Your Parents, Their Money

By Joy Loverde

We’ve all been raised to be polite, and never discuss the subject of money with our parents. Instead, we wonder, worry and wait. How will they pay for in-home care? How much of my own money am I expected to spend if they need help?

To read more, visit this ElderCareABC blog post.

POSTED ON BEHALF OF JOHN SEITZ 

Hi, I’m John Seitz –  the Home Safe Home Program Coordinator at Valley Care.

Well, it’s getting toward late summer and around here that usually means it’s also “Ramp Season,” and this year is no exception. Currently ( mid-August 2010) there are five ramp projects either ready for construction or under consideration. Home Safe Home wheelchair ramps are constructed to our specifications by our long-time program contractors. They use the best wood materials and closely follow local building codes to make a safe and attractive ramp that will make life so much easier for whoever uses it.

So many times people have an illness or accident that requires that they use a standard or power wheelchair that can be provided through their insurance program. But insurance rarely covers the cost of constructing a ramp to get the wheelchair in and out of the home. The wheelchair then ends up not being used outside of the home.That’s where Valley Care and the Home Safe Home program “fills in the gap” by constructing a sturdy wheelchair ramp. This often enables someone to again resume an active life and not be confined to their home. Each year, Home Safe Home constructs 15 to 20 ramps throughout Beaver County and the western portion of Allegheny County.

Through our grants process, many people are receiving subsidized service that can include a ramp project. Always feel free to give me a call to learn more, or to request service. My desk number is 724-266-0408 and I’m usually in the office weekday mornings and out visiting homes in the afternoon. Call and we can talk or leave a message and I’ll get back to you soon. Thanks for visiting!

REPRINTED FROM http://tweet4patek.com/hottrends/news/safe-driving-tips-and-statistics-for-seniors/

By Sky Palma

Although opinions may vary, it’s widely agreed that driving is a privilege, not a right. Many elderly drivers feel that taking away their freedom to drive is like taking away their right to a warm meal. It’s difficult for a family to make the decision to take away a loved one’s keys, but they’re not just making that decision for the safety of the one they love, but for the safety of everyone on the road.

Driving Statistics for Senior Citizens

If you’re over 65, you’re more likely to be injured in an auto accident than a person who is younger. Seniors also have a higher rate of running stop signs, not yielding the right of way, making unsafe lane changes and turns, and being involved in multiple car accidents. There’s no doubt that these statistics are unsettling and that they need to be taken seriously.

The Driving Ability of Older Adults Can Be Affected By Their Health Issues

It’s not uncommon for the health issues of seniors to impair their driving at some point. This is why periodic vision and hearing exams are a good idea. Keeping hearing aids and glasses updated can be the deciding factor in preventing an accident.

Other conditions that may cause an accident are:

-Lack of proper sleep

-Medications that can cause impaired behavior

-Inability to see at night

-Loss of mobility

-Dementia

Seniors who are unsure about their ability to drive should seek medical advice from their doctors. Also, many assisted living facilities offer free transportation services for their residents should one make the decision to relinquish their driving privilege.

Elderly Defensive Driving Courses

Defensive driving courses are available for seniors to brush up on their skills and to learn new safety rules. Some of the subjects that can be covered in defensive driving course are:

-How to compensate for hearing, vision, and slow reaction problems

-Proper driving etiquette for the road

-Use of safety devices

-Knowing where the blind spots in your car are located

-Eliminating distractions

By practicing safe driving habits, senior citizens can avoid becoming driving statistics. Not only do defensive driving courses lower one’s risks on the road, they may even lower car insurance costs.

POSTED ON BEHALF OF TAMMY TACKAC

Happy summer, everyone! This summer has brought us much fun, with more to come. 

In July, we enjoyed a 4^th of July picnic outdoors in the Ambridge center's courtyard.  Red, white and blue decorations adorned the gazebo, tables and umbrellas.  Burgers were freshly grilled along with baked beans, ranch bacon macaroni salad, brownies and watermelon and refreshing old fashioned root beer quenched everyone’s thirst.  It was a beautiful day, not too hot and not too cool.  After the cookout, we had a patriotic afternoon filled with music by Dennis Angelo. 

July was also filled with weekly art class provided by the Sweetwater Center for the Arts in Sewickley.  One of the projects was a “fireworks” project that provided colorful arrays.  We also made ribbon wreaths. 

In August, we will have Peggy, the hairdresser, here at the Ambridge center for hair appointments on August 2, 16, and 30.  There is a sign-up sheet in the lobby for those who are interested in her services. 

We will be enjoying a new entertainment duo at the Ambridge center on August 5 at 1 p.m., a jazz duo called Day Shift.  We have lots of other entertainment scheduled throughout the month - please make sure to look at the August activity calendar so that you don’t miss these dates as well. 

One of our service projects we do at the Ambridge center is to assist the Beaver County Humane Society.  On August 9th at 10 a.m., we will be making homemade dog biscuits that we deliver to the Humane Society.  They are always well-received and thankful for such a donation. 

Pastor Joe will be here on August 12th to provide a worship service for interested clients.  His service starts at 10 a.m.

There is always plenty of exercise offered weekly, but most clients really look forward to “Marie’s Exercise with Fun”, which is at the Ambridge center every Friday and starts at 10:30 a.m.  Marie is a certified Silver Sneakers instructor and comes to us with much experience and a variety of exercises.  

Volunteers are needed to provide services at the Ambridge center.  Do you have a musical talent?   We have a piano that would love to be played more.  Perhaps you belong to a church group that would love to come and visit and lead a hymn sing.  If you are interested in volunteering your time, please call me (Tammy) at 724-266-9626. 

This will be my last blog for a little while, as I am going to be having a baby and will be off soon for 8 – 10 weeks.  The monthly activity calendars still will be available on this web site and will still be mailed out.  Take care and see ya in the fall!

Posted on EldercareABCBlog on July 24th, 2010