Senior Solutions spring 2017

Alternatives to driving Mobility solutions for seniors Page 3

Retirement Living Options worth a look Page 7

Online Scams

Seniors beware Page 4

A special supplement of

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2017

Table of Contents JERRY HEALEY Advertising Sales ERIN ADDENBROOKE DAWN BRANDT MARCIA GRESTY ANN-MARIE MEYN MINDY NELON BARB STOLTE MEREDITH THOMPSON Production Manager ERIN FRANKS Advertising Design LISA ALLISON BRANDON EAKER TINA MELTZER Owner/Publisher

To advertise call:

Page

Content

3.

DRIVING OPTIONS FOR SENIORS

4.

BEWARE OF ONLINE SCAMS

6.

SENIOR COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

7.

RETIREMENT LIVING OPTIONS

8.

SUPPORTING AN AGING POPULATION

9.

LIVING AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

10. RESOURCES TO MAKE LIFE EASIER

303-566-4100

11. MANAGING MEDICATIONS

The 2017 Spring Senior Solutions Section is a special supplement of Colorado Community Media, publisher of 18 weekly community papers and websites reaching over 300,000 readers.

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2017

Seniors

considering not driving have Options I

t’s a question we will all have to answer at some point in our lives: When should I stop driving?

All of us age in different ways at different times, therefore, we don’t have a concrete set of rules to follow or an established age for motorists to retire from driving. The challenges are unique to each individual and there are many factors that come into play when considering whether to stop driving.

The subject can be a sensitive one, especially for those who have been behind the wheel for more than five or six decades without any issue. There is an understandable fear among seniors that they could lose independence.

The following explores the available options and ways in which seniors can make it easier to decide when the time is right.

PLAN AHEAD

The adage goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But it’s also important to not wait for something bad to happen on the roadway before having the conversation. Einar Jensen, a risk reduction specialist for South Metro Fire Rescue, recommends that seniors set up a “trigger point” with close relatives, especially adult children.

A trigger point could be a first sign of trouble, such as an avoidable fender-bender or diminishing eyesight. It’s an agreed-upon starting point for changing driving habits or investigating other modes of transportation.

Establishing the trigger point early could help avoid a confrontation later on, and reduce the potential for a tragic accident.

It’s undoubtedly a difficult conversation to have, but broaching the subject in a respectful and thoughtful manner can prevent turmoil, Jensen said.

DRIVE SMART Colorado, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing traffic-related fatalities and injuries, has a free Driver Planning Agreement, also known as an Advance

Submitted by the Centennial Senior Commission

Driving Directive, which outlines agreements between relatives without going to the lengths of granting Power of Attorney.

BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

The decision to stop driving is an important one “that we can make ourselves and should not wait until someone takes the keys from us,” said Carol Race, a member of the Centennial Senior Commission. She says taking stock of your own driving habits, including reaction time, is an essential part of making a personal decision.

“After we have made this thoughtful decision we can look for alternatives to be sure we can maintain our independence and let someone else do the driving,” Race said.

Incremental decreases in mental and physical capacity are a natural part of the aging process, said Centennial Senior Commission Member Chris O’Mara. Keeping an open mind to suggestions from loved ones is imperative, as this is often done with safety in mind.

Jeremiah Gates, accident investigator for the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, said vision, hearing, reflexes and physical strength are crucial to maintaining safe driving habits.

He said medical episodes while driving are another potential hazard for seniors.

THE OPTIONS

Relatives, doctors or neighbors who are concerned about a senior can request a reexamination of driving skills from the Division of Motor Vehicles, but that should be a last resort, Jensen said. Law enforcement officers also have the authority to request a test if they believe a driver is unsafe, Gates said.

Fortunately, we live in a time when more transportation options are available, such as volunteer driving programs. Public transit has never been so connected and the advent of Uber and Lyft has made getting around town much easier.

