Elderly people are at increased risk for nutrient deficiencies, and should ensure adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, folic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium and fiber. Here are some specific recommendations to ensure they get the most from their diets.

Diet For Seniors: Tips

• As our bodies’ own natural antioxidant systems become less effective, we must increase our intake of antioxidant and potassium-rich fruits and vegetables, such as artichokes, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cranberries and plums. In addition, many seniors fall short on dietary fiber. In addition to helping maintain optimal cholesterol levels, fiber improves irregularity. Good sources of fiber include beans, oats, oranges, raspberries and green peas. A bonus of eating lots of fruits (such as pineapples and cherries) and vegetables is that they’re rich in a compound called bromelain, which may alleviate joint pain.

• Protein is another macronutrient that the elderly may fall short on. A safe protein intake for elderly adults is 1.0-1.25 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. The body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 declines with age (found mostly in meats), so it makes sense to consume foods rich in both protein and vitamin B12, such as salmon, sardines, albacore tuna, sardines and flounder. The added bonus to these foods is that they are a source of omega-3 fats (as are walnuts, avocados and seeds), which may help improve brain function and reduce inflammation.

• Good nutrition planning is needed to reach the recommended levels of calcium and vitamin D (for bone health), and vitamin B6 (for energy metabolism and heart health). Riboflavin deficiency in the elderly is actually quite common, at about 24% not meeting the RDA for this vitamin; while approximately 10% do not meet the RDA need for vitamin B6. Foods rich in these nutrients include bananas, yogurt, chicken, spinach, fortified cereal, milk, beans (such as lentil and pinto), fish (yellowfin tuna and snapper) and whole grains.

• It is common for the elderly to have a diminished sense of taste and smell. This may be why they readily add salt to their meals. The new dietary guidelines suggest limiting our sodium intake to less than 1 teaspoon per day to reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. These individuals should try adding curcumin (a compound in curry that may protect against Alzheimer’s disease), Mrs. Dash® salt-free seasonings, and other herbs and spices to meals.

• Vitamin A intakes in the elderly are generally below the current standard of 1,000 milligrams per day for men and 800 milligrams for women. Despite these low intakes, liver stores of vitamin A are well preserved with advancing age so supplementation would be more detrimental in elderly persons than in younger persons because of a diminished ability to clear this vitamin from the body. If retinyl esters build up, they transfer into low -density lipoproteins (LDLs) in the bloodstream, remaining for several weeks to act as potential toxins.

• One of the most noticeable changes is that we lose lean body mass (muscle) and gain body fat. Between the ages of 30 and 80, lean body mass declines by about 15% in people who are sedentary. Because of these changes, we need about 10% fewer calories as each decade of life passes. However, our nutrient needs generally stay the same. When declining energy requirements are not matched by decreased caloric intake, total body fat increases.

• At every stage of life, our bodies change. As a result, certain nutrients become important for optimal health at different times. Always keep in mind that there are specific nutrition considerations that, if addressed properly, can help each of us function at our peak.

A recent study showed that the elderly driver was second to the young driver when it came to accidents on the road caused by driving. This is often due to many facts, the elderly person simply might not have the fast reactions they once did, they suffer from aching joints which move slower and their concentration isn’t what it used to be at one time. However all is not lost for the elderly driver and there are certain things that they can do to ensure that they remain safe whilst driving and so lessen the risk of being the cause of an accident.

When it comes to staying firmly in the driving seat then the elderly should look at what they are capable of and are not and then work on the strengths and developing their weaknesses. There are many things that should be taken into account and these include

• Give some thought as to how much you can see after the sun goes down, for instance if you have trouble seeing to walk in the dark then you are going to have many problems when it comes to driving. If this is the case then avoid driving at night, this also includes driving very early in the morning for example before sunset
• Take into account any medication that you are taking, if you drive then always mention this to your Doctor as some medication can cause problems with eyesight and ca make you feel drowsy
• If you have poor eyesight and wear spectacles then it is essential that you never forget to wear them while driving. It is also essential that you have regular eye checks and replace your spectacles as necessary to ensure your vision is as near perfect as possible
• If you plan on going somewhere you are unsure of then plan the route out beforehand, this can prevent an awful lot of stress and aggravation which are sometimes the main causes of road accidents through lack of concentration
• Always give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going, never, ever rush this is another leading cause of accidents
• Always remember that if the worst comes to the worst and you have to give up your driving licence it isn’t the end, there are other means of getting from A to B and staying safe and alive is much more important Ensure you have the right type of car

