Senior SMARTS

Abuse and Neglect

Abuse and neglect of older or vulnerable persons is not a new problem. Although present for many years in our society, it has existed in relative silence, denial and isolation. It is not usually talked about and difficult to solve unless people recognize the abuse and let someone know it is happening. Many acts of abuse are crimes. Victims of abuse have the right to the law’s protection and to services that support their independence and well-being.

Abuse can happen to any person, but certain factors can make people more vulnerable. These include mental or physical impairment and / or cultural or language barriers. Abused, older or vulnerable persons are often socially isolated with few friends or family in whom to confide.

Anyone can be an abuser. Abusers can be any family member and are often people who depend on the older person for shelter or financial support. Abusers can also be neighbours, hired caregivers, friends or strangers canvassing or selling products door-to-door.

Abuse can occur in institutions, like long term care facilities or retirement homes. The abusers here could be frustrated staff members who are not able to do their jobs properly (lack of training, inadequate staffing levels). Other residents or visitors may also be abusers.

Abuse or neglect is seldom reported for a variety of reasons.

• Some victims don’t know what their rights are or what can be done.
• Some think the police or other agencies can’t help them.
• Some don’t speak English.
• Some are afraid of what the abuser will do if they report the abuse.
• Some fear being placed in an institution.
• Some feel ashamed because their family or caregiver is mistreating them.
• Some feel embarrassed at having been taken advantage of or scammed.

Abuse and neglect of older or vulnerable persons is any action or inaction by any person that causes harm to the older or vulnerable person.

Frauds

What is it?
Fraud is the act of obtaining money, services or property by deceit. Hundreds of scams are used daily, incurring losses in the millions of dollars. Many fraud artists are well dressed, intelligent people preying on the unaware public.

Common Types
Bank Examiner
A phony bank examiner contacts you and asks for help in catching a dishonest bank employee. You are asked to withdraw a specific amount of cash from your account so that he may check the serial numbers and return the money. After turning over your money to the examiner, you never hear from him again.

Charities
While legitimate charitable organizations often contribute positively to the needs of the local community, many organizations pray on the compassion of citizens to effect high pressure solicitation tactics and/or fraudulent activities. Prior to contributing to a charitable organization it is incumbent upon each individual to satisfy themselves that the organization is legitimate.

Door to Door Sales
Many door-to-door sales are not legitimate. Provincial laws protect you against quick sales at your door. Ask for identification and ask lots of questions.

Home Improvements
All legitimate contractors are licensed. Fraudulent companies demand partial or complete payment in advance, followed by poor work or no work at all. Check with the City Licensing Department or Better Business Bureau to be sure that you are dealing with a real or reputable contractor.

Identity Theft, Skimming and other crimes related to criminals getting your personal and banking information is the fastest growing, costliest consumer crime in North America. How fast is it growing? Exponentially – more than 100% growth year after year since about 1997 when Identity Theft and information skimming became an identified concern of law enforcement, financial institutions, the business community and us – the consumers.

Telemarketing Fraud
Telemarketing is one of the most popular forms of fraud. The con calls using some fraudulent pitch to make you lose your money. One fraud used is the FREE TRIP scam. You will be asked to send a deposit of $70.00 or more to hold your plane ticket or to pay for the taxes. Once you have paid all the hidden costs the trip costs more than it would had you booked it through a reputable firm. Again, do not hesitate to check credentials and do a little research. Remember that it is your hard-earned money.

Banking Information
The Canada Revenue Agency is warning people to beware of scam artists tryingto steal personal financial information with a letter purporting to be from the government. For more details, please click here

Bank Related Scams
There have been many changes in the financial services industry over the past few years. Consumers now have greater flexibility and more options than ever before regarding their finances. Appropriate care and diligence must be exercised when making financial transactions of any kind.

Bank Related – Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Fraud
While you are in the bank kiosk using your bankcard, a con artist will be watching you in an attempt to obtain your PIN number. Near the end of the transaction, before you have removed your card from the bank machine, the con artist will drop a $20.00 bill on the ground and point it out to you. While you turn to pick it up, a second con artist exchanges your bankcard in the machine with another stolen bankcard. You won’t know this until you try to use the card and discover that it won’t work. By then your account will probably have been drained.

Bank Related – Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Credit Card Readers
While using an ATM, false parts may have been installed on the machine by criminals making it capable of reading your card and PIN. This may result in the fraudulent use of your card at a later date. Report any suspicious machines to the Police.

Another scam…
You may have lost your purse or wallet containing your bankcard. The con artist will call you claiming to be from the bank asking you to verify your PIN number so they can cancel the card and issue you a new one. Again, armed with your card and now the PIN number, your account could easily be drained. No bank employee or police officer will ever ask you for this number.