Photos by Shutterstock

RESOURCES

• CarFit improves adult driver safety by addressing cognitive abilities and skills, and older drivers can also improve their safety by ensuring their cars are properly adjusted for them through free CarFit events. Website: https://www.car-fit.org/ • Centennial’s Mobility Access Program assists the community in navigating transit options in the Denver metro area. Website: http:// www.centennialco.gov/uploads/files/MAP_ final.pdf • The South Metro Safety Foundation teaches a hands-on Adult/Senior Driving Skills class, perfect for seniors and others who want to improve their abilities behind the wheel.

Defensive driving skills and crash avoidance techniques include skid control and recovery, threshold braking, backing exercises, and visual perception training. Website: http:// www.southmetrofoundation.org/129/AdultSenior-Driving-Skills • DRIVE SMART Colorado has an online booklet, including the Driver Planning Agreement, which examines the complexities of deciding when to stop driving. Website: www. drivesmartcolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Older-Driver-Booklet-FINALPRINT.pdf

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Seniors:

Beware of online scams

etirement g designed tTfor you!

he internet is a wonderful place to stay in touch with friends, conduct business and get information. Scammers also really like the internet because it gives them access to the billions of people who are online every day. When you are online, make sure to take proper precautions to keep your personal and financial information safe and avoid these common scams:

PHISHING:

you to verify or update bank numbers or other personal information. Never send sensitive information via unsecure channels.

TECH SUPPORT: Also known as the “Microsoft scam.” Never respond to pop-up windows that say you have a virus.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook and other social media sites can have many scams. Beware Scammers impersonate a business of offers that sound “too good to be or federal agency to trick you into ,695 sf Floor Plans Gardening Plots true” and avoid profiles of people giving out personal or financial infor-Building Garage Fitness Center mation. This is often an e-mail asking who you don’t know. Even be skep-

tional Dining Pet Friendly Submitted by AARP Foundation ElderWatch ansportation Washer/Dryer Included

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tical of offers from “friends” as accounts can be mimicked.

ONLINE DATING: Lots of relationships begin online.

Scammers also like to meet potential victims on those same dating sites. If you are meeting people online, never send money to someone who you have not met in person.

FRAUDULENT SALES: Do your research before buying anything. Ensure the seller is legitimate and if the price is “too good to be true” ask more questions. Sites like

Craigslist are riddled with scammers.

If you shop on Craigslist or a similar site, only deal locally, never wire money and never ship anything.

If you have questions about an online scam, feel free to contact an AARP Foundation ElderWatch volunteer specialist at 800-222-4444, option 2, to talk you through the situation.

AARP Foundation ElderWatch is a partnership between the AARP Foundation and the Colorado Attorney General’s office.

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Senior Solutions

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THIS TIME HEART

e

DISEASE

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PICKED A FIGHT WITH THE WRONG MAN VA L T I RMA N A heart arrhythmia at age 75 was no match for Val, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel whose intense daily workouts date back to 1952.

Learn more at uchealth.org/stories © UCHealth 2017

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Join community conversations important to older adults

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rom senior housing and the state’s developing vision for aging to Medicare open enrollment, older adults in Douglas County have opportunities throughout the year to engage in community conversations about issues of importance to them and their families.

MAY

Colorado Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging: 9 to 11 a.m., May 4 St. Andrew United Methodist Church 9203 S. University, Highlands Ranch In recognition of Older Americans Month, Jim Riesberg, Chair of the Colorado Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging, will share his group’s recommendations on actions that will make measurable life improvements for all Coloradans. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a facilitated conversation about the needs of seniors in Douglas County.

When asked who should attend this presentation, his response was, “It is for anyone in Colorado who is aging, serving older adults or in a position of local leadership. People attending will gain an understanding of the changing demographics and how these will change perceptions, life styles and the business community.”

This event is presented by the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County.

