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.