It is essential that you also have the right type of car; this can go a long way to helping you stay in the driving seat. Along with this you should keep as fit and active as possible, have check ups on a regular basis and take advice from your Doctor. Important points to consider when it comes to your choice of car include

• Ensure you can see the panels clearly in the car and can read the indicators clearly
• If you have problems with your eyes then tinted windows can reduce the glare
• Power steering can make handling the car much easier
• Installing a navigation system can help when it comes to directions and travelling in places you are not used too
• Installing special seating in the can help if you have trouble with joints and in particular the back and legs

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?

Insomnia (in-som-nee-uh) is having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. Insomnia is also the feeling that you are not getting enough sleep. People over 65 years of age are more likely to have problems with sleep.
Adults need 7 1/2 to 8 hours of sleep each night. As people age their need for sleep actually stays the same or only decreases slightly (6 1/2 to 7 hours a night). Normal sleep happens in several stages. There are times in the night when you sleep lightly and do not dream. There are also periods of deep, dreamless sleep. Throughout the night you have several periods of active dreaming called REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. But, sleep patterns change as we grow older. The amount of time you spend in each type of sleep changes.
Signs and Symptoms: You may have one or more of the following symptoms of insomnia.

Harder time falling asleep.
Awaken more often (3 to 4 times each night) and have greater memory of being awake.
The difference between being asleep and awake is sudden. This can make you feel like you are a light sleeper.
Feel as though you are not getting enough sleep because less time is spent in deep, dreamless sleep. But, your total sleep time may not have changed.
“Internal clock” shifts so that you go to bed earlier in the evening and wake earlier in the morning.
Confusion between day and night.
Causes: Many things can cause insomnia in the elderly. Most of these causes can be treated. The causes of insomnia in the elderly are divided into 4 groups.

Physical:
Cardiovascular disease.
COPD, asthma, or other lung problems
Long-term pain.
Bladder or prostate problems.
Epilepsy.
Sleep apnea.
Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Joint disease, like arthritis or bursitis.
Gastroesophageal reflux.
Environmental/Behavioral:
Noise.
Late-night eating.
Late-night exercise.
Inactive lifestyle.
Drugs:
Caffeine (coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate, some cold medicines).
Alcohol.
Nicotine.
Some antidepressant medicines.
Stimulant medicines.
Medicine schedule. Taking some medicines at night may cause you to wake up at night, like diuretics (water pills).
Mental:
Anxiety.
Depression.
Retirement.
Loss of personal identity.
Death of spouse, family member, or friends.
Stress.
Financial problems.
Belief that you are in poor health.
Care:

Tests: You may need one or more of the following tests to help caregivers plan your treatment.
Health history: Caregivers will ask questions about your sleep habits as well as questions about your past and current medical history. They will need to know what medicines you take to include over-the-counter medicines. Caregivers will also ask questions about your life style and about any stresses you have.
Physical checkup: You will have a physical checkup to make sure that something physical is not causing your insomnia. The physical checkup may include one or more of the following tests.
EEG sleep studies.
Overnight oximetry.
Overnight polysomnography.
Mini-mental state exam.
Cardiopulmonary exam.
Upper airway exam.
Neurologic exam.
Musculoskeletal exam.
Blood or urine lab tests.
Treatment Options: Caregivers will first treat any physical, medicine, or mental problems that might be causing your insomnia. You may want to try some of the following things to help you sleep better.
Set a bedtime routine for yourself. Sticking to this routine will help good sleep habits develop with time.
Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. But, try not to go to bed until you feel sleepy.
Read or watch television before bedtime. This may help you feel sleepy and allow you to fall asleep naturally.
Take a hot bath before going to bed.
Avoid heavy eating late in the evening. But, a light bedtime snack may help. A glass of warm milk causes sleepiness naturally.
Make sure that your bedroom is quiet, peaceful, and comfortable.
Do not turn your bedroom into an office or den.
Make sure your mattress is comfortable.
Try to make your bedroom as sound-proof as possible so that noises do not wake you. Use earplugs or eye shades if necessary.
If you have a bedroom clock, make sure it does not tick or hum because this can awaken you.
Avoid taking naps during the day.
Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and tobacco within 6 hours of sleep.
Exercise regularly so that you will be tired naturally at bedtime. But, do not exercise 3 hours before bedtime.
Avoid alcohol before bedtime. Alcohol may make you sleep but it can wake you up later in the night.
Many people find that they “worry” about things when they are in bed. Try to deal with your worries before going to bed for the night. Try to turn off your mind. Focus on peaceful and relaxing thoughts. Play soft music or relaxation tapes. Ask your caregiver for help with relaxation training or stress management.
Medicine: Caregivers may give you sleeping medicine for a short time to set up regular sleep patterns. But, avoid taking sleeping medicines for long periods if at all possible. These medicines can be addicting and some have side effects, such as confusion. Do not take sleeping pills given to you by friends. Do not take over-the-counter sleeping pills or medicine that cause insomnia, like some cold medicines.
Always take your medicine as directed by your caregiver. If you feel it is not helping, call your caregiver. Do not quit taking it unless your caregiver tells you to.
Keep track of what medicines you are taking and when you take them. Bring a list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregiver(s). Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicines.
If you are taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-ah-tiks), take them until they are all gone even if you feel well.
If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Author: Larry Johnson
Being confined to a bed or in a chair may not be exactly what you had envisioned during your last years. Find freedom and independence again with electric mobility scooters.

There would not be much excitement in life if you had to spend it sitting in a chair or lying in a bed every day. Relying on somebody else to perform simple tasks for you, such as getting a drink of water, can make you feel like you are nothing but a burden to others. If you or someone you love needs a boost maybe electric scooters are what you should be investigating.

It wasn-t too long ago that the elderly and handicapped relied exclusively on others for their care and entertainment. But with the recent advancements in scooters many seniors or disabled people can now grab hold of some of their freedom again. Cheap electric scooters can allow the formerly bed-ridden or chair-ridden to travel as if they actually had legs that worked again. No more depression due to lack of independence. Returned is the ability not only to get yourself a glass of water, but to go out and get the morning newspaper or even take the dog for a walk. Getting out in the fresh air is something that may not have been possible for many without the assistance of electric scooters. Some people think of scooters as belonging in a sports category, but it-s all recreation and assistance.

In my neighborhood there is an elderly gentleman that cruises down the sidewalk with his control lever in one hand and his dog leash in the other. Without his electric scooter there would be no fresh air for him. There would be no walking the dog or talking with the friendly neighbors he runs into (figuratively, not literally). He-s free once again to roam the streets with his best friend Fido. What a great feeling that must be, to get out of the house for a short time each day when it used to be impossible. There-s practically nowhere a person can-t go these days with the help of these magnificent little vehicles.

There are a wide variety of scooters available to the public these days. Besides electric types there are gas, utility and foldable models. They all have their advantages under certain conditions. Kids love the compact and easy-to-handle foldable or Razor scooters. They are very cheap, often under $100, and make getting places a snap. They are also very inexpensive to operate once you own one. Kids use their scooters as motorcycles, but a scooter is so much more than a miniature motorcycle, they are a means of obtaining freedom for the elderly.

Gas powered scooters are more powerful, allowing the driver to travel further distances away from home. There are even larger touring models manufactured for the sole purpose of long distance travel. The touring types are bigger and heavier, and they consume a little more fuel, but they allow for long distance travel unlike the foldable, utility or mobility models.

Utility scooters are becoming very popular with different types of institutions such as school campuses, professional sports stadiums, golfers and big businesses. Have you ever seen a person driving a cart in a school parking lot, going from car to car looking for parking violations? In all probability they were driving utility scooters. And golf carts are just a modified version of this type. It-s hard going to any large institution these days without running into a utility scooter of some type or another.