SEPTEMBER

Visually Impaired Persons Fair: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sept. 13 Douglas County Events Center 500 Fairgrounds Drive Castle Rock Persons who are visually impaired or blind will find resources, educational workshops and networking that will help them continue to live as independently as possible. The fair – for those with eye disease, as well as their families, friends and caregivers – will feature speakers with expertise in eye conditions, disease, services, training, use of adaptive aids, maintaining good health practices and self-care. The resource fair also features a variety of exhibitors offering information on adaptive aids, technology, and other community resources. Presented by A3 of Colorado: Adapt, Adjust, Achieve (Formally the American Council of the Blind of Colorado.)

Submitted by Douglas County

May is Older Americans Month, a great time to plan for the future and take part in events geared toward a healthier, happier life.

Photo by Shutterstock

OCTOBER

Meetings addressing senior issues are being held in Douglas County throughout the year. Plan to attend for yourself or a loved one.

Courtesy photo

Senior Housing Forum and Community Conversation: 8:30 a.m. to noon, Oct. 17 Douglas County Events Center 500 Fairgrounds Drive Castle Rock Members of the senior community, developers and community leaders are invited to discuss Douglas County’s housing needs, options and the perceived gaps. A community conversation will be facilitated following presentations and panel discussions. This event is hosted by the Douglas County Community and Resource Services and the Seniors’ Council.

MONTHLY COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Older adults in Douglas County have an opportunity for their voice to be heard at monthly Community Conversations held during the Seniors Council of Douglas County meetings the first Thursday morning of each month at different locations throughout the County. For more information on each month’s agenda and location, visit www. douglas.co.us/events/

NOVEMBER

Medicare open enrollment 9 to 11 a.m., Nov. 2 Parker Library 20105 East Mainstreet Parker, CO 80138 Each fall, Medicare provides the opportunity to re-evaluate personal Medicare plans to ensure everyone’s needs are met for the upcoming year. The Se-

niors Council of Douglas County hosts an annual presentation to help residents explore the changes in deductibles, benefits and drug formularies. A panel of Medicare experts will be present to explain the changes and give participants the information needed to be informed consumers. Kim Latta, director of the Colorado Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), will chair the panel and present what’s new for Medicare 2018.

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Retirement living: An option worth a look

By Kent Mulkey,

Executive director, Covenant Village of Colorado

Y

our kids are grown and moved away. You may be close to entering your retirement years or you’re already there, storming through your bucket list. My mother, at age 90, has completed her first bucket list and is now creating another.

If you’re like most Coloradans, you are active, healthy, and love to be outdoors.

Selling your home and moving to a retirement community is not high on that bucket list, if at all. In fact, the barrage of mail inviting you to experience an “active lifestyle community” may make you bristle. You plan to live the rest of your life in the home you’ve lived in for the past 30, 40 or 50 years.

That plan might work, if you remain in good health and have family living nearby to help out when you need it. From someone who has counseled hundreds of seniors about retirement living, I suggest you keep your options open and begin formulating a long-term plan.

Research suggests 70 percent of physical aging and 50 percent of mental aging are determined by lifestyle. Staying physically and mentally active may be easier when you live in a community. When you choose to live in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), you have an added level of convenience from having health services offered on-site. Some thoughts about CCRCs to consider: CCRCs aren’t nursing homes CCRCs are communities made up of apartment, patio and duplex homes with varying floor plans and full kitchens. You continue living just as you had before: traveling, connecting with family and friends, engaging in hobbies or taking classes, watching football, completing a Sudoku over breakfast, or walking the miles of trails.

CCRCs are a community within a community Typically, CCRCs are a part of the neighborhood. At Covenant Village of Colorado, the LifeConnect University classes, which are taught by staff and lo-

cal professionals, are open to the public.

