While many seniors prefer to live independently, some homes are poorly designed to meet their needs. Falls are the number one safety risk for older adults – nearly one third of the senior population fall each year with 70% of falls occurring at home.  Older adults need to take extra safety precautions due to physical changes that occur during the aging process, such as declining vision, hearing, sense of touch and smell, and bone density loss.  These factors increase the risk of injury inside the home.

What can you do to reduce the risk of injury for yourself or your loved one?  First, carefully survey their home for safety hazards. Here are just a few examples;

• Remove all scatter rugs, repair frayed carpet, tape or tack down loose carpet edges.
• Arrange furniture to allow adequate space for safe walking between and within all rooms.
• Place safety strips or a non-skid mat in bathtub/shower and install grab bars – do not use soap dishes or towel racks for support when sitting or standing.
• Keep closet doors and drawers closed to prevent bruises or tripping.
• Keep walking aids within reach and keep a nightlight on or flashlight within reach of your bed.

Other factors to keep in mind – the medicine cabinet and kitchen. As seniors may become forgetful, remembering things like expiration dates is difficult. Some ways caregivers can help in this area include;

• Store sharp knives in a rack.
• Use a kettle with an automatic shut-off.
• Store hazardous items separate from food.
• Make sure food is rotated regularly and check expiration dates
• Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist and when you take new medication.
• Make sure medicines are clearly labeled.
• Read medicine labels in good light to ensure you have the right medicine and always take the correct dose.
• Dispose of any old or used medicines.

We agree that when possible, caring for seniors at home is best. Over 90% of seniors prefer to stay in their own homes, but its important to work with caregivers to make sure home remains safe and hazard free for our loved ones.

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The days are getting warmer and longer. Summer is around the   corner and we could not be more excited.

Going outside for a daily walk or other moderate physical activity has many proven health benefits for seniors. See here just some of the positive effects staying active can have on aging adults.

Increase mental capacity

Research links physical activity with slower mental decline. Exercise increases blood flow to all parts of your body, including your brain, and might promote cell growth there. Exercise — particularly if it starts early and is maintained over time — is beneficial in preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. (Source: Senior Journal.com)

Prevent disease

Exercise may delay or prevent many diseases associated with aging, such as diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease, stroke, and others, and may reduce overall death and hospitalization rates, according to the National Institute of Aging.

Improve healing

Injuries and wounds take longer to heal as people age. Regular exercise by older adults may speed up the wound-healing process by as much as 25 percent. (Source: Senior Journal.com)

Improve quality of life

A new study has found that previously sedentary senior citizens who incorporated exercise into their lifestyles not only improved physical function, but experienced psychological benefits as well. (Source: SeniorJournal.com)

Increase balance

This helps prevent falls, a major cause of broken hips and other injuries that often lead to disability and loss of independence. (Source: Senior Journal.com)

Increase life expectancy

Benefits are greater among the most active persons, but are also evident among those who reported moderate activity, according to the CDC.

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