The electric models are very versatile and are used to perform many functions. They are used in the foldable and utility types most often. But perhaps where they perform their greatest task is in assisting the elderly or disabled. It wasn-t too long ago that these mobility vehicles had a very limited distance, but with the advancement of batteries and their capacities they can now be used for an entire day before needing to be recharged. They can be driven all day and then plugged in at night for recharging while everyone is fast asleep. Then in the morning they are ready to perform their duties again for another day. What a wonderful gift to those that no longer have the ability to get around on their own.

Mobility electric scooters are different than the gas powered models. For one thing they will have at least 3, but usually 4 wheels. The reason for the extra wheels is stability. It-s not too hard to lose your balance on a 2-wheel variety, but it-s almost impossible with 4-wheels. With the extra stability that 4 wheels adds it makes the mobility electric scooters very safe for travel in and around the home. These handicapped models are bigger and heavier than other types which allows for better control and more storage. Electric scooters are here to stay. If chosen carefully it can become one of the best purchases ever made for the handicapped, disabled or elderly.

About Author

Larry Johnson has a special fondness for electric scooters. Spreading the word about the wonderful world of mobility scooters is one of his missions. For more information visit http://www.my-electric-scooters.com.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Mobility Scooter Types and Features

Social support, a factor tested in the previous study, is typically defined as help extended in response to an identified stressor. Only two studies have shown that increased social support is related to improved dietary quality.

To date, we have little information on older persons’ perception of support in response to a source of nutrition stress. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to identify older womens’ perceptions of the frequency and providers of social support in response to two common nutrition stressors (following diet modifications and physical disability.

One hundred and two females, aged 75 to 95 years, who were living alone for at least five years were included in this study. The women lived in government-subsidized housing units in eastern Connecticut. Almost three-quarters of the subjects had incomes below poverty level. Three in-home interviews were conducted which were used to identify three constructs for this study: functional status, modified diet, and social support. Functional status was classified into one of four categories: severe, moderate, mild, or no difficulties in performing daily living tasks. To further investigate social support, a questionnaire was developed to collect data on the frequency and providers of social support. Subjects were asked who provided support for diet modifications and who provided support for food procurement. They were also asked what type of help: information, emotional, or instrumental (i.e., grocery shopping or transportation).

Ninety-six women reported following modified diets. Even though the women believed their diets to be important, only 40 reported support around them in the past year. Women with at least one doctor-prescribed diet modification were significantly more likely to receive diet support than women on self-prescribed diets. Families and friends provided most of the support. Of the 102 subjects, more reported help with food procurement (obtaining groceries or acquiring meals) than related support on their modified diets.

The Internet has enabled patients to take a more active role in the health care process. 1 While the Internet has contributed to societal change, and provided opportunities to revolutionize health care 2 , 3 , it may be said that for the elderly population, it is more of an ‘evolution’ than ‘revolution’. In a recent survey by the University of Pittsburgh 4 , it was discovered that 62% of the residents of Pittsburgh and surrounding Allegheny County had access to the Internet. However, the average older adult in Allegheny County, the second largest population of older adults in the nation 5 , had the lowest levels of computer ownership and more limited access to the Internet than other county residents. Furthermore, these elderly adults, who make up 17.8% (228,416) of the county’s 1,281,666 residents lacked the essential knowledge of how to use the Internet to locate health information. Nationally, research 6 shows that older Americans are in danger of being cut off from one of the most provocative communication mediums of the 21st century. In the United States, elderly adults make up 13% of the population with only 4% using the Internet. Overall, 56% of America is online and out of that percentage, only 15% age 65 and over have direct access to the Internet. 7

Medical care in America has generally been regarded by many as the best and of the highest quality throughout the world. However, research 8 has shown that the deaths of over 98,000 people annually may be due to medical errors. The physician, once thought to be an oracle of medical knowledge, has been found to practice medicine based on a combination of their instinct, experience, and sometimes outdated education. This has created a system prone to mistakes due to the wide range of variability in practice, knowledge, and education. To perpetuate this illusion of the infallibility of the physician, tradition has taught the individual that their role in the health care process is one of passive recipient, i.e., “The Doctor knows best.” Hospitals, physicians, and health care professionals purport to know what is best for their patients, thus the patient should allow the providers unrestrained ability to make the major decisions regarding the care that is given. Research, however, shows that the adoption of a passive role is a matter of blind faith8, 9 , 10 and can be counter-productive in diagnosis and treatment.

