Category Archives: Prevent Falls

Last updated by at .

Home Safety for Seniors: 19 Tips

Posted on by

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.

Elderly Exercise: It’s Never Too Late

Posted on by

NJ Senior Health & Fitness

Physical activity is good for people at any age. Among elderly adults, falls are a common cause of injury and disability. Physical activity makes your bones and muscles stronger. When your muscles are strong, you are less likely to fall. If you do fall, strong bones are less likely to break.

Regular physical activity is good for your brain too. Recent studies have shown that people who follow simple exercises (such as, walking) on a regular basis are better able to make decisions than people who aren’t physically active.

From diabetes to heart disease, many chronic (ongoing) health problems are improved by even moderate amounts of physical activity. For people who have these conditions, a lack of exercise is a bigger risk than an exercise-related injury.

Talk with your doctor about your plans before you get started. Your muscles will very likely be sore when you first increase your physical activity, but don’t use that a reason to stop. Mild soreness will go away in a few days as you become more used to the physical activity.

Many senior citizens find walking to be one of the easiest activities to do. Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week, but you don’t have to do all 30 minutes at once. Try walking for 15 minutes twice each day or for 10 minutes 3 times each day.

Many older people say that exercising with a partner is the best motivation to stick with it. You can start or join a walking group with friends or neighbors.  Alternatives to walking include gardening, dancing, or swimming. Your choice of activity can be both enjoyable and good for you.

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.

Best Senior Exercise: Walking

Posted on by

NJ Senior Health Tips

Walking is an excellent and easy way for the elderly to exercise.  Walking offers:

  • Improvement of cardiovascular function and possibly a reduction in the chances of having a heart attack
  • Potential weight loss or weight control
  • Reduction in blood pressure
  • An aid in the prevention and treatment of depression
  • A positive impact on the health of people with diabetes
  • Greater endurance and muscle strength
  • Building and maintenance of bones and muscles

Here are some tips to help you start walking:

  • Find a buddy with whom you can walk regularly. A friend can encourage you to walk on days when you aren’t motivated and can help you continue walking at a good pace.
  • Use a pedometer, which keeps track of the distance you’ve walked. This will help you keep track of your steps and can be an excellent motivator that can encourage you to gradually reach your goal.
  • Schedule regular walks in a PDA or calendar. This helps to ensure that you have a set time every day for walking.
  • If you have chronic medical problems such as heart disease or diabetes, check with you doctor to make sure a walking program is safe for you.
  • Start slowly if you need to – just get started, even if it means just walking around the block.  Somewhere between three and four miles an hour should be your goal, but if you have to work up to that gradually, it’s better to walk slowly than to do nothing.

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.

Senior Safety at Home – 7 More Tips

Posted on by

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.

20 Safety Tips for NJ Senior Citizens, Elderly

Posted on by

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.