How to Prevent Falls in the Home

• Talk to your doctor about falls prevention. Have regular vision and hearing tests.
• Take prescription and over-the-counter medications correctly . Keep a medication record and review it regularly with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your medication makes you dizzy or lightheaded.
• Install proper lighting throughout your home. Pay special attention to stairs (with a light switch at both ends) and bathrooms. Use night-lights in the hallways, particularly between the bedroom and bathroom.
• Keep your floor and stairs free of clutter. Avoid the use of scatter rugs.
• Be sure to have at least one handrail (preferably two) on all stairways and steps in your home. Ensure handrails are securely attached and in good repair.
• Check that stairs are in good repair and are slip resistant. If any stairs are broken, have them fixed promptly. Add a strip along the edge of each step in a contrasting colour to make it easier to see or use reflective anti-skid treads.
• Take the same precautions for outdoor steps. In addition, arrange to have leaves, snow and ice removed on a regular basis. Use salt or sand throughout the winter months.
• Wear proper footwear. Shoes, boots and slippers should provide good support and have good soles. Avoid loose slippers or stocking feet.
• Install grab bars in all bathrooms, by the toilet and in the bathtub or shower. It’s a good idea to have two bars in the tub, one on a side wall and one on the back wall. If you need extra support, consider a bath seat or bench so you can have a shower sitting down.
• Use a rubber mat along the full length in your tub, and a non-skid bath mat beside the tub.
• Use walking aids and other safety devices for extra safety. If you use a cane or a walker, check that it is the right height and that the rubber tips are not worn. Install stainless steel prongs (ice picks) on canes for safe walking in the winter.

The above information is taken from the Canada Safety Council.

Medications and the Older Driver

The above information is taken from the Canada Safety Council.

No matter what your age, being able to drive means independence. This independence comes with the responsibility to drive safely.

“If you’ve driven for most of your life, you’ll want to keep driving as long as possible,” says Emile Therien, president of the Canada Safety Council. He points out that drivers over 80 are the fastest-growing segment of the driving population. However, based on kilometres driven, older drivers have more collisions than any other age group.

Can seniors be safe drivers? Definitely yes, maintains Therien, if they recognize age-related changes and adapt to them.

“Older drivers are also very likely to be taking several medications, some of which may affect driving skills,” he continues. “To be a safe driver, you need to use your medication correctly and know how it can affect your ability to drive.”

According to the Canada Safety Council, the main factors in collisions involving older drivers are slow response, not seeing a sign, car, or pedestrian, and interaction with other drivers. Medications can make a driver more susceptible to any of these factors – and Canadians over age 65 take an average of nine medications daily, including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal.1

How Medications Affect Driving

Medication can have a positive or negative effect on driving ability. Some people, such as epileptics, may not be able to drive at all without medication. An older driver with untreated depression is at high risk due to decreased concentration and slower decision making. However, treatment may also carry a risk – 10 milligrams of Valium® (an anti-anxiety medication) can produce more driving impairment than a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10; the Criminal Code limit in Canada is 0.08.

Physicians prescribe benzodiazepines, to combat anxiety and insomnia among seniors. They can have side effects such as drowsiness, impaired motor function and confusion. A Montreal study of more than 224,000 drivers aged from 67 to 84 found that those on a long-acting form of benzodiazepine had 45 per cent more injury-related collisions.2

Drugs that slow you down also reduce your ability to make decisions and process information rapidly. Seniors taking painkillers which contain codeine or propoxyphene may experience sedation and mild impairment. Even over-the-counter drugs can reduce driving ability. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness and poor concentration. Tranquilizers or cold remedies, such as cold tablets, cough syrup, and sleeping pills, can reduce driving ability. Most seniors do not discuss their over-the-counter drugs with their doctor.

Combinations of drugs can produce unexpected side effects and bad reactions. If you have more than one doctor prescribing medications without knowing what the others are prescribing, or if your doctor does not know about the over-the-counter drugs you are taking, you could be in danger.

Alcohol has a powerful impact on the body, physically and psychologically. With age, tolerance for alcohol decreases steadily, and the body processes it less efficiently. Combining alcohol with medications is risky whether or not you are behind the wheel. For instance, it can lead to falls. The only safe practice is to avoid alcohol completely if there is any chance that you will have to drive.

Impaired driving, whether due to medications, alcohol or a combination, is not only dangerous and socially unacceptable. It is also a criminal offence.

Tips for Older Drivers on Medications

Driving is a complicated task, so don’t let yourself be impaired by any kind of medication, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal or alternative remedies.

