SENIOR SAFETY AROUND THE HOME
Safety around the home is one of the most important items that Circle of Friends Home Care assesses when in a senior clients place of residence. There are many things we recommend to our clients with the long term goal of allowing them to maintain their independence at home and prevent injuries. During the winter, fire safety is especially important as the use of various heat sources increases the risk for fire. Here is an article from www.seniorslist.com that has some helpful ways you can keep your home safe and prevent accidents.
According to several recent studies, over 1/3 of falls at home occur in the bedroom, and most home fires originate in the bedroom. The majority of fatal fires occur while the residents are sleeping. Since the elderly spend about a third of their time in the bedroom, it is extremely important to correct bedroom safety hazards and take preventive measures to help avoid potentially life-altering disasters.
- Lighting: Provide a light which is easy to operate within comfortable reach of bed . Install a light switch at entrance to room. Use nightlights, especially in pathway from bed to bathroom. Have a working flashlight and your eyeglasses at the bedside.
- Walkways: remove all clutter, electrical cords, phone cords and protruding furniture from pathways, especially from bed to bathroom. Remove throw rugs or secure to floor with double sided tape.
- Bed height: Adjust bed to normal height for safe, easy access. To minimize dizziness, sit at the edge of the bed for a minute or two before slowly standing up.
- Communication: Install bedside telephone and attach list of emergency numbers in large print.
- Provide sturdy chair with arms for dressing and sitting activities.
- Install working smoke alarms on every level of home and immediately outside of bedroom.
- Never smoke in bed and do not use candles! Smoking in bed is the number one cause of fire in seniors’ homes.
- Close the bedroom door when you go to bed. If there is a fire, this will slow it down.
- Avoid going to sleep with a space heater operating, as this is the number two cause of fire in seniors’ homes.
Besides the above environmental issues, there are other ways to help minimize your risk of falls at home:
- Stay active physically; walking for exercise is an excellent way to keep your lower extremities strong and improve balance. Your neighborhood senior center may have exercise classes for stretching, strengthening and balance. Check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program to be sure it is okay.
- Avoid alcohol, especially if you are taking medications.
- Keep your mind active: Doing crossword puzzles, reading, playing cards and board games with friends are all great ways to help keep you oriented and more equipped to deal with everyday issues and emergency situations. There are even programs available in the marketplace which can significantly improve your memory and mental acuity, leading to greater independence and safety.
It doesn’t take much modification to significantly reduce risks of falling and fire in the bedroom. It could mean the difference between remaining independent versus requiring long term care or succumbing to premature death.
Medicare Open Enrollment Coming – BE PREPARED!
The following is information Circle of Friends Home Care and Circle of Life Hospice would like to make available to the the residents of Chariton and the surrounding communities we serve. If you currently have Medicare you will want to read this and make sure you are aware of your rights. Thanks for reading!
Medicare Open Enrollment
Circle of Friends Home Care and Circle of Life Hospice want to make sure all of our clients know their rights in regards to the Medicare Open Enrollment Period coming soon. Medicare’s annual enrollment period will begin October 15 and continue through December 7. During this time, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan providers may solicit Medicare participants to change their Medicare plan. Circle of Friends Home Care is committed to ensuring that Medicare participants make an informed choice that will best meet their needs. Before joining a plan, you should understand the type of plan you are joining. Some plans may have restrictions that may limit your options in health care providers, add additional co-payments for services you frequently use and other benefit changes you may not want. Your local SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) representative can provide the necessary information to assist you in making an informed choice. Lucas County residents may contact Lucas County Health Center Volunteer Services at 641-774-3226 to schedule an appointment with a SHIIP representative. Additional information may also be found at www.shiip.state.ia.us.
There are specific guidelines that insurance providers must follow when marketing their products. They may not solicit enrollees door-to-door or in common areas like lobbies or hallways. They cannot make unwanted calls, or leave voicemails, state they are calling on behalf of Medicare or that Medicare asked them to call. To report concerns of specific complaints about inappropriate marketing practices, please contact CMS (Centers for Medicare / Medicaid Services) 1-816-426-5783.
If you have questions or concerns about your Medicare plan or health care options, feel free to contact Circle of Friends Home Care at 641-774-2339.