Residents work, volunteer, and mentor within the local community. Area students join residents for intergenerational activities on campus and local organizations gather regularly on campus. In other words, you aren’t living in exile when you move to a CCRC. CCRCs make retirement living easy Cutting the grass or cleaning a house built for a family of five may become tedious and draining as you age. Rather than spending your days and your dollars maintaining your home, spend your days doing whatever it is you enjoy and enhances your energy. CCRCs take care of the honey-do lists (well, almost) and handle the inside/outside maintenance so you don’t have to.

CCRCs offer options CCRCs have amenities and programs, professional-grade fitness centers with Jacuzzis and saunas, high-end dining and casual bistros, and social calendars packed with resident-driven programming and events. A side note and a relief

to some: Participation is not mandatory.

Do it your way.

CCRCs answer ‘what if’?

What if you need help getting back on your feet after a surgery, a fall or a long illness? What if you or your spouse’s health needs change, and the caregiving is more than either of you can provide? What if you don’t have a spouse to help you?

CCRCs offer on-site health services: assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and physical therapy, and memory care. As your health needs changes, CCRCs are there to help you transition to the care you need, even if it’s only for a few weeks as you nurse yourself back from the knee surgery you put off for too long.

Do your homework before you decide.

Start planning now. We are happy to help sort it out. Visit www.CovenantColorado. com or call 303-424-4828 for more information.

Kent Mulkey is executive director at Covenant Village of Colorado, a faithbased, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community in Westminster.

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The next tsunami: Arapahoe County’s growing senior population

By Bill Holen

Arapahoe County Commissioner

A

rapahoe County is a great place to live and raise a family and most citizens want to stay in their homes and community as they age.

The number of seniors in the county is expected to double between now and 2040, with an expected population of more than 225,000 residents over age 60. That represents a 6 percent increase in our population and as many as 10 percent of these seniors will be in poverty. However, we know funding will not double in the same time period.

WHAT CAN THE COUNTY DO TO SUPPORT OUR AGING POPULATION? According to the 2015 Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults, 8 in 10 seniors surveyed want to remain independent in their own homes and communities. Luckily, providing services to support seniors remaining at home is much more cost effective than placing people in nursing homes and other as-

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sisted living facilities.

The 2016 cost of private payer nursing home care in Colorado was $83,220 annually for a semi-private room and the cost of an assisted living facility was $48,756 per year, according to Genworth Financial. In comparison, the approximate cost for a senior to receive Meals on Wheels, transportation for two round trip doctor appointments and a homemaker to provide light housekeeping every other week is $6,000 per year.

We’re proud to fund these and other programs that provide crucial services to seniors through Community Development Block Grant funds. The CDBG program is funded by the U.S. Department

Don’t leave safety to chance. Our trained associates are close by to help Mom with her daily living activities, from bathing and dressing to medication management.

Call (855) 494-9215 today to schedule your complimentary lunch and visit.

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of Housing and Urban Development.

It allocates annual grants to Arapahoe County to develop viable communities by providing decent affordable housing, a suitable living environment and opportunities for low and moderate income residents, including seniors. The annual grant amount received by the county is determined

by HUD and is based on population size and the population of low- and Image by Shutterstock moderate-income residents.

The Arapahoe County Senior Resources division also provides useful services to assist seniors in maintaining a healthy, active and independent life. Chore services and homemaker programs provide eligible seniors with free, light housekeeping and assistance

with heavier chores like packing or lawn work. Transportation to medical appointments, senior centers, grocery stores and food banks is also available in wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

We receive Community Services Block Grant Funds, which fund approximately 60 percent of the Homemaker Program and Denver Regional Council of Government funds (via state funding for seniors and the Older American’s Act) to provide chore and transportation services. Last year, these funds allowed homemaker services to serve 390 seniors and disabled individuals, chore services to serve 365 seniors and transportation to 426 seniors. There are long wait lists for chore services and our staff also received more than 500 calls for information and referrals.

As our population ages, we must look to find ways to continually support these and other programs. The silver tsunami is coming and it is our responsibility as local government to take care of our residents and help them maintain healthy, meaningful lifestyles in their own communities.

