SENIOR CONNECTIONS

FARMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

NEWSLETTER TOPIC OF THE MONTH

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012

Caregivers: Tips for Observing Driving Habits and Talking With Elderly Loved One

Is your loved one driving safely? Driving represents freedom and independence for the elderly without relying on anyone else. Giving up driving voluntarily, therefore, is often very difficult. An evaluation of driving skills by a caregiver is essential in determining if the loved one can drive safely.

Take a ride and observe driving habits and skills. Talk to the loved one about what has been observed, discuss options, and come to a decision.

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and Aging-Parents-and-Elder-Care-Organization have websites with tips on how to approach a loved one in a caring and sensitive manner. For information from the websites go to

1. Libertymutual.com/seniordriving

2. Aging-parents-and-edler-care.com/Pages/Checklists/Elderly_Drivers.html

Copies of the documents can be obtained from the reference desk.

SENIOR CONNECTIONS

Farmingdale Public library

Newsletter Topic of the Month

November-December 2011

MEDICARE: 6 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW

Consumer Reports has developed a brief guide to let you know how the new health-care law has affected MEDICARE and your benefits in 2011. The guide is helpful whether you are currently on MEDICARE or about to become eligible.

Here are the six things/changes you need to know more about:

1. Lower drug costs when you’re in the doughnut hole.

2. Free preventive care exams.

3. New cap for some out-of-pocket costs.

4. MEDICARE HMO benefits may shrink.

5. Seniors with large incomes may pay more for premiums.

6. New dates for changing plans.

Copies of the guide are available for download from ConsumerReportsHealth.org or by calling 512-477-4431.

SENIOR CONNECTIONS

FARMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

NEWSLETTER TOPIC OF THE MONTH

(SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2011)

TIPS ON STAYING INDEPENDENT FOR LIFE

-A HEALTHY BODY AND A SAFE HOME

Falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalization and at times deaths among adults 65 and older. Falls can result in lasting, serious consequences, affecting mobility, independence and mental health.

Falls are not accidents! They are not random, uncontrollable acts of fate, but occur in predictable patterns, with recognizable risk factors and among identifiable populations, such as older adults. A fall is a predictable and preventable event.

Another tip relates to prescription and non-prescription drugs that help us to maintain a healthy body. Certain types of drugs, however, have side effects that may cause dizziness and loss of balance. It is imperative that health providers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists) check your list of personal medication regularly to minimize these side effects.

Another way to maintain a healthy body is to stay active and do strength and balance exercises periodically.

Suffolk County, Department of Health Services has conducted seminars on “Staying Independent for Life”. Senior Connections attended a seminar in May 2011 and obtained pertinent written material as follows:

*Home Hazard Screening Checklist

*Personal Medication Record Card

*Strength and Balance Exercise Manual

*What is a Safe, Comfortable Shoe

A copy of this package of tips on staying independent for life can be obtained from the library reference desk.

TIPS ON MAXIMIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY (July-August 2011)

During times of ever-increasing energy costs it is wise that attention is paid to maximizing energy efficiency to offset some of the costs.

The U.S. Department of Energy has a website and printed material on saving energy and money. Among the search sites on the HOME page are energy saving tips for YOUR HOME and for YOUR VEHICLE. Also available through the website is a publication titled “Energy Savers Booklet – Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home”.

Go to energysavers.gov to navigate the website.

ASSESSING YOUR RETIREMENT READINESS May-June 2011

Whether you are retired or approaching retirement, retirement readiness is an essential factor in your decision making process.
MetLife Mature Market Institute is a research organization established in 1997 to cover issues of aging and longevity. It is offering a free guide to help prepare you for the golden years. The "MetLife Retirement Readiness Workbook" offers tips about a successful transition to retirement and an assessment that will help you evaluate how prepared you are, financially and psychologically, even if you are already retired.
To obtain the guide go to MatureMarketInstitute@MetLife.

com and type "retirement readiness" in the search box. MetLife Mature Market Institute can also be reached by mail:

57 Green Farms Road
Westport, Ct 06880

or by phone at (203) 221-6580

TACKLING ELDER LAW AND ESTATE PLANNING

March - April 2011

There are many important decisions to make when planning for a family's future needs and protection. "Your Guide to Elder Law and Estate Planning", published by the law firm of Genser, Dubow & Cona, provides useful information on elder law and estate planning issues, It poses questions and provides answers to some of the most common concerns regarding asset protection planning, Medicaid benefits, Last Will and Testament, Trusts, and others.

To obtain a copy go online to www.elder@genserlaw.com or call 631-390-5000