The majority of patients prefer to leave their medical decisions to their physicians. 11 , 12 Not only is this the case for older and less educated patients 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , but physicians perpetuate this trend as their experience and education increases. 19 , 20 Over the years, studies have shown that patients over 60 years of age have a lower desire for control over their health care when compared to younger adults. 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 Moreover, older patients and men are more likely to let the physician make decisions regarding their treatment. 26 This suggests that the elderly tend to have an external locus of control when it comes to health beliefs 27 , as opposed to an internal locus of control, over their health care. This phenomenon appears to exist across disease classifications10,12, 14,16,25.

Although the majority of patients prefer to let their physician make the decisions, the more a patient learns about their illness, the more likely they are to ask questions of their physician. 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 Studies have shown that patients who ask questions, elicit treatment options, express opinions, and state their preferences regarding treatment during office visits with their physicians have measurably better health outcomes than those who do not communicate.8, 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 Therefore, this study explored the impact the Internet had on the elderly with regard to their participation in their own health care. Did they use the Internet to become more informed health consumers, and as a more informed consumer, did they assume a more active role in their own health care.

Don’t Buy More Policies Than You Need. Duplicate coverage can be expensive and generally is unnecessary. A single comprehensive policy is better than several policies with overlapping or duplicate coverage. Federal law prohibits an insurer from selling you a second Medigap policy unless you state in writing that you intend to cancel the first policy after the replacement policy goes into effect. Recent changes in the law affect beneficiaries who get help from the state through its Medicaid program in paying their health care costs. Anyone who sells you a policy in violation of the various anti-duplication provisions is subject to criminal and/or civil penalties under federal law. Call 1-800-638-6833 to report suspected violations.

Consider Your Alternatives. Depending on your health care needs and finances, you may want to consider continuing the group coverage you have at work, joining a managed care plan, buying a Medigap policy, or buying a long-term care insurance policy.

Check For Pre-existing Condition Exclusions. In evaluating a policy, you should determine whether it limits or excludes coverage for existing health conditions. Many policies do not cover health problems that you have at the time of purchase. Pre-existing conditions are generally health problems you saw a doctor about within the 6 months before the date the policy went into effect.

If you have had a health problem, the insurer might not cover you for expenses connected with that problem. Medigap policies, however, are required to cover pre-existing conditions after the policy has been in effect for 6 months. Some companies have shorter waiting periods before covering a pre-existing condition.

Beware of Replacing Existing Coverage. Be careful when buying a replacement Medigap policy. Make sure you have a good reason for switching from one policy to another—you should only switch for different benefits, better service, or a more affordable price. On the other hand, don’t keep inadequate policies simply because you have had them for a long time. If you decide to replace your Medigap policy, you must be given credit for the time spent under the old policy in determining whether and to what extent any pre-existing conditions restrictions apply under the new policy. You must also sign a statement that you intend to terminate the policy to be replaced. Do not cancel the first policy until you are sure that you want to keep the new policy. You have 30 days to decide.

Policy Delivery or Refunds Should be Prompt. The insurance company should deliver a policy within 30 days. If it does not, contact the company and obtain in writing the reason for the delay. If 60 days go by without a response, contact your state insurance department.

Prohibited Marketing Practices. It is unlawful for a company or agent to use high pressure tactics to force or frighten you into buying a Medigap policy, or to make fraudulent or misleading comparisons to get you to switch from one company or policy to another. Deceptive “cold lead” advertising also is prohibited. This tactic involves mailings to identify individuals who might be interested in buying insurance. If you fill in and return the card enclosed in the mailing, the card may be sold to an insurance agent who will try to sell you a policy.

Be Aware of Maximum Benefits. Most policies have some type of limit on benefits. They may restrict either the dollar amount that will be paid for treatment of a condition or the number of days of care for which payment will be made. Some insurance policies (but not Medigap policies) pay less than the Medicare-approved amounts for hospital outpatient medical services and for services provided in a doctor’s office. Others do not pay anything toward the cost of those services.

