|
Summer is a busy time for cars and pedestrians on the roads. If you are concerned about an older adult's safe driving ability or wonder about your ability, read a full NIH article here, and/or continue reading below.
 
Stiff Joints and Muscles- These changes can make it harder to turn your head to look back, turn the steering wheel quickly, or brake safely.
Trouble Seeing- Day or night, it might be harder to see people, things, and movement outside your direct line of sight and take longer to read street or traffic signs or even recognize familiar places.
Trouble Hearing- You may not notice horns, sirens, or noises coming from your own car you may miss the warning sounds telling you to pull over or get out of the way.
Slower Reaction Time and Reflexes- You might not react as quickly as you could in the past and may have a shorter attention span, making it harder to do two things at once. Stiff joints or weak muscles also can make it harder to move quickly. Loss of feeling or tingling in your fingers and feet can make it difficult to steer or use the foot pedals.
Medications- Do medicines you take make you feel drowsy, lightheaded, less alert than usual or have a warning about driving? Pay attention to how these drugs may affect your driving and avoid driving when taking them.
Driving Related Resources:
Defensive Driving Course & Driver Evaluation Request
WA State DOL:
- See this list for class options. Your car insurance company may also be able to help you find a class near you.
- Driver Evaluation Request for Reporting Unsafe Drivers: Here
National Institute on Aging: Here
- Driving Safely & Alzheimer’s Disease
- Talking to Your Doctor about Sensitive Issues
Northwest Access Fund:
- Adaptive Vehicles Info: Here
- Northwest Access Fund Loans Here
Note: You may also compare loan options with your bank or credit union.
Suyin’s bus was late. Even though it was noon on a very hot summer day, she decided to walk from the grocery store to her home. At 72—healthy and active—Suyin thought the heat would be no match for her! Yet, after walking just one block, she felt dizzy and weak.
NIH Hot Weather Safety
Too much heat is not safe for anyone. It is even riskier if you are older or have health problems. It is important to get relief from the heat quickly. If not, you might begin to feel confused or faint. Your heart could become stressed and stop beating.
Being hot for too long can be a problem. It can cause several illnesses, all grouped under the name hyperthermia (hy-per-THER-mee-uh):
-
Heat syncope is a sudden dizziness that can happen when you are active in hot weather. Some heart medications and not being used to warm weather can make you even more likely to feel faint.
-
Heat cramps are the painful tightening of muscles in your stomach, arms, or legs. Cramps can result from hard work or exercise.
-
Heat edema is a swelling in your ankles and feet when you get hot. Put your legs up to help reduce swelling. If that doesn’t work fairly quickly, check with your doctor.
-
Heat exhaustion is a warning that your body can no longer keep itself cool. You might feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, and nauseated. You may sweat a lot. Your body temperature may stay normal, but your skin may feel cold and clammy. Some people with heat exhaustion have a rapid pulse. Rest in a cool place and get plenty of fluids. If you don’t feel better soon, get medical care. Be careful—heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
Heat Stroke—A Medical Emergency
If you have heat stroke, you need to get medical help right away.
Older people living in homes or apartments without air conditioning or fans are at most risk. People who become dehydrated or those with chronic diseases or alcoholism are also at most risk. Signs of heat stroke are:
- Fainting (possibly the first sign) or becoming unconscious
- A change in behavior—confusion, agitation, staggering, being grouchy, or acting strangely
- Body temperature over 104°F (40°C)
- Dry, flushed skin and a strong, rapid pulse or a slow, weak pulse
- Not sweating even if it is hot
Continue to check the Kitsap Public Health District website here for local vaccine eligibility, clinic locations, and resources for transportation and support for people who are visually impaired.
Phone and email support through Kitsap Public Health District for people needing help with scheduling a vaccine appointment or are homebound and need mobile vaccination services:
Email: covidvaccine@kitsappublichealth.org
|
(360) 728-2219 English
|
(360) 728-2218 Español |
The Washington State Department of Health also maintains a vaccine search tool here for locations by zip code. You may also call the statewide, Covid-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127 and press #. Language assistance is available.
Click here for local testing site information.
- For routine (not urgent/emergency) testing, such as general screening for travel or work, it is asked that people do not go to St. Michael Medical Center emergency room.
- Continue to seek emergency care as needed.
NEW Initiative for At-Home Testing Kits for those with Medicare Part B
Click HERE for Medicare's Newsroom with information on the new initiative.
Some Medicare Advantage Plans may also cover and pay for at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 tests as an added benefit. Check with your plan to see if it will cover and pay for these tests.
At-home Tests Ordered Online; Delivered Via Postal Mail to Your Door (no cost, regardless of insurance):
Also, you may ask your your insurance company about reimbursement for at-home tests you purchased or a list of pharmacies you may use to obtain free, at-home tests.
Be Alert for Scammers Trying to Steal Your Medicare Number
From Medicare.gov coronavirus information page: Medicare covers the vaccine at no cost to you. You can bet it is a scam if anyone asks you for your Medicare Number to get access to the vaccine. If someone calls asking for your Medicare Number, hang up.
Here’s what to know:
- Don’t share your personal or financial information if someone calls, texts, or emails you promising access to the vaccine for a fee.
- You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine
- You can’t pay to get access to a vaccine.
Scammers may use the COVID-19 public health emergency to take advantage of people while they’re distracted. As always, guard your Medicare card like a credit card, check Medicare claims summary forms for errors. If someone calls asking for your Medicare Number, hang up.
Resources
Local Caregiver Support
Choosing Care in an Adult Family Home or Assisted Living Facility
Long Term Care Resource Book-English
Long Term Care Resource Book- Other Languages
|
