Safety Checks for Aging in Place

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to aging in place is generally safety. Families are concerned that their loved ones’ homes are not conducive to their needs as they get older and will pose a threat to their wellbeing. Tripping and falling are often prominent concerns. There are many small home modifications that you can make to increase safety and allow seniors to remain in their own home for as long as possible.

Handrails and grab bars: Ensure that there are handrails along every set of stairs and that they are securely fastened to the wall. In areas such as the bathroom, install grab bars near the shower and toilet to help with transitions such as standing, sitting, or stepping over the side of the bathtub.

Lighting: Add nightlights, motion sensors, or higher wattage bulbs to increase available lighting. This is especially important in hallways and interior rooms that do not get natural light and for when seniors are up at night and it is dark.

Secure cords and carpets: Make sure that cords for lights, electronics, and other devices are safely tucked away. You can use cable ties to bundle long cords together or affix them off to the side. Also secure the edges of carpets or rugs so that they do not roll up or shift out of position. These strategies can reduce the risk of tripping and falling.

Remove clutter: If your senior has a lot of knickknacks or belongings, make sure there is room for everything to be safely stored. Remove any objects blocking walkways or stairs, or that may topple and cause injury if bumped into.

Service appliances and heating/cooling systems: In an older home, there may be outdated or malfunctioning appliances. Check all cords and wires for signs of fraying or wear. Make sure that the refrigerator, stove, and water heater are maintaining proper temperatures. Have the heating and cooling system inspected to ensure they are in proper working order and do not pose any health risks. Malfunctioning systems can emit carbon monoxide. Regularly check the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Improve ease of access to common areas: This could include rearranging furniture to widen walkways, replacing doorknobs with handles, installing ramps, or making other modifications. Regularly evaluate your senior’s ability to open and close drawers and doors, work the buttons on appliances, and simply complete daily tasks. Look for ways to make these tasks easier and safer.

Planning ahead can help you to integrate modifications that support aging in place ahead of time. Stay alert to your senior’s changing needs, mobility, and function. This will allow you to continue making adjustments as necessary. In-home care can also support aging in place by assisting with daily tasks and promoting safety and wellbeing. Being proactive when it comes to home safety can reduce the risk of trips, falls, and other injuries.

Winter Driving Tips for Seniors

The start of winter means colder temperatures, fewer hours of daylight, and the chance of snow and ice. This can make driving more dangerous for anyone, but especially for seniors. Their vision and reflexes may not be quite as good as they used to be, but not bad enough to keep them from driving. For many, driving is a way to maintain their independence and have the freedom to come and go as they please.

Before your senior hits the road, make sure they are prepared with these winter driving tips:

1. Get the car serviced. Have a professional check to ensure that everything is in proper working condition. This includes inspecting the belts and hoses, battery, cooling system, heat, and fluids. Replace the windshield wipers if they are worn and make any other necessary repairs to prevent more serious issues.

2. Check the tire treads and pressure. These can affect how well the tires grip the road and navigate through poor conditions. You may want to consider putting on snow tires for better traction and wear and tear.

3. Limit nighttime driving. When the sun goes down, the roads can become more dangerous. Falling temperatures can lead to icy patches which can be more difficult to see in the dark. It can also be more challenging for seniors to navigate unfamiliar roads or those which are less traveled and may not be cleared and salted as well. Pay attention to the weather forecast and road conditions to decide if it is safe to venture out regardless of the time.

4. Pack emergency supplies. Keep warm clothing and blankets, bottled water, and nonperishable snacks in the car for emergencies. It is also recommended that your senior have a cell phone with them in case they need to call for help. Cat litter or sand can be useful for gaining traction and getting out of icy patches, or having a small shovel to clear away snow.

5. Know how to handle breaking and skidding. Skidding on ice can be frightening and cause people to lose control of their vehicle. Reiterate the importance of breaking slowly and leaving plenty of room when coming to a stop or turning a corner. If they do happen to skid, they should turn into the skid, not out of it.

6. Stick to the main roads. Main roads tend to be more heavily traveled and kept up with. They are often the first to be cleared and treated. If your senior should run into car trouble, it is better to be on a main road where it is easier to find assistance then off on a back road where traffic may be sparser.

Make sure that your senior is well prepared for the winter weather and their car is in top condition and the gas tank is full. If you know that a storm is coming, consider helping them with shopping and errands beforehand so they won’t have to travel until things have cleared up.

Strategies for Reducing Caregiver Stress

Balancing life as a caregiver can be challenging. Not only are you trying to care for yourself and your family, but also an aging parent. Many caregivers are glad to be able to support their parents as they get older and give back, but if not managed properly, they can quickly burn themselves out. Trying to take on too much can leave them feeling exhausted and stressed, taking away from their ability to provide optimal care. Implementing strategies for managing this stress can support wellbeing.

·         Ask for help: Don’t feel as though you have to do everything on your own. Reach out to siblings, family members, or close friends to share responsibilities. Hire a financial planner or other professional services to help manage your senior’s finances, medical wishes, or other legal issues. Consider arranging power of attorney ahead of time so plans are already in place before they are needed.

