Category Archives: Elder Safety

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Home Safety for Seniors: 19 Tips

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Home safety tips for seniors

Most accidents occur in the home.  What can you do to protect an elderly loved one from getting hurt?  Here are some steps to follow:

· Keep outdoor steps and walkways in good condition and clear of debris.

· Illuminate all stairways and hallways and provide light switches at both ends.

· Use nightlights or bedside remote controlled switches.

· Provide handrails in hallways and stairways.

· Keep a sturdy nightstand next to the bed so glasses and other personal items are within reach.

· Put felt or soft material over sharp edges and corners of furniture such as nightstands, tables and shelves.

· Tack down the edges of carpets and rugs; remove throw rugs that slide.

· Keep pathways clear of furniture and other objects.

· Provide handrails in the bathroom (especially near the toilet) and use non-skid strips in bathtubs.

· Use a shower seat and shower hose for those unable to stand in the shower.

· Avoid using bath oils or lotions in the bathtub.

· Use kitchen appliances with thermostats and timers. The elderly find appliances with signal lights and buzzers easier to use.

· Use fireproof curtains on windows near the stove.

· Clearly mark the “off” position on stoves and ranges so a person with diminished eyesight can immediately tell if the element is off.

· Set water heater thermostats or faucets so water does not scald the skin.

· Install smoke detectors in the kitchen and throughout the rest of the house.

· Keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.

· Arrange frequently used kitchen items in an easy-to-reach cabinet.

· Install one good lock that can be opened easily from the inside.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, VP Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional, dependable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

Senior Safety at Home – 7 More Tips

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Keeping New Jersey seniors safe around the home

Here are some very important things to remember to keep things safe around the house for your elderly loved ones:

Aerosol sprays vs. pump

Aerosol cleaning sprays are not only unhealthy to our bodies, but can be unhealthy to carpeting, vinyl, wood, and our total home health environment. When buying cleaning supplies, choose the pump type.

Ice on wood decks

You can add safety to icy wood decks by sprinkling them with cornmeal, which adds traction and is easily swept away without harming the wood, lawn, or plants.

Don´t advertise expensive purchases

When purchasing expensive electronics, or appliance that come in boxes, be sure to break-down (flatten) the boxes they come in before placing outside for pick-up. Otherwise, you will only be alerting thieves that you have something inside for them to steal.

Health check for gas heaters

Gas heaters should be checked before each winter as soot can build up at the outlets causing problems and may need cleaning. Proper ventilation and clean filters are important. Call your gas utility or manufacturer/installer for information.

Types of paints

Finished paint efforts will be more rewarding when the right types of paints are used. Here is a basic list:
-Latex that is available in flat or semi-gloss finish can be thinned with water and is washable; is odor free and quick drying; good for ceilings, walls and woodwork.
-Polyurethane, that is available in satin or high gloss and very durable; can be thinned with alcohol; good for floors and wood surfaces.
-Oil-based paint, high gloss that can be scrubbed; can be thinned with mineral spirits or turpentine; best for trim, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Spots on carpet/floors

Humidity can cause furniture casters to discolor wood flooring or carpeting underneath. This can be prevented by spraying clean casters with shellac or clear urethane. Remember to have good ventilation when spraying these solvents. If you are unsure, place stiff pieces of clear plastic under the casters or legs of furniture.

Icy doorsteps

To avoid icy doorsteps in wintertime, add dishwashing liquid to warm water, then pour all over the steps. This will thaw ice and prevent refreezing.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

Lifestyle Tips for NJ Seniors

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New Jersey Senior Living & Lifestyle

Here are some wise tips that every senior should consider following:

Phone solicitations

Never respond to phone solicitations for products or winning sweepstakes. And NEVER give out ANY personal information to ANYONE who contacts you by telephone – especially a social security number or credit card information. Tell them you are not interested and hang up the phone.

Eating less-the easy way

Diets aren´t always the easy way to maintain a healthy weight for seniors, but eating less can be. Use the salad plate for meals rather than the dinner plate; less surface, less food.

