RetirementHomes.com - Home Safety

Caring for a Bedbound Loved One at Home

aadmin — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 20:00:28 +0000

Caring for a bed-bound elderly loved one is challenging; however, some people choose to take on the challenge rather than send their family member to a nursing home. Before you take on the responsibility of caring for a bed-bound individual at home, you should find out what is involved. The work can be time consuming and you may be required to provide care around the clock. It will be emotionally taxing and may also be physically difficult. Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind when taking care of a bed-bound family member:

You Will Have To Carefully Choose And Equip Their Room  Their room should be well ventilated and protected from temperature extremes. If they can only be moved with a wheelchair, the room should be easy to access. Easy access will also be important if they ever need emergency medical assistance. A first floor room is ideal so that it is not necessary to carry them upstairs. The room should have things for them to do while they are in it, like a TV or books. Also, make sure that they have a way to get your attention if they need your help.
Their Medications Should Be Scheduled  If the patient is taking medication, it will be necessary to make sure that they are taking it on time and in the correct doses. Many elderly patients have trouble remembering to take their medicine. If they have to eat before taking their medicine, make sure that their eating schedule allows for this.
It Will Be Necessary To Equip The Bathroom  Install handles on the tub to make getting them in and out easier. A seat in the bathtub can also make the process of bathing them a much simpler one. You should be able to find items like handles and seats (as well as other safety equipment) at a medical supply store. If they are completely unable to leave the bed, you should give them a sponge bath at least three times a week.
You Should Learn How To Give A Sponge Bath  Make sure that the room is very warm before starting the sponge bath. You should have a large supply of bath towels on hand along with washcloths. You will need two large containers of warm water, one for washing and the other for rinsing. Cover the bed with bath towels and undress the bed-bound person. Start washing at the shoulder and go down the side of the body. You may have to tilt them up slightly to be able to reach under them. Move to the lower torso and hips and then go down to the feet. Repeat the process on the other side.
You Must Take Steps To Prevent Bedsores  Also called pressure sores, these tend to occur as a result of prolonged pressure on the skin. They usually occur on the body parts where bone is close to the skin like on the elbows and heels. Bedridden people who are unable to change position are very prone to developing bedsores. If their skin is exposed to urine and feces for long periods, this can make the sores worse. Bedsores can be difficult to treat once they occur; however, they can be prevented by moving the bedridden individual at least once every 40 minutes. Also, look for any signs of redness or tenderness in the most susceptible areas when bathing them.

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Family and Personal Care

Home Safety

How The Elderly Can Beat The Heat This Summer

aadmin — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 19:40:20 +0000

The dog days of summer are here, and while the sunshine and warm temperatures are nice, they can be dangerous, too. Warm weather is especially dangerous for senior citizens, so staying safe and understanding how heat effects the senior body is important. We've collected 10 tips that will help you and the senior you care for beat the heat this summer.

Drink Plenty of Water. Hydration is important year-round, but it is more serious during the summer months. Seniors should drink between six and eight glasses of water a day, adding two more for extremely hot days.

Avoid Direct Sunlight. It can be difficult to regulate your body temperature as you age. Seniors should avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day to minimize the risk. Outdoor activity should be greatly limited between 10am and 2pm, according to experts.

Use Air Conditioning. When the temperature outside soars above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (or about 30 Celsius), utilize air conditioning as often as possible, and avoid strenuous activity, especially outside. This goes for in the car, too. Make sure the temperature inside the vehicle is lower than the temperature outside on especially warm days.

Dress Appropriately. Dressing in light clothing can help minimize the risk of overheating. Avoid dark colors, as well, as darker colors can trap more heat, making seniors warmer than they should be.

Check with your Doctor. Check in with a doctor during the summer months if you or a senior you are caring for begins feeling overheated or more tired than usual. Medications may need to be altered to ensure safety during the summer, as some medicines can promote overheating.

Slather on Sunscreen. If you plan to be outdoors, use sunscreen liberally. Not only will it prevent you from burning in the sun, but it will also keep your body temperature down. Sunscreen should be applied on hazy and cloudy days, too, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time outdoors.

Ask a Friend to Check In. Seniors who are living alone are at greater risk of heat exhaustion than those who live with others. Because it can be difficult to tell how warm it is for seniors, someone should be checking in regularly to ensure their safety. If you or a senior you are caring for is living alone, plan for someone to check in regularly.

Cool Treats. Ice cream is a summer staple, but it isn't just sugary goodness. The cool treat can help lower the body temperature, and can be utilized (in moderation) by seniors who are looking to beat the heat. Popsicle are also a good option, especially for those who are on a modified or restrictive diet.

Get Educated. Educating yourself on the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion can be lifesaving, whether you are a senior yourself or caring for a senior. Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion should be moved to a cool place. Hydrants should also be offered while waiting for medical professionals to arrive.

