Shingles Vaccine

Thank you to one of our members for sharing information on the Shingles vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends the shingles vaccine for anyone over the age of 60— even those who have already had shingles.

The vaccine may be obtained from:

Medicare Rights Center

HealthRide

On the rare occasion when SC volunteers are unable to meet the number of rides you need, Health Ride is available for ANY non-emergency medical or dental appointments, as well as to any individual who is unable to get onto other modes of transportation. The Health Ride vans are wheelchair lift equipped. Dialysis and Biederman Cancer Center patients do get a priority. The contact person, Frank Rutherford (933-5532), is in the office 5 days a week, 8AM-noon and 12:30-4:30PM. Frank has an answering machine that he responds to on the weekends. Or, call the office at 1-888-228-7743. There are rarely more than 2 individuals transported at a time. If he is called by noon of the day prior to the appointment he can usually make the arrangements.

Frank told Anne Kelly that a Health Ride van goes around the county a couple of times a day, and amazingly, the charge is only $2.00 no matter where you live! If you are an elder or disabled, the cost is only a $1.00. Please continue to check with us first, but, if we have several rides on a given day, it sure is nice to know that Health Ride is available.

Important Safety Issue

Resources for Older Drivers

Some of you may have parents or friends whose driving worries you. If so, it would be helpful for you read an article we have in the office from The Summer 2007 issue of the Nursing Spectrum and NurseWeek Specialty Guide. In the article written by Patricia Russo-Meck, RN and Arlen Orhon Jech, RN they give suggestions such as, planning activities during daylight hours, not taking long trips, and finding alternate types of transportation. Below are some references listed in the article:

Door Prize

Cancer Support Group

Why Can’t I Remember My Address?

Do you ever wonder if something you just did or said is a normal part of ageing, or if it might be related to early stages dementia? Perhaps you’ve already discussed this with your doctor, but you would like a second, more in depth, opinion. There are two clinics in Traverse City that deal with ageing issues, and while ShareCare does not endorse either clinic, we can say that our members have had positive experiences with both. Anne Kelly RN, BSN can guide you through the process of finding help, but please note that both clinics require a referral from your primary care provider. Do you ever wonder if something you just did or said is a normal part of ageing, or if it might be related to early stages dementia? Perhaps you’ve already discussed this with your doctor, but you would like a second, more in depth, opinion. There are two clinics in Traverse City that deal with ageing issues, and while ShareCare does not endorse either clinic, we can say that our members have had positive experiences with both. Anne Kelly RN, BSN can guide you through the process of finding help, but please note that both clinics require a referral from your primary care provider.

The Geriatric Assessment Clinic (106 S. Madison Street, Traverse City) attempts to improve the quality of life for older adults and keep them independent for as long as possible. They address the following: The Geriatric Assessment Clinic (106 S. Madison Street, Traverse City) attempts to improve the quality of life for older adults and keep them independent for as long as possible. They address the following: home safety and living; placement guidance, patient and caregiver education; family/caregiver stress level; driving issues; prescription medication assistance; competency; depression and mental health; dementia; falling; polypharmacy; diet.

During your visit you will meet with health care professionals who are trained in the special needs of older adults. The team includes: Medical Director (team leader, certified in gerontology); Certified Gerontology Nurse (conducts a home visit; assesses self-care skills); Social Worker (psychosocial assessments); Pharmacist (completes a medication profile and reviews for appropriateness). For more information call the Geriatric Assessment Clinic at 231-935-8127 or 231-935-6650.

The Memory and Movement Disorder Clinic (1213 W. Front Street, Traverse City) provides an interdisciplinary team assessment for anyone experiencing memory concerns, symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. The clinic offers the following: a comprehensive neurological assessment, with additional testing, if indicated; assessment of caregiver knowledge and needs; information and recommendations regarding community support services; assistance with management of the dementia or movement disorder, as indicated.

This clinic’s team includes the following professionals: Neurologist who performs a comprehensive neurological evaluation; R.N. who performs a nursing assessment and assesses activities of daily living and self-care skills; Social Worker who assesses family support and financial needs; performs a geriatric depression screening test, evaluates caregiver stress. For more information call the Memory and Movement Disorder Clinic 231-935- 0386.

Recognizing a Stroke

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify, and unfortunately, the lack of awareness can spell disaster. A stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn to ask the three questions. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.

Choosing a Physician

For those of you looking for a physician to replace Dr. Stafford, here are some questions you may want to ask yourself and the doctors’ offices you may be considering: 

Does s/he participate in Medicare?  If not, you will pay the bill before leaving the doctor’s office and mail it into Medicare for partial reimbursement.  Participation means that doctor accepts what Medicare is willing to pay for that visit.