Arthritic hands

For those with arthritis, clothes with buttons can be a challenge. One suggestion would be to convert your present clothes to velcro closure by remove all buttons and sew onto the button-hole opening (closing button-hole); sew a strip of velcro (purchased from craft or cloth stores) to an area where buttons were removed and to an area on backside of the button-hole strip. Some velcro has a sticky backside that can be ironed onto cloth, but sewing is more permanent. If you cannot sew, request assistance from family, friends, or professional seamstress.

Over-extending ourselves

Whether it is gardening, exercising, running errands, we should know what our limit is without adding stress, aches and pains. At the beginning of each week, make a list of things you want to accomplish for that week, then break them down to no more than one hard task per day. Write down what you want to do in a daily-planner or a convenient wall calendar. If you miss a task, add it to next week´s list. You´ll find yourself more flexible and not as rushed (or achy!)

Outside activity for seniors

Check with local houses of worship and the city hall in your area.   Also check with your doctor or hospital administration. Many of these locations offer rides to and from their facilities. If no locations are available, ask your local municipal administration or house of worship if they can create activities for seniors.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

Protect New Jersey Seniors Against Fraud and Scams

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NJ Elderly Fraud and Scam Prevention

New Jersey seniors, not unexpectedly, comprise the segment of our state population most vulnerable to frauds and scams.  To limit the possibility of this happening to you or an elderly loved one, the following points are offered:

  • Under no circumstance should a senior ever let a stranger into their house. Many thieves will knock on the door to try to see if the senior is home alone and if there are any opportunities to take advantage of them. Many seniors tend to trust people, especially if they appear to be distressed or have children with them.
  • Your elderly loved one should never reveal credit card, date of birth or social security information over the telephone, in person, in writing or online. A senior, for example, may receive a telephone call advertising a can’t-miss opportunity with little or no risk or identify themselves as calling from a local bank or store, but what really happens is the scammer is trying to get is steal their identity.
  • Notify police if your senior ever receives a letter or e-mail threatening consequences unless they agree to something.
  • Call the police if your senior receives a letter that is mailed from Nigeria (or some other country) offering him or her the opportunity to share a percentage of millions of dollars if they allow a deposit to be made into their bank account.
  • Checks should be written in the name of the charity when making donations. Many seniors have been scammed by someone posing as a representative for a charity or organization and asking for a donation. The scammer tells the victim to write the check out to himself instead of the charity. The check is then cashed, and the scammer keeps the money.
  • Shred all credit card receipts and bank statements.  Close unused credit cards or bank accounts.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

20 Safety Tips for NJ Senior Citizens, Elderly

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New Jersey Elderly Safety Tips

One’s entire house can be an accident waiting to happen, particularly for seniors who may have unsteady balance or less than perfect vision.  Here are some modifications that can be made to minimize accidents and some things to keep in mind:

OUTDOORS

• Paint porches with grit to prevent slips
• Railings need regular inspections for sturdiness on porches and steps

LIVING ROOMS

• Remove extension cords, throw rugs and other tripping hazards
• Use light sensitive night lights in unlit stairwells and hallways.
• Place light switches at doors to prevent walking in the dark.
• Install smoke alarms in every room and test the batteries regularly.

KITCHENS

• Use heating elements that shut off electric burners on the stove.
• Keep fire extinguishers handy.
• Only use sturdy step stools with handles and use poles for reaching.
• Keep vents clean of grease.

BATHROOMS

• Modify baths with tub cutaways.
• Install grab bars.
• Install higher toilets to assist in standing and sitting.
• Apply non-slip strips to bathtubs.
• Use shower seats with back and portable shower heads.
• Paint with contrasting colors.

CRIME PREVENTION

• Keep doors and windows locked. Use peep holes. Never open your door automatically.
• Notify neighbors and the police when going away on a trip.
• Never leave notes on your front door.
• Be suspicious of offers from unknown contractors to do home repairs. Only work with reputable businesses.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.