your loved ones to avoid feelings of dependence and isolation.’

 

Giving up the privilege of driving isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of independence.

When Should I Call Hospice?

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By Peg Cochran, Holland Home

 

One of the statements hospice workers hear most often is “I wish I’d called hospice sooner”. What is hospice care and when should I seek it out?

 

What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a set of specialized services to help patients and their loved ones cope with advanced or terminal illness. The focus of hospice care is on improving the patient’s and families’ quality of life though a specialized team which can include doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, spiritual care providers and other professionals like nutritionists and therapists. Hospice care can provide support and comfort for both patients and families.

 

Benefits to the Patient
It’s easier to face changes in life when you are prepared. Bringing hospice on board early in the process of a long-term illness means you won’t be scrambling to get services when you reach a crisis and you’ll be able to take advantage of all the support hospice care offers.

 

“Starting hospice early offers the patient better quality of life, especially since their pain and problematic symptoms can be brought under control. Some hospice patients still drive and still go to work,” says Rene Wheaton, administrator of Faith Hospice. “When they reach a point where they need us, we’re already there to help.”

 

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Benefits to Caregivers
Hospice offers benefits to caregivers as well. Caregivers can become burned out, particularly If the patient has waited too long to sign on to hospice care. Hospice staff can provide help.

  • Hospice staff can educate the caregiver, as well as answer questions that may come up — for example, can the patient be safely left alone or can they still drive?
  • Hospice nurses and aides monitor and recognize changes in the patient’s condition that may not be obvious to the caregiver.
  • Hospice staff includes trained volunteers able to provide short-term respite for caregivers.

Hospice Support
Hospice brings an entire team of professionals and volunteers ready to provide help and support.

  • Medical professionals, including doctors who are board certified in hospice and palliative care, as well as nurses trained in hospice care. The medical team is experienced in pain control and symptom relief.
  • Chaplains are available to provide spiritual support to the patient and their family, if desired.
  • Social workers can help with the practical and emotional needs of the patient and their family.
  • Through hospice, aides can come to your home to help with personal care.

“There are so many benefits to bringing in hospice as soon as a patient has received a life-limiting diagnosis,” said Wheaton. “The services provided can greatly increase quality of life for both the patient and their family. We have even had people go off hospice because they have improved so much, often because they were able to leave the hospital and return home to familiar surroundings and loving family members.”

Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy: What are the Differences?

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By Peg Cochran, Holland Home

 

Has a doctor prescribed therapy for you or a loved one after surgery, an illness or accident?  There are three different types of therapy — physical, occupational and speech therapy — and it’s easy to be confused about the differences between them.

 

Physical Therapy

Most people are familiar with physical therapy. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain and inflammation, accelerate healing, strengthen muscles and increase range of motion—all the things that will help get you on your feet again. Physical therapy might also be used to help alleviate chronic pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia or neuropathic sources. Physical therapy is often prescribed after surgery such as joint replacement or following an injury or prolonged illness.

 

Physical therapy is provided in many settings and may be started while the patient is still in the hospital. Physical therapy is often continued at a rehabilitation center, nursing home, outpatient clinic or in the patient’s own home.

 

In the hospital, rehabilitation center or nursing home, the goal of therapy is to improve the patient’s function and strength so that they can return home and to a level of independence.

 

Physical therapy in an outpatient facility is generally for more active people who are not home bound. However, physical therapy can also be administered in the home for those unable to leave for medical or logistical reasons.

 

With older patients, physical therapists can provide exercises to strengthen muscles and improve or maintain their ability to get out of bed, a chair, to walk with or without assistance and to help prevent falls.

 

Physical therapy utilizes several treatment methods including exercise, massage, joint mobilization, electrical stimulation and the application of heat or ice.

 

Occupational Therapy

In general, the purpose of occupational therapy is to assist the patient in improving or maintaining the ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, toileting and bathing.

 

Occupational therapy can provide support for older adults experiencing physical or cognitive changes and may also provide education for patients with chronic diseases, as well as guidance and education for family members and caregivers. Occupational therapists are also skilled in evaluating a patient’s home and making recommendations for appropriate adaptive equipment such as eating and drinking aids, dressing and grooming aids, as well as products and ways to improve home safety.

 

Occupational therapy can be beneficial for patients who have been injured, have orthopedic conditions such as a joint replacement, suffer from arthritis or Parkinson’s or who have limitations following a stroke or heart attack.

 

The therapy can be performed in the hospital, a rehabilitation facility or in the patient’s home. Occupational therapists use a variety of treatment methods including stretching and strengthening exercises, practice of daily activities and instruction in the use of adaptive equipment.

 

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Speech Therapy

Speech therapists deal with a person’s ability to communicate and swallow. Speech therapy can help someone who is having difficulty swallowing or eating, or who has language or cognitive-linguistic problems. Speech therapy is often prescribed after a stroke or for someone with progressive neurological conditions such as dementia. It can also be useful in treating breathing problems associated with lung diseases. In general, speech therapy is helpful in addressing the decline sometimes associated with the aging process.

 

Speech therapists work with patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and in the patient’s own home. Speech therapists may use specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and throat, or cognitive exercises to help restore memory or improve sequencing and problem solving.

 

The use of one of the above therapies, or a combination of these various therapies, can be very useful in restoring and rehabilitating your life or that of a loved one after surgery, an illness or accident.