Enjoy Activities in Climate Control. If the home doesn't have air conditioning, consider utilizing services and centers designed for cooling down individuals during warm weather. Senior centers often offer activities and lunch in a climate-controlled environment. Not only can a senior cool down, but they can socialize, too.

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Family and Personal Care

Home Safety

How to stop older people from falling

aadmin — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 14:08:16 +0000

Each year, one in three elderly adults will take a fall and the risk of falls increases every decade. Falls are the number one reason for emergency room visits because of trauma, and for the elderly, falls can devastate their health since injuries are often severe like traumatic brain injuries or hip fractures. Despite the potential their prevalence, there is much that the elderly can do to prevent falls.

Exercise regularly. The lack of exercise can lead to loss of leg strength, which will increase the chance of falling, and loss of arm strength, which makes breaking the fall more difficult. An exercise program that includes strength and agility, like yoga or Tai Chi will build strength and improve balance.

Maintain vision. Oftentimes poor vision can make moving around much more difficult. Every day movements like judging stairs or negotiating curbs, for example, can lead to falls. Elderly adults should have their vision checked regularly to ensure the proper strength and fit of glasses and contacts so that they are seeing clearly.

Keep track of medications. There are many medications, or medications taken together, that can cause lightheadedness, vision impairment or drowsiness. Either the pharmacist or the doctor can review all of the medications an elderly person is taking to ensure there are no drug interactions that can increase these symptoms and the risk of falling.

Remove hazards. At home or other residences like summer cottages, removing hazards is key since almost half of all falls occur in the home. The home environment should be checked regularly for any tripping hazards like electrical cords in open areas or under rugs, too much accumulated clutter, poorly arranged furniture, beds that are difficult to get in and out of, slippery bed sheets, door sills that are higher than one-half inch, and poorly lit rooms.

Other hazards include rugs that can slip underfoot, the sun's glare, which can be removed by hanging light fabric curtains in rooms with large windows, and taking out foot stools. Rather than using footstools, rearrange cabinets so that every day items are easily within arm's reach.

Add in safety features. An easy prevention tool is the addition of a few safety features, like handrails and brighter or additional lighting on stairways and walkways. One safety feature that is easier than most is to insure that elderly people wear their shoes at home, not slippers or walk around in socks because it increase the risk of slips and falls.

In the bathroom add items like non slip rugs bath mats for the tub and shower are a start. Also, make sure that toiletries are easily within reach, and that there is sufficient light and put in one or two night lights that are left on at all times. And add in grab bars next to and inside of the tub or shower, and remove glass doors for shatter-proof material.

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Family and Personal Care

Home Safety

Senior-friendly designs help keep older people at home longer

aadmin — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 12:10:57 +0000

With a senior population burgeoning across the United States and Canada, not to mention Europe and even China, more and more businesses are being created to specifically cater to this growing – and wealthy – demographic cohort.

As seniors continue to age, relocation and downsizing becomes an important conversation to have. Many opt to make the move into an active living or independent living retirement community, others choose to move in with loved ones, while others opt to stay living by themselves or with a significant other.

As a result of this significant shift, millions of homes across the United States and Canada need to be retrofitted in order to be accessible for their aging residents, and the trends in this area are nothing short of extraordinary.

There are small, simple changes many companies offer, which include making accessible living spaces by making them wheelchair-accessible, open concept, and without significant barriers. For example, in kitchens, hollowing out the area underneath the sink allows wheelchair users to roll underneath and wash the dishes, which could otherwise prove to be difficult for them. In addition, lower countertops – or even adjustable countertops – can allow multiple people in the same household to find the same level of functionality in the same kitchen.

Additionally, different technologies are being created to help address the cognitive impairment common among seniors (such as Alzheimer’s Disease). These technologies can include sensors which identify when someone is no longer in the kitchen for an extended period of time, upon which the appliances automatically shut down, or it could include an alarm system which tracks movement of a wandering resident or someone who is forgetful.

One company based in Short Hills, New Jersey, just outside of New York City, specifically designs residential lighting systems exclusively aimed at older people.

Josh Scharf, president of Archetype Ltd., told RetirementHomes.com that the challenge in designing senior-friendly products is that few consumers consciously want to buy them!

“There are very few stylish products in the market designed specifically for Boomers and older adults. Most screamed 'geriatric' and who the heck wants that in their home, unless absolutely necessary,” Scharf said.

Archetype Ltd. designs wireless floor lighting which, while available to anyone, has found a niche in the older population because it offers a simple way for seniors to have better vision and mobility while at home, during nighttime hours, Scharf said. And regardless of the aging population, there will always be a need for such products.

“Regardless of age, everyone is at danger of falling down ill-lit stairs,” Scharf said.