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South Suburban helps seniors stay active

outh Suburban Parks and Recreation District offers a variety of programs tailored to active, older adults at its four centers: Buck Recreation Center in Littleton, Goodson Recreation Center in Centennial, Lone Tree Recreation Center and Sheridan Recreation Center.

The district provides those 55 and over with a variety of physical, mental and social activities to keep them active and engaged. From a vibrant Trips and Tours program, to specialty fitness classes like Functional Motion and Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance, to facility favorites like the Buck Center’s warm water therapy pool and aqua classes, to Drop-in Duplicate Bridge and line dancing, there are a variety of ways that baby boomers and beyond can get involved in something they enjoy.

District programs and classes aim to help keep older adults healthy, strong and independent, while encouraging them to explore something new, whether it’s discovering a new class, learning a card game or exploring a Friday Walk-about. Living life to the fullest is highly encouraged.

HERE’S A LOOK AT SOME OF THE OPPORTUNITIES: PICKLEBALL IS THE NEW TENNIS Pickleball, similar to tennis, is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports, and is popular with baby boomers who grew up playing tennis. Pickleball uses a paddle and Wiffle ball and is played on a smallersize court with a lower net. Drop-in pickleball is offered at all of our centers, and is particularly popular at our new outdoor pickleball facility at Cornerstone Park. In addition, there are pickleball clinics, bootcamps and leagues throughout the district.

SILVERSNEAKERS AND SILVER & FIT PROGRAMS South Suburban was an early adopter of the SilverSneakers program, a fitness program covered by participating health plans, for Medicare eligible individuals.

Goodson Recreation Center has one of the largest SilverSneakers enrollments in the state, a designation it has had for nearly a decade.

SilverSneakers classes are targeted to baby boomers, but anyone can attend, regardless of age. Approximately 5,000 SilverSneakers members visit Goodson, Buck, Lone Tree and Sheridan recreation centers regularly. At Buck, SilverSneakers classes are offered Monday through Friday.

In addition, the district offers a number of other fitness classes suitable for the active adult community. Improve your strength, balance, stamina, flexibility and range of motion with classes such as Body in Balance, Exercise with Ease, Gentle Aqua, Healthy Back, and more! For a full schedule of fitness class offerings, visit ssprd.org/ schedules.

South Suburban also partners with Silver&Fit, a program offered through American Specialty Health. The Silver&fit program, designed for older adults, is a benefit offered through various health plans, which includes a free Silver&Fit membership at the district’s four recreation centers.

LUNCH IS SERVED ON THURSDAYS Each week, Chef Tom prepares lunch for approximately 50-60 people in the Buck Center’s commercial kitchen for our Thursday Lunch program. We often feature themed lunches like a St. Patrick’s Lucky Lunch and an Oktoberfest celebration in addition to holiday themed lunches throughout the year. It’s very affordable: $6.50 for residents, and $7.50 for nonresidents.

SOUTH SUBURBAN ENCORE CHORALE The South Suburban Encore Chorale is a 55-and-over non-audition community choir led by a professional conductor and pianist. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be a part of something exceptional in our community. Participants experience the social, emotional and physical benefits of singing, and work toward producing an excellent public concert at the end of the semester.

FREE RESOURCE FAIRS Make plans to attend our Active Adult

Healthy Living Expo at Buck on Friday, May 5 from 1 to 4 pm. We’ll celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a variety of vendors who promote positive aging. It’s going to be an interactive event with fun demos and a party atmosphere!

ACTIVE AT ANY AGE PUBLICATION The district produces a quarterly catalog called “Active at any Age.” The publication features classes, programs, trips and tours and events tailored to those 55 and over. It’s distributed at district facilities and is available in a digital format as well.

“It is our goal to empower people to keep learning, doing and trying new things…to be empowered to intentionally take control and responsibility for their health, relationships, and life satisfaction.

