When seniors live alone, there are many safety risks. By making some minor changes in and around the home, seniors can be a little safer. These changes will also make it easier for the senior to function. Below is a list of possible changes that can make a huge difference in the daily life of a senior.
1. Lighting is very important. Seniors should have plenty of light in their home. The lights should be positioned so that they are effective and accessible. This can help reduce the chances of falls and other possible accidents in the home.
2. Adding electrical outlets will prevent too many things running on one outlet, reducing the risk of fire.
3. When replacing any door, make sure it fits properly and that there is a smooth transition. This will reduce the chances of tripping and falls.
4. Stairs should always have a handrail that allow for the senior to get a solid grip on the rail.
5. When updating flooring, slip-resistant materials should be used in the homes of seniors. If carpeting is being installed, make sure that it is a tight pile carpet.
6. Shelving can be a great help to seniors. They add storage and make things easily accessible.
7. Grab bars should be installed in bathrooms and a hand-held shower may be beneficial. The door locks on any interior door should have an emergency release.
It doesn’t matter where seniors live; they tend to be at risk for those who desire to take advantage of their friendly nature and their ability to be physically overpowered. It’s wrong, but doesn’t mean that seniors can’t take steps to try and protect themselves and lower their risk of being one of the statistics taken by fraud or abuse. Home safety is key for seniors, and there are a number things they can do to protect themselves from being taken advantage of.
1. Don’t answer the door to anyone – whether seniors live in single home or an apartment complex, they should never open the door to anyone they don’t know. Seniors should never buzz someone into their apartment complex, and installing a peephole on a door can provide another way to screen
2. Limit expensive items at home – use a safe deposit box at a bank or keep a safe an home for expensive items, and seniors should also limit the amount of cash they have on hand
3. Have friends stop by – seniors should have someone stop by or call regularly to check it. This is not only because of the potential for burglary, but also to ensure that they haven’t fallen
4. Have a police officer review home safety – police can do home inspections to help ensure a senior’s home is secure as it should be. This is a great way to feel more secure at home!
Every senior should have a family doctor, regardless of their current health issues. The benefit to having a family doctor is that this doctor can handle all types of medical issues. When a senior has a specific medical condition, they may also seek the help of a specialist, but they still should have a family doctor in place. The following list contains some useful information on family doctors for seniors
1. Family doctors can diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. They can also refer patients to a specialist when needed.
2. Even is a senior does not have any medical needs at this time, family doctors practice preventative medicine. This means that things can be done to protect a senior from developing a medical condition in the future.
3. When looking for a family doctor, seniors should talk to other seniors. This is a great way to find a family doctor that deals with senior health on a regular basis.
4. When choosing a doctor, make sure they accept the form of insurance carried by the senior. Also check the office hours to see that the doctor is available during times the senior would be able to make appointments. Seniors should also find out what hospital the family doctor deals with in case there is ever the need for a hospital admission.
There are some things in life where age does not matter. Dating is actually one of them. Many seniors who have lost their spouse will begin dating again. In fact, online dating has become very popular among the senior population. This is a great way for seniors to get out and meet new people with similar interests. Online dating is not just for the young. Seniors can greatly benefit from finding a companion online. The following list contains some tips and information on online dating for seniors.
1. There are special dating sites that are designed strictly for use by seniors. These can be found by performing an internet search for senior dating sites.
2. More and more seniors are becoming comfortable using a computer. This will open new doors as many seniors are becoming involved in the online dating world.
3. Seniors should take caution when meeting someone in person. It is advised that seniors spend some time communicating through emails and phone conversations before meeting.
4. Be aware that many people will try to take advantage of seniors. Do not believe everything that is on an online dating service. It is very easy to falsify photos and personal information.
5. Online dating is one of the best ways for seniors to come in contact with new people. These services allow seniors the chance to search for a partner within a specific age group and with similar interests.