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Family and Personal Care

Home Safety

The dangers of seniors living alone

aadmin — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 15:10:14 +0000

A 2011 survey of people over 65 showed that the vast majority (90 percent) wanted to continue living in their homes for as long as they could. It is understandable that seniors should want to stay at home; however, there are many who need care, but who are living on their own.

Moving a senior family member to an assisted living facility can be a difficult and emotionally harrowing. Opting for home care allows them to stay in their own home and be assisted by a home caregiver. Home care can also be considerably more affordable than an assisted living facility. Below is information on the problems that the elderly face when they live by themselves:

Risks to Physical Safety : Elderly people are more prone to falling. Age-related health problems like diabetes and hypertension are a factor in this. These problems can affect their balance and their physical strength. The presence of a caregiver will not prevent someone from falling; however, it can ensure that they get immediate medical attention if they do.

Lack of Financial Protection : Many con artists and fraudsters specialize in targeting elderly individuals. From criminals who phish for personal information over the phone to email and snail mail offers that are obviously too good to be true, seniors living alone can easily fall victim to scammers. Many have lost their life savings due to naivety or confusion.

Poor Nutrition : People who share meals with others or have them prepared by others are more likely to eat nutritious food compared to those who live alone. Those who live by themselves may opt for convenience over nutritional value, especially if cooking is too physically challenging.

Social Isolation:  The Administration on Aging reports that roughly 28 percent of seniors live alone. This means that there are about 11.8 million older people living by themselves. Seniors can become isolated because of the death of a spouse, or because their spouse has Alzheimer's or another condition that requires constant care. They become homebound and get disconnected from other relationships. Studies show that being isolated increases the risk of mortality in individuals who are over the age of 52. Additionally, those who are lonely and isolated are more likely to have physical and mental health issues.

Medication Mistakes : Medication mistakes include taking too much of a drug, taking the wrong drug or mixing medications. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that 70 percent of emergency hospitalizations among seniors occurred because of the medications most commonly prescribed to seniors. Similarly, Medicare records from 2014 show that there were more than 500,000 injuries in Medicare patients’ homes that were caused by medications.

You want to ensure that your loved one lives in a safe and healthy environment, especially if they show signs of cognitive impairment. It is important to keep track of indications that an elderly person is no longer able to live alone.

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Does your older loved one need home care? See these 8 tips

aadmin — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 18:18:58 +0000

Modern medical techniques mean that more Americans are living into advanced ages. While this is a good thing, it does leave the families of the aged with the dilemma of figuring out when the seniors they care about are in need of assistance in their homes.

It is very difficult for most people to admit that they have reached a point in their lives when they can no longer care for themselves. You cannot always rely on your loved one to come to you and tell you they are in need of assistance.

This is especially true if the person you are worried about is your parent. No parent wants to admit to their child that it is time for the roles to be reversed.

This leaves you, the child or caretaker, in the uncomfortable position of trying to decide on your own when the time is right for the senior in your life to receive home care. Keep your eyes open for these 8 warning signs that a senior citizen is no longer completely capable of caring for themselves.

Signs To Look For

Poor hygiene. Keep your eyes peeled for changes in grooming habits, or the appearance of no grooming at all, such as soiled clothing, mussed hair, dirty hands.
Unexplained bruising. Bruising on the arms or legs may mean that the person in question can not see well enough to avoid running into things. Bruises on the torso may be the result of a fall, a particularly dangerous event for an elderly person.
Spoiled foods, messy house, piled up mail. All of these are warning signs that the senior is either becoming confused and forgets to take care of these things or that they simply do not have the energy to keep up with the house work.
Medication signals. A person in the early stages of dementia may forget to take their medications entirely or, perhaps more dangerous, forget that they have already taken them and take them a second time. Keep your eyes open for medication that disappears too quickly or not quickly enough.
Physical weakness. Look for trouble getting up from a sitting position, poor balance, shortness of breath after walking and trouble negotiating the stairs.
Confusion, getting lost. Watch for signs that your loved one has trouble finishing familiar tasks or has trouble finding their way to or from places they visit regularly.
Weight loss. This can be a symptom of many diseases or illnesses or it may be a sign that the aged person is forgets to eat or does not have the strength to fix themselves meals.
Depression. Often manifested as changes in mood or lack of interest in hobbies.

It can be challenging to convince an aged loved one that it is time to have home care services, especially since they are unlikely to admit it on their own. Keep your eyes open for the warning signs that the person you care for and about is in need of more help.

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Home Safety

5 Helping Tips for Caregivers

aadmin — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:54:45 +0000

According to a recent article in The Huffington Post, between 80 to 90 % of elderly people choose to live in their homes instead of opting for residential retirement care.

Here are five key points to consider when elderly parents choose to live home alone:

1. Home Delivery

Healthy eating is a key ingredient to safeguard overall fitness. Caretakers can take advantage of online grocery shopping to lessen the strain of waiting at stores. Daily drop-offs from a free food delivery service like Meals on Wheels are also available.