·         Make time for yourself: In the midst of your busy schedule, plan time for yourself. Get a massage or manicure, play golf, spend time with friends, and focus on your own wellbeing. If you’re not taking good care of yourself, you won’t be able to take as good care of others.

·         Join a support group: There are many support groups that exist for caregivers as well as for specific conditions. Take advantage of these organizations to connect with others who are going through similar situations. You can make new friends and have a resource for support and advice. 

·         Engage in yoga, meditation, or exercise: Staying physically active can help alleviate stress while also boosting your health. Meditation and yoga can assist you in clearing your mind and refocusing. Exercise can be a great way to burn off excess energy or frustration. It also boosts endorphins which can naturally enhance your mood.

·         Consider In-Home Care: There are many wonderful in-home care agencies that can provide your senior with the companionship, assistance, and support they need as they age in place. Set a schedule that works for both you and your loved one’s needs. There are a wide range of services that these providers can offer which will make your life a little easier.

Be realistic in your expectations for yourself. Know what is and is not within your control. This can help you to better manage your responsibilities and reduce the amount of stress that you feel as a caregiver. Explore the resources available to you and take up others on their offers for support. Remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for others.

How Video Games Could Benefit Senior Health

If you’re looking for a great gift for your aging parents this holiday season, consider investing in video games. Whether played on a traditional game system, the computer, a Smartphone, or other digital device, these games can provide a plethora of benefits. Video games are not just for children or young adults; they are making their way into older populations as well and helping to keep their minds sharper.

Learning to play a new game can increase connections in the brain, refining skills. They can impact abilities such as:

• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Multi-tasking
• Memory

Whether playing a memory game or navigating a character through a complex scene, seniors are stretching their minds. Some moves must be decided in rapid succession, while others take more planning and organization. Alternating between these types of scenarios can keep the mind more engaged and exercise different parts of the brain.

Getting Physical

Video games can also be used to promote physical activity and fine and gross motor skills. Systems such as the Wii come with games where players interact and replicate the motions used in some of their favorite activities or sports. They must coordinate how and where their hands and bodies move. Exercise or fitness programs can also support improved balance and flexibility while keeping seniors more active. Manipulating the controller can also enhance fine motor skills. These types of physical movement can also support rehab efforts.

Socialization and Stress Relief

Gaming is an activity that seniors can easily engage in with others. They can enjoy friendly competition, teamwork, or strategizing as they spend time together. This can boost mood and also reduce risk of loneliness. Regular game sessions can give them something to look forward to and a way to make new friends and explore interests.

Playing games that challenge their mind can also help seniors to combat stress. Their focus shifts to something else and it can be a beneficial way to relax and unwind. As they improve and advance in a game, it can elevate self esteem, confidence, and motivation. Winning can boost their mood and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Trying Something New

There are games of every type available to fit even the most diverse interests. Switching between various types of games can target various skills. It can also keep things more interesting and exciting. The next time grandchildren or other friends are ready to play, consider the benefits of joining in or even starting up a game on your own. Your physical, mental, social, and emotional health can all benefit from some strategic screen time.

Celebrating Thanksgiving with Aging Parents

Holidays are a wonderful time to get the whole family together, celebrate, and reminisce. For aging parents, however, the holidays can be a difficult time. They may be missing a spouse that has passed away or be struggling with mobility or memory problems that make it more difficult to engage in their favorite traditions. Caregivers and family members can support their elderly loved ones in making the most of these special times and keeping them involved.

·         Help them to decorate: You can decorate their home, or bring them to yours. Put up festive décor that gets them in the mood and reminds them of the season. Use family favorites that have been around for generations, or create new decorations with grandchildren. Just ensure that decorations do not pose a safety threat and are not in the way.

·         Let them help with cooking: Select some of their favorite recipes and let your aging parent help with preparation. Oftentimes they know family secrets that make these recipes turn out just like you remembered. Learn from them as they pass down these traditions. Provide assistance so that they can help out while still staying safe. If their diet has changed due to health concerns, prepare dishes that meet their needs and everyone can enjoy instead of having restricted items or singling them out.

·         Reflect on why you’re thankful: Take time to look back on the past year and come up with reasons you are thankful. This can be a great way to build connections and foster stronger relationships. Focusing on the positive can boost everyone’s moods and help them to be more appreciative. You can also take this time to reminisce about previous Thanksgivings spent together and the memories made while making new ones.

·         Enjoy the time together: With increasingly busy schedules, holidays can be a good time to slow down and simply enjoy time spent together. It may be difficult to plan visits with hectic work schedules, so use this time off to gather everyone together and celebrate. Your parent may not want to do much more than just visit, relax, and enjoy being around their loved ones. Talk to them about plans and see what they are interested in.

Being with family and friends can help to keep your senior more social and reduce risk of loneliness and isolation. It can also help you to evaluate their physical and mental health, mobility, and needs as you interact. This can allow you to arrange for more effective support and care as they age in place. Being out of their normal environment can be a good change of pace and also alert you to things you may not have been aware of or want to keep an eye on. Make the most of Thanksgiving with your aging parent whether you are carrying out long-lasting traditions or creating new ones and enjoy the time you get to spend together.