We know how important social connections, life-long learning and movement is to our brain health and overall health… we want to help people connect with opportunities that continue to challenge and inspire them,” said Nikki Crouse, the Active Adult Program coordinator for South Suburban.

TRIPS AND TOURS PROGRAM Exploring is easy with the district’s Trips and Tours program which offers 2-4 weekly trips. Participants experience live theater, day trips to the mountains, visits to museums and historical sites, and dine in local restaurants. And, we offer weekly walks on Denver metro trails and bi-monthly hikes.

We provide the transportation and take care of all the scheduling, so participants can sit back and enjoy the trip.

Courtesy photo Submitted by South Suburban Parks and Recreation District

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Senior resources are widely available in Littleton S

T

SENIOR REFUND PROGRAM

he City of Littleton is committed to helping and giving back to seniors in the area, which is why several programs have been implemented specifically for residents ages 55 and older.

Whether it’s finances, resources, or transportation, community members in Littleton are covered.

M

OMNIBUS PROGRAM

Omnibus is a transportation service in Littleton that operates five days a week for residents that are either disabled or older than 55. The bus takes riders to medical appointments, grocery shopping and on other errands, but will prioritize based on the importance of the trip. All buses are wheelchair accessible.

Donations to Omnibus are appreciated and encouraged. Rides are available by appointment and should be scheduled 48 hours in advance. Weekday hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments are best if made between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Call 303-795-3700 for more information or to make a reservation. Visit littletongov.org and search “omnibus” for a schedule of preset trips.

A

Since 1977, the Littleton City Council has annually renewed its Senior Refund Program, providing the city’s senior residents with a partial property tax refund.

The program is available to both renters and property owners. For property owners, the refund is based on the property’s assessed valuation. Refund amounts for owners range from $10 to $100 and refunds for renters range from $10 to $30. Property owners whose property is in a trust or other legal entity for estate planning purposes may be eligible for a property tax refund based on the property’s assessed valuation.

To be eligible for a refund in 2017, applicants must have been 65 years of age or older on or before Dec. 31, 2016 and have resided within the Littleton city limits for the entire year of 2016.

For more information, to obtain a form, or to check to see if you qualify, call the finance department at 303-795-3764.

Courtesy photo The Omnibus is a transportation service in Littleton that operates five days a week for residents who are either disabled or older than 55.

SHOPPING CART PROGRAM

The Shopping Cart program, which was started in 1985, is a scheduled, fixedroute bus service for Littleton residents 55 years of age and older. It runs six days per week, shuttling passengers to and from grocery stores in the area as well as the Streets at SouthGlenn in west Cen-

tennial.

The Shopping Cart program runs on a preset schedule, meaning appointments are not necessary, but the driver cannot make unplanned stops. Passengers should be ready to leave each destination on time and must be picked up from and dropped off to the following apartment complexes: • Alyson Court - 5807 S. Gallup St. • Amity Plaza - 200 W. Sterne Parkway • Bradley House - 5844 S. Datura St. • Geneva Village -5444 S. Prince St. • Southview (SV) Apartments 5829 S. Datura St. • Wolhurst Adult Community 8201 S. Santa Fe Drive This bus is not wheelchair accessible and there is an eight-bag limit for each rider for safety and accessibility reasons.

Donations are appreciated and encouraged. For more information about the bus schedule and destinations visit littletongov.org and search for “shopping cart program”.

AGING WELL RESOURCE CENTER

The Bemis Public Library houses another incredible resource for seniors in the area. The Aging Well Resource Center is an award-winning program that offers a variety of information on topics related to aging. Volunteers at the center can help provide information about things like caregiving and respite care, senior living options, transportation, food assistance, Medicaid, Medicare, and much more.

The Aging Well Resource Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is free for Littleton residents. Call 303-795-3980 for more information or swing by the library at 6014 S. Datura St.