2. Safeguard the Home

The kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom are high-risk home areas. Bathroom railings help with support. Lower kitchen shelves and wardrobe areas create greater accessibility. Add more lighting and remove floor hazards. For safety, tablets or smartphones can provide video footage of key areas in near real-time.

3. Maintain Health Care

Caretakers can stay in contact with doctors, pharmacists and nurses of a elderly parent. Assist in implementing a low-intensity exercise program.

4. Have Emergency Care in Place

Personal emergency response systems (PERS), permit users to call for help with the push of a button. PERS can help relieve worries should a parent fall or come into trouble. PERS can provide a GPS capability, which could help locate an elderly parent in the event of an accident.

5. Take Care of Social Needs

Isolation affects the elderly and increases the risk of premature death. Social contact plays a big role in creating happiness for aging parents. Technology can bridge the gap. Seventy percent of seniors own chat enabled mobile phones that help adult children and other people keep in touch.

Visits to local community centers can provide seniors with computer or aerobics classes. Fitness is a key area to senior health.

Many of these principles hold true for Assisted Living and Continuing Care residences.

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Caregiving

Family and Personal Care

Home Safety

Toronto Nuns Go Green in Retirement

aadmin — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:21:48 +0000

For 58 elderly nuns in Toronto, Canada, a fitting retirement is at hand. They have selflessly cared for the poor, sick and disadvantaged for a lifetime, now they are receiving a well-deserved thanks in retirement.

Even after a working life the sisters can contribute with a prayer partner, contact new immigrants to offer advice or assist staff and visitors.

The retirement building where they live is deemed by the Toronto Star to be "a marvel of modernity, built to the highest standards of environmental sensitivity: solar panels, rain-collection barrels, geothermal heating and cooling, a green roof and even permeable pavers in the parking lot to reduce water runoff."

The Sisters of St. Joseph wanted a building with proximity to nature to enliven their work and prayer lives. The views from the rooms are expansive and accessible to the smells and sounds of nature.

“We wanted simplicity,” Sister Margaret Myatt told The Star. “We wanted it to be as green a building as possible, to respect nature, and to be efficient and sustainable.”

The 4-story building has a ground floor area with a lobby. The second and third floors are utilized as a care center for residents. The top floor is an assisted-living area for the nuns.

In 1891, the Sisters of St. Joseph of founded St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto which has become an internationally-renowned health care facility. As well, they founded Toronto's St. Joseph's Hospital.

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Family and Personal Care

Elderly woman stuck in nursing home elevator for 29 hours

aadmin — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:51:48 +0000

As the holidays of 2012 wrapped up, millions of families across North America gathered to enjoy each others’ company, exchange presents and enjoy sumptuous food.

But for one woman living in a Canadian nursing home didn’t have the chance to spend the holidays with friends; instead, she spent 29 hours stuck in the home’s elevator.

As reported in the Sun News Network, 87 year-old Rosalie Rowsell, a resident of Malton Village Long Term Care Facility, a Toronto assisted living community, returned to the community in the evening of December 23 after spending time with family.

It was then Rowsell is believed to have been stuck in an off-duty residential elevator , and although she did not return to her room that evening, staff believed she was still with her family.

Rowsell was found 29 hours, still in the elevator, after her family realized she never made it home. The news source reports that she could not reach the elevator’s emergency button to call for assistance.

She was eventually found on December 25 in the elevator, and after being taken to hospital, she was released the same day. As a result of the incident, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is conducting an investigation to determine what went wrong.

The assisted living community is apologetic, and vows to prevent any such incidents in the future.

“We sincerely regret that this gap in our duty resulted in endangering a resident and causing her family distress,” Emil Kolb of the Region of Peel, which operates the facility, told the news source.

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assisted living

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Home Safety

University installs detectors to help monitor seniors

aadmin — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:38:05 +0000

If having your home fitted with motion sensors and detectors would be the best way to identify health problems as early as possible, would you have them installed?

As reported in The Oregonian newspaper, researchers from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have introduced a system of detectors in the seniors’ homes to identify the residents’ daily movements, and identify whether there are any changes in schedules and activities.

But the seniors and detectors are not meant to intrude on a senior’s privacy; rather, they are meant to provide accurate information to doctors and other health professionals, who can then follow up with the seniors and identify any problems that may have caused slowdowns or changes in schedules.

Off-site, a team of volunteers keep an eye on the detectors and log the necessary information.

“I've got an interest in older people and how they're taken care of,” Trudy Rice, a 71 year-old retired nurse who volunteers in the lab with her husband Harvey, told the newspaper. “That's a good study to be involved with.”

With substantial potential for assisting seniors, the OHSU research could one day be offered to seniors in Oregon assisted living communities in addition to those living at home.

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