Thanks to an excellent venue and high quality panel of experts, the topics of Dementia, Driving, and Hoarding was informative and sobering last week at the Tucson Jewish Community Center. The panel included six experts in a range of fields that included a Driving Rehabilitational Specialist, Public Fiduciary, Geriatric Physician, Animal Cruelty Investigator. Prosecuting City Attorney, and Attorney at Law.
This event couldn't have come at a better time. It's no mystery that a large portion of our population is aging and with it so are their phyical capabilities. One expert reference taking away the car keys as the most difficult, because your removing their independence. Think back to when you turned sixteen and the first time your parents allowed you to take the car out with your friends. Wasn't that one of the most liberating experiences in your life? Now imagine removing it. The key Dr. Pifer stated "Start early by talking to your loved ones about the reality that you can't drive forever. The earlier the seed is planted the better". Either way it's a tough decision emotionally for everyone.
Dementia was the fundemental topic of the day. Because it's affects are more than just memory loss it also impairs a person's ability to operate a car. In even some of the mildest cases motor skills deteriorate and it's important to have your loved one tested as soon as possible. One of the most comprehensive is the adaptive driving test, developed by well known Driving Rehabilitation Specialist, Jenny Nordine. She said "rarely do we think about the various skills needed to drive. There are literally dozens of physical and cognitive skills required. In just a 5 mile drive at a speed of 35mph your brain receives one thousand three hundred pieces of information. This alone can be overwhelming, not to mention a driver needs to be aware of other cars and manage the pedals at the same time". Jenny also stated "In that same 5 mile drive 100 decisions have to be made and about half of those decisions require an action.
The final topic of the day focused on hoarding of animals and belongings. These habits frequently occur with seniors according to Animal Cruelty investigator, Mike Duffey. Compromising the health of any animal is a problem, even if it's just one or two. This type of case doesn't get media attention because of it's scale but the threat to an animals life is just as serious. There are two common types of animal hoarders, rescue and exploiters. The one begins by taking in a stray or two and before too long they start a collection of pets and then there's not a place to sit down anywhere in the house. In many cases the people that hoard animals began by hoarding belongings also. Things like newspapers and magazines from 20 years ago are kept just in case they might be needed. At least that's the way some people think. Secondly, are the exploiters. This person has a better chance of making the news, because their usually in it for profit. Puppy mills and incess breeding multiply inventory and pocket books quickly for this hoarder. But before too long, odor or a visit from the elecltric company for routine maintenance sparks some curiosity and then the proper authorities are reached. What an animal cruelty investigator sees in a days work isn't for everyone. The photo's Mike presented were horrible at best. This subject highlighted the need for the public to act when prompted. If you notice that your neighbor only greets you at the street and never let's you near the front door it maybe cause for concern.
This information was provided by Kevin Wood, Realtor and Elder Care Specialist, Tucson, Arizona. Kwood@gotucson.com and 520 260 3123.
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