Policies to Supplement Medicare Are Neither Sold Nor Serviced by the State or Federal Governments. State insurance departments approve policies sold by private insurance companies but approval only means the company and policy meets requirements of state law. Do not believe statements that insurance to supplement Medicare is a government-sponsored program. If anyone tells you that they are from the government and later tries to sell you an insurance policy, report that person to your state insurance department or federal authorities.

This type of misrepresentation is a violation of federal and state law. It is also unlawful for a company or agent to claim that a policy has been approved for sale in any state in which it has not received state approval or to use fraudulent means to gain approval.

Know With Whom You’re Dealing. A company must meet certain qualifications to do business in your state. You should check with your state insurance department to make sure that any company you are considering is licensed in your state. This is for your protection. Agents also must be licensed by your state and may be required by the state to carry proof of licensure showing their name and the company they represent. If the agent cannot verify that he or she is licensed, do not buy from that person. A business card is not a license.

Keep Agents’ and/or Companies’ Names, Addresses and Telephone Numbers. Write down the agents’ and/or companies’ names, addresses and telephone numbers or ask for a business card that provides all that information.

Take Your Time. Do not be pressured into buying a policy. Principled sales people will not rush you. If you are not certain whether a policy is what you need, ask the salesperson to explain it to a friend. Keep in mind, however, that there is a limited time period in which new Medicare Part B enrollees can buy the Medigap policy of their choice without special conditions being imposed. Once this open enrollment period ends, you may be limited as to the Medigap policies available to you, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition.

If You Decide To Buy, Complete the Application Carefully. Do not believe an insurance agent who says your medical history on an application is not important. Some companies ask for detailed medical information. If you leave out any of the medical information requested, coverage could be refused for a period of time for any medical condition you neglected to mention. The company also could deny a claim for treatment of an undisclosed condition and/or cancel your policy.

Look For an Outline of Coverage. You must be given a clearly worded summary of the policy . . . READ IT CAREFULLY.

Do Not Pay Cash. Pay by check, money order or bank draft made payable to the insurance company, not to the agent or anyone else. Get a receipt with the insurance company’s name, address and telephone number for your records.

For Your Protection

As previously noted, federal criminal and civil penalties can be imposed against anyone who sells a Medigap or other health insurance policy in violation of the anti-duplication and other insurance laws. Penalties may also be imposed for claiming that a Medigap policy meets legal standards for federal certification when it does not, or for using the mail for the delivery of advertisements offering for sale a Medigap policy in a state in which it has not received approval.

Additionally, it is illegal under federal law for an individual or company to misuse the names, letters, symbols or emblems of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Social Security Administration, or the Health Care Financing Administration. It also is illegal to use the names, letters, symbols or emblems of their various programs.

This law is aimed primarily at mass marketers that use this information on mail solicitations to imply that the product is either endorsed or is being sold by the U.S. government. The advertising literature is often designed to look like it came from a government agency. If you believe that you have been the victim of any unlawful insurance sales practices, contact your state insurance department immediately.

If you believe that federal law has been violated, you may call 1-800-638-6833. In most cases, however, your state insurance department can offer the most assistance in resolving insurance-related problems.

Source: 1997 Guide to Health Insurance for People With Medicare, HCFA

Every year we hear stories of seniors falling, ending up in hospitals and never fully recovering. Unfortunately, these falls often result in death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths for seniors age 65 and older. Every year, approximately 35% to 40% of seniors over 65 years of age fall at least one time. The following are five ways to help reduce the risk of you or a loved one from falling:

1. Keep Indoor Pathways Safe- Remove throw rugs or use double sided tape to prevent rugs from becoming loose. Keep telephone and electrical cords out of walkways as well as items such as shoes, blankets and books. Move furniture out of walkways to ensure the path is clear. Always keep stairways free from clutter.

2. Review Medications- Visit with your doctor or pharmacist about the medications you or a loved one is taking. Some prescriptions and over the counter drugs can cause one to become drowsy, dizzy or unsteady. In addition, make sure to get your vision checked once a year to reduce the risk of falling due to poor vision.