Dangers of falling resulting in injury: Seniors in Canada
Despite the efforts of our Canadian health care system and senior caregivers, the rates among falls resulting in injury is at an all time high amongst our elderly community. Statistics showing the cost procured in hospital and care giving fees, and the quality of life of seniors, is of growing concern. Most of these accidents are preventable, and more than half occur in the comfort of our senior citizen’s homes. The Public Health Agency of Canada has created a fact sheet summarizing the affect that injury due to falls has on our senior-living society, and to our community as a whole.
The Facts:
•Falls account for more than half of all injuries in Canadian seniors that are sixty-five years of age or older. These accidents will usually happen more than once, and will affect almost one third of the elderly community. As a result, at least twenty percent of deaths to senior citizens can be related to an accidental trip.
•Injury due to falls is the leading cause of admission to hospitals with elderly people. Among the reasons for the falls, hip fracture resulting in hip breakage is the leading cause. Forty percent of seniors who fall are hospitalized, and many will never walk again unaided because of hip damage. One in five older adults will die within a year from complications of a fall. Seventy-five to eighty percent of these sufferers are women.
•Approximately one billion dollars are spent annually in the health care system. Seniors suffer from depression, a lower quality of life, and pain. Forty percent of all falls result in admissions to nursing homes, therefore, increasing home care services by ten percent.
•Stairs and bathrooms account for approximately fifteen percent of all senior related falls, and contribute to more injuries than any other situation or product. Nearly half of all senior injuries happen within the home.
•If a senior citizen falls, it is likely that a fear of falling will develop. They begin to limit daily activities that could result in a fall, and therefore lose strength and flexibility. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is essential for senior citizens to prevent falls and injuries.
Maintaining health is one of the most important things for seniors. Many seniors do not take the necessary steps to stay healthy. The following list can offer some great tips for seniors who are looking to improve their health and maintain it. Seniors who have existing medical conditions also need to take extra measures to ensure their health. These tips can be very beneficial.
1. Health is affected by your environment, including diet, stress, water, radiation, trauma and exercise. Seniors should know how to alter these things to prevent health issues and maintain good health.
2. Blood tests can detect immune issues as well as inflammation. Precautionary blood tests can help senior health.
3. Hormones that are not balanced can cause medical issues.
4. Many seniors have digestive issues that prevent them from eating healthy foods. Try to diagnose this problem and get treatment, and then devise a healthy diet.
5. Detoxify your body for ultimate health.
6. Seniors who have low energy levels will be more prone to illness. Boosting metabolism can be done by taking a daily vitamin supplement. This can help prevent many diseases and illnesses.
7. Having a positive outlook on things can improve physical health. Happy seniors tend to be healthier, so try to stay involved in hobbies and stay socially active.
With the cooler season coming to an end in Canada, some seniors are thinking about traveling for a last-minute getaway before the Spring showers stop and the warm summer weather rolls back in. Many seniors are reluctant to travel, because they’re worried about what will happen if they fall ill or injure themselves seriously while they’re away. Well, there is a process that the government recommends to all seniors and their families should this occur. With an understanding of what to do, seniors can travel with minimized worry so their plans aren’t affected.
1. Consult the Canadian government offices like the local embassy for Canada or the consulate, they can provide the information below
2. A Canadian government office can provide lists of reputable local medical facilities, since many seniors will be reluctant when in a foreign country about the type of care they’ll receive
3. If treatment for a condition cannot be received locally, then the government offices can help arrange services
4. In foreign countries where medical personnel speak different languages, translation services can be arranged
5. If a senior doesn’t have travel insurance and they will be responsible for any costs of services, the government can help them request financial help from family
One major part of maintaining good health as a senior is making sure you are eating the right foods. Having a healthy and well rounded diet can improve over-all health. It is important for seniors to make sure they get enough essential nutrients in their diet each and every day. The following list contains some benefits of eating healthy.
1. Eating healthy will help to reduce the risks of chronic illness in many seniors.
2. Seniors require fewer calories than younger adults, but they require more nutrients. Since seniors do not eat as much, what they