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11

Steps to help seniors, caregivers better manage medications Article courtesy of Brandpoint.com

M

odern medicine can work wonders. However, in order to be effective, medicine needs to be taken safely, according to prescribing -guidelines, and patients and health care eproviders need to be vigilant about the ddangers of drug interactions. o When it comes to medication use, semniors take more prescription and overthe-counter drugs than any other age rgroup, and they are most likely to experieence problems because of their medications.

The average American senior takes -five or more prescription medications daily, and many of them can’t read the prescription label or understand the prescribing instructions, according to the National Council on Patient Information aand Education.

“Unless they reside in a senior living .community or have another form of assistance, it can be very difficult for seniors to manage their own medications,” says Kim Estes, senior vice president of nclinical services for Brookdale Senior Liv-

-

d

ing, which is based in Brentwood, Tennessee, and has multiple facilities in the Denver metro area. “A lot of factors make medication management a challenge for seniors, including the sheer number of prescriptions many of them take in a day.”

MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES While doctors prescribe medication to treat a range of chronic conditions from arthritis to diabetes and high blood pressure, seniors may find managing their medications difficult for multiple reasons: • Many meds and many prescribers: Seniors who are on multiple medications are often prescribed to them by multiple doctors, who may or may not be aware of other medications the senior is already taking. Taking a large number of medications can increase the risk of a drug interaction that harms seniors’ health, rather than helps them.

• Adverse side effects: If a medication makes a senior feel ill, he or she may

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stop taking it.

• Lack of knowledge: If they don’t understand exactly what the medicine is supposed to do for them, seniors may feel they don’t need it and discontinue use.

• Physical challenges: Age-related physical challenges such as hearing or vision loss, dexterity issues or trouble swallowing can make it difficult for seniors to take their medications as prescribed.

• Cognitive challenges: Seniors with memory loss or dementia may forget to take their medications as prescribed.

• Cost: Even with Medicare and supplemental health insurance, many medications can come with a hefty price tag. Seniors may not be able to afford a medication their doctor prescribed.

MEDICATION MANAGEMENT MADE EASIER “Fortunately, seniors and their caregivers can take some fairly easy steps to help them better manage their medications,” Estes says. “These steps take a little time and effort, but they can go a long way toward helping seniors use their medicines more effectively.”

• Most seniors take five or more medications a day, and those with severe health issues or who are in the hospital may take significantly more than that. Make a list of every medication you take, what it’s for, and what the pill actually looks like.

• Make a checklist of all your medications. Every time you take a prescription, note the date, time and dosage on your checklist.

• If you have trouble reading the labels on your prescriptions or can’t open the bottle, ask your pharmacist to pro-

vide your medicine in easy-to-open containers with large-print labels.

• Make a plan for getting your prescriptions. You may decide to schedule a drive to the pharmacy every month on a certain day or have someone drive you there. You may also find an online pharmacy that can deliver your prescriptions to your home.

• When you go to the doctor, take your list of prescriptions with you, especially if you’re seeing him or her for the first time. Your list will help the doctor know what medications you’re already taking.

• Work with your doctors to see if you can reduce the number of pills you take by consolidating medicines. For example, if you take a pill to reduce water retention and a medication for high blood pressure, some prescription drugs combine both types of medicine into a single pill.

• A study by the University of Arizona found that having a pharmacist on a senior’s care team helped keep seniors safer and improved their ability to take medications as prescribed.

Keep all your prescriptions with one pharmacy and get to know the pharmacists who work there. Your pharmacist may be able to help you spot potential drug interactions.

• Technology can help you remember to take medications on time. Set an alarm on your cellphone or download an event reminder app on your smartphone to help you remember when it’s time to take your medicine.

“With a little planning and help, seniors and their caregivers can better manage their medications to ensure seniors get the most benefit out of their prescription treatments,” Estes says.

12

SPRING

Senior Solutions

2017

MorningStar

Parker Senior Living by

MorningStar

of Wheat Ridge

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(Steve McConaghie, Executive Director)

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