• Take all medications according to the instructions.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the effects of prescribed medications on driving, and whether even a small amount of alcohol will increase the effect.
• Make sure the combination of your medications does not impair your driving skills. If you have more than one doctor, make sure all of them know everything you are taking.
• Never mix medications, share them with another person, or take them in combination with alcohol.
• If the label says “Do not use while operating heavy machinery” let someone else drive. With some medications, you may not be able to drive at all. If in doubt, choose not to drive
• Take a driver improvement course, such as the Canada Safety Council’s 55 Alive. Aging brings changes in hearing, vision, flexibility and reaction time. You can learn to compensate for those changes.

Safety and the Aging Driver

The Canada Safety Council was co-sponsor of a workshop on maturing drivers held October 15-16, 1999 in Ottawa. Speakers addressed topics related to health, mobility and road safety. The purpose was to examine how provincial and territorial governments should address Canada’s aging driver population.

The above information is taken from the Canada Safety Council.

Almost 30 per cent of Canada’s population was over 50 in 2002. Half of Canadians 65 and older living in a private household drive a motor vehicle. Drivers over 80 are the fastest-growing segment of the driving population.

What are the implications of Canada’s changing driver demographics?

“Being able to drive means independence,” says Emile Therien, president of the Canada Safety Council. “If you’ve driven for most of your life, you’ll want to keep driving as long as possible.” He says mature drivers tend to be safety conscious, “Many compensate for their limitations by driving shorter distances and avoiding night driving, busy highways and downtown areas.”

Most drivers over 65 use their car only a few times a week, mostly short trips for shopping, appointments or social get-togethers. However, at the onset of winter, some drive long distances to warmer climes.

Over the years, road fatalities have dropped significantly in all age groups except 65 and over. Based on kilometres driven, older drivers have more collisions than any other age group.

Can seniors be safe drivers? Definitely yes, says Therien, if they recognize age-related changes and compensate for them.

Age-related changes include: reduced vision, particularly at night; a decrease in depth perception; and movement-limiting disabilities such as arthritis and rheumatism which slow down response. Medications enable Canadians to enjoy longer and better lives, but can also affect driving ability.

The main factors in collisions involving older drivers are slow response, not seeing a pedestrian (car, sign, etc.) and interaction with other drivers, such as right-of-way violations.

Refresh your Driving Skills

Even if you haven’t been involved in a collision in 40 years, how many near misses have you experienced? It may be time to review your driving skills. With aging, changes occur in hearing, vision, flexibility and reaction time. You can learn to adjust your skills to compensate for those changes.

The 55 Alive Driver Refresher Course is designed to help older drivers maintain their independence and their driving privileges. Contact the Canada Safety Council to find out where it is available near you.

Safety Tips for the Older Driver

In 2002, one in every eight Canadians was over the age of 65. Maintaining a driver’s license is an important issue of independence for older Canadians, especially to those who have driven for most of their life.

On a per-person basis, mature drivers have less than the average number of collisions. But on a per-kilometre basis, the over-70 age group is involved in a disproportionately high number of collisions.

The aging process brings changes that can affect the older driver’s ability to drive safely. These include: reduced vision, particularly at night; a decrease in depth perception; and movement-limiting disabilities such as arthritis and rheumatism which slow down response. The rate of aging varies for each individual, but it is important to recognize age-related changes and learn how to compensate for them.

Vision, Hearing and Medication

• Have regular vision and hearing examinations.
• When traveling, always wear your eyeglasses or hearing aid.
• Give yourself time to adjust to new eyeglasses and have your glasses checked periodically.
• Use medication correctly, know how it could affect your driving and ensure you are free from harmful effects before driving. With some medicines, you may not be able to drive at all.

Driving Tips

• Always wear your seat-belt.
• Keep your eyes moving and watch the entire traffic environment.
• Look for vehicles entering the road from curbs, driveways and businesses.
• Be alert for parked cars, pedestrians and cyclists.
• Use rearview and outside mirrors often.
• Check to the side several times before turning or merging.
• Never assume you can take the right of way, even if you know it should be yours.
• When unsure whether you should pass or change lanes, stay in your lane.
• Maintain a minimum three second following distance. Start your count when the car ahead passes a fixed road mark.
• When driving in the rain or in winter, reduce speed and increase following distance.
• Maintain space cushions to the sides and behind your car.
• Plan all your trips, choosing familiar routes and avoiding dense and/or high speed traffic.
• Avoid driving at dusk or dawn, when visibility is difficult.
• Avoid prolonged hours of driving.
• Keep windshields and rear windows clean inside and out.
• Avoid looking at the headlights of oncoming vehicles.
• Concentrate on your driving and prepare for the unexpected.
• Do not drive if you are emotionally upset.
• Minimize background noise. Keep radio volume, air conditioning and heater blowing units on lowest setting.
• Never drive after consuming alcohol.
• Take a driver improvement course such as the Canada Safety Council’s 55 Alive.