3. Exercise Regularly- It is important to improve your muscle flexibility and strength to reduce the risk of falling. Balance and coordination are also important to help prevent falling, and these can be accomplished through regular exercise.

4. Add Safety Features to Bathroom and Bedroom- Install mats or suction cups in the bathtub. Place grab bars near the toilet, shower, and tub area, as well as bench or a stool in the shower. Consider using an elevated toilet seat to help reduce the risk of falling. In the bedroom, keep a lamp or light switch that can be easily reached without getting out of bed. Use night lights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.

5. Improve Outdoor Walkways- Paint the edges of outdoor steps, especially steps that are narrow or are higher or lower than other steps. Paint outside stairs with a mixture of sand and paint to help with traction. Keep walkways well lit and clear from debris, snow and ice.

In addition to keeping the home safe from hazards, always try to maintain good health and exercise habits. It is important to wear rubber soled shoes that fully support your feet. Furthermore, limit the consumption of alcohol, and use walking devices such as a cane or a walker if extra support is needed. By reducing the risk of falling, one is increasing the chances of living a happy and safe life.

Home Safety is crucial if you are caring for your loved one in your home. It is especially important if your loved one is left alone for any amount of time. This article will be focusing on some things you can do to make your home safe. In addtion to my tips, I have included several links to various sites that have more ideas on how you can safety proof your home.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

1. Oven and Stove
The oven and stove are a major cause of accidental fires, especially if you are not there. If you cannot unhook it, please remove the dials. By removing the dials, you are making it more difficult for your loved one to turn the the oven and stove on. If your loved one prepares their own meals, you can have them use the microwave and preset the dial for them.

2. Fire Alarms
Are your fire alarms working? I suggest checking them at least once a month to make sure they are working. Fire alarms are very helpful especially if you are in the house with your loved one. Depending on the fire alarm, it may be able to detect burnt toast.

3. Locks on the Doors
Locks on front and back doors will be very helpful if your loved one wanders throughout the night. Wandering is common in persons with dementia. If you are in a house, you may want to consider putting in extra locks that you need a key to open. Place these locks at the top of the door- out of reach for your loved one. If you are in an apartment, please speak to your landlord before adding additional locks. Most buildings will allow you to add extra safety precautions.

4. Balconies and Sliding Doors
If you live in am apartment/condo or if you live in a more than one story house, this is extremely important. There are safety devices that you can attach to your sliding doors. You want to eliminate the possible cause of an accident in the middle of the night if your loved one wanders.

5. Stairs
If you have stairs in your home, are there railings? Railings are necessary, so that your loved one can have something to hold on to. Also, if you have winding stairs, you may want to consider moving your loved one’s room downstairs if your loved one is having problems with the stairs. In the evening, place a night light at the foot of the stairs, so that your loved one can where to take the first step.

The elderly must be the first to thank the technological advancements of our time. Technology has seemingly, worked over time to make gadgets that can make life safer and more comfortable especially for the elderly and the working class. If the Personal computer has made the daily office chores more convenient for the executive the processors circuitry has been incorporated into many gadgets of daily use. From talking watches and time pieces to ordinary cutting gadgets that are painted with contrasting colors that make the food being cut stand out and easier to see. Large text magnifiers and text to speech gadgets are becoming more popular with the aged who are fond of reading.

Opening a tight jar can be quire a chore and a strain, it is not always possible to have a burly male around when you need to get that jar opened. The Gripper is a gadget that sits on top of the jar and cuts the cover open without slipping and sliding and no strain at all. The Magic Chef is another helpful gadget for the elderly. This 1.1 cubic foot 1000 watt oven actually verbally counts down while it cooks the food. It also reads out the instructions of operation while you are pressing the controls. Nothing could be easier. Then there are the talking thermometers and measuring cups to make cooking easier. The list of gadgets for the elderly is actually endless.

I think the problem here may be that of lack of awareness of existence of gadgets suitable for the elderly. Most people in the population segment are not very internet friendly and a lot of them are not forthcoming in trying a new device or gadget. I feel some awareness that can perhaps be created by the various agencies involved in the care for the elderly might help.