June is National Safety Month

Seniors are especially vulnerable to falls, burns, and poisonings and many of these accidents happen in the home. This is why experts recommend using a safety checklist such as the one the CDC publishes, A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults. It points out the problems and provides solutions.

In addition experts say if you have balance problems, you may want to get a fall risk assessment from your healthcare provider. They can give you tips to help improve balance along with suggestions on how to protect yourself from falls. Recommendations include wearing non-slip footwear on smooth floors, and if you need a cane or walker to remain steady on your feet, use it rather than relying on holding on to furniture and walls.

Keep hallways and stairways free of clutter, make sure they are well-lit, and use the bannister rail when going up or down the stairs. If you do have area rugs, tape the edges down so they do not create a trip-hazard or use ones with non-skid backing. It is important to get annual eye examinations to check for problems, and update glasses as needed.

Other suggestions include setting your water heater’s thermostat no higher than 120 degree to prevent scalding yourself. Install grab bars in the bathtub and near the toilet and place a rubber mat in the bottom of the tub. Store medications safely and dispose of expired and unused medications. Install nightlights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.

At the MorningStar of Pasadena senior living community, we offer residents comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting. Our beautiful home has 149 apartments for independent living and assisted living in a selection of floor plans and a broad range of amenities and services to meet seniors’ needs including nutrient-rich, tasty dining service. Our residents’ safety is important to us and each suite is equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Please visit our website to learn more about unrivalled senior living Pasadena style.

Comments

Be an Active Partner in Your Medical Care

Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy. In fact, a study showed 7% of hospitalized patients experienced an event that was considered preventable which negatively affected their health. Furthermore, harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are typically related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines. Mistakes associated with misdiagnosis result in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong medications prescribed or supplied can cause serious complications. However, it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all the medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habits s...

Adjust Your Attitude toward “Growing Older”

New studies suggest our attitude toward growing older may affect how well we do with our own aging process. Researchers report findings that show those who negatively view aging may have a higher likelihood of developing changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease . One such study was published in the American Psychological Association’s journal, Psychology and Aging. Its authors suggest if a person shifts their belief about aging to a more positive view; it may be beneficial in helping to mitigate the ravages of Alzheimer’s. Associate professor of public health and psychology at the Yale School of Public Health and the study’s leader, Becca Levy said, “We believe it is the stress generated by the negative beliefs about aging that individuals sometimes internalize from society that can result in pathological brain changes.” She says while these findings are concerning, “it is encouraging to realize that these negative beliefs about aging can be mitigated, and positive beli...

Companion Living Available at MorningStar’s Community in Houston

MorningStar at River Oaks recognizes that for some, assisted living can seem out of reach for them financially, which is why we strive to help families find ways to make it affordable. One of the solutions we offer is “Companion Living.” This is where two unrelated people of the same sex share a suite, whether in assisted living or memory care. Obviously, it is ideal if you have a relative, friend or acquaintance that is looking for the same type of situation and you can pair up to share a suite with them. However, we know that option is not always available, so we step in and help find a suitable companion for you. We carefully pair residents together based on common backgrounds and interests as that provides a good basis for building a friendship. With this living arrangement, the rent of the shared suite is split. Beyond the financial advantage, companion living can help ease the transition to a senior living community . The presence of a roommate can encourage more confident ...

MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Search This Blog