Aging in Place 3rd edition

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Daily Living/In-Home and Community-Based Care Area Agencies on Aging offer no-cost or low-cost programs, services, and information to older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers; and are dedicated to helping people with a host of issues related to aging. Common Area Agency on Aging Programs and Services (may vary by locality) • Care Coordination Services • Congregate Meals • Elder Abuse Prevention • Home Delivered Meals • Homemaker Services • General Info and Assistance Have you looked into whether your community has an Area Agency on Aging? Yes____No____ The Eldercare Locator is a free nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with local support resources such as Area Agencies on Aging. Go to https://eldercare.acl.gov or call 1-800-677-1116 to find one near you. Did You Know? • Legal Services • Medical Transportation • Ombudsman Program • Respite Care/Caregiver Support • Volunteer Opportunities • Insurance Counseling Program Personal Health Records A personal health record, or PHR, is an electronic means for patients to maintain and manage their own health information in a private, secure, and confidential manner. They typically include information such as lists of diagnoses, medications, allergies, surgeries, and immunization histories. Do you have a personal health record (PHR)? Or do you keep a current list of your physicians, health conditions, and medications (including dosages)? Yes ___ No ____ Not Sure ____ If you answered “ no ” or “ not sure”: Check with your insurance company or medical provider to see if they provide PHRs. If not, there are commercially available ones online. Many PHR systems can be automatically accessed by medical personnel; others will provide a printed card with a password. Regardless of how you record and maintain your personal health records, it is vital that trusted members of your caregiving and healthcare team are able to access them in an emergency situation.

Aging in Place: Your Home, Your Community, Your Choice

Health & Wellness 28