10 Ways to be Safer on the Roads

StreetSMARTS for Seniors

The Canada Safety Council recommends that local governments develop an integrated plan for traffic safety which takes into account the community as a whole. The needs of older pedestrians must be a key part of this plan.

The above information is taken from the Canada Safety Council.

Walking is the most basic form of transportation. It’s also an enjoyable exercise. Walking keeps you fit. It’s good for your heart, and has many other health benefits. Best of all, just about anyone can do it.

Transport Canada statistics for 2004 show that seniors account for over 37 percent of all pedestrian fatalities. Out of 367 pedestrians killed that year, 136 were age 65 or over.

Older pedestrians are at higher risk of falling or being hit by a vehicle, because mobility and perception deteriorate as part of the aging process. An injury can be more serious and recovery takes longer. But staying cooped up at home is no solution. In most cases, the benefits of the exercise, independence and social activities associated with walking outweigh the risks.

Most pedestrian injuries are preventable. But pedestrian safety must be addressed as a shared responsibility:

• Personal safety precautions;
• Defensive drivers; and
• A pedestrian-friendly environment.

As Canada’s population ages, this issue is becoming more and more important.

How to prevent a mishap

Most injuries to older pedestrians occur in broad daylight, in familiar surroundings. The Canada Safety Council recommends the following simple, common sense precautions:

• First and foremost, look after yourself – exercise at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week, eat right, have routine eye and ear examinations, and take medications exactly as prescribed.
• Always wear comfortable, well-fitting walking shoes or boots, with low heels and firm soles.
• Use a cane for extra balance. Make sure it is adjusted for your height.
  In winter conditions, wear ice grips and use a cane with a pick.
• Carry as little as possible. Take advantage of home deliveries, use a bundle cart or get help.
• Give yourself plenty of time. Plan your trip so you don’t have to hurry. Never try to beat the traffic – or the light.
• Look out for all vehicles, including cars, bicycles and motorcycles.
• Watch out for hazards. For example, be on the alert for cracks and curbs.
• Avoid walking at rush hour, after dark, or before ice and snow have been cleared.
• Cross the street only at a crosswalk or intersection.

Drivers are part of the solution

Drivers must realize they have a responsibility for the safety of pedestrians. To start, observe all the rules of the road. Drivers who run red lights, disregard stop signs and exceed the speed limit endanger everyone on the road. Cyclists absolutely do not belong on the sidewalk.

But according to the Canada Safety Council, motorists must go beyond the letter of the law by driving defensively. That means driving to prevent collisions despite the actions of others and the surrounding conditions. Eighty-five per cent of all collisions are preventable through defensive driving.

The physical environment

Some neighbourhoods have a high density of older people, who walk from their home to seniors’ centres, medical offices, stores and other facilities. These areas need special attention.

• The biggest complaint is traffic lights that don’t allow enough time for slower pedestrians to make it across the street. Extended timing makes a big difference.
• Sidewalk design, repair and maintenance must be a priority. Uneven surfaces and unexpected obstacles of any kind can cause serious falls.
• Ice and snow removal is critical. Either the municipality itself does all the work or it must enforce a by-law that property owners clear the sidewalk.
• Curb ramps allow access for individuals with less mobility, as well as scooters and wheel chairs.

There are many other measures a municipality can take to improve pedestrian safety. For example, refuge islands on wide streets permit slower pedestrians to cross in two stages; and audible signals tell people with limited vision when they can cross.

Surfing Seniors

Googling is good for grandma and grandpa! Studies show that middle-aged to older adults who browse the Internet on a regular basis, had twice the increase in stimulation on the decision-making and complex reasoning areas of the brain. Opposed to those who rarely search the Internet.

The study, conducted by researchers at UCLA, analyzed the brain activity of middle-aged to older adults during Internet browsing. The research indicates that browsing the Web engages the neural network and circuitry of the brain on a larger scale than reading does – but only in those with previous Internet experience. The most active regions during the search activity involved the frontal lobes, temporal lobes and cingulate areas, says the researchers, which are involved in complex reasoning and decision-making.

People who continue to participate in mind-stimulating activities, such as browsing the Internet, or even crossword and Soduku puzzles, show better ability at maintaining cognitive functions and overall improvements in brain health.

As people age, cognitive functions normally slow down as the brain deteriorates. A reduction in neural network activity, and increased plaque deposits can also be noticed. Web surfing enhances the functioning of middle-aged to older brains, and delays the slowing down of brain activity associated with advancing age. Also, seniors who become proficient at and use a computer appear to have fewer depressive symptoms than older adults who aren’t so technologically advanced.

The more experience the subject had in searching, the greater engaged a person’s brain was. It thus appeared that computerized technologies have physiological effects that benefit the well being of seniors. The more you surf, the more your brain is stimulated, and the more you slow down the brains’ process of aging. Happy Googling!

The above information is taken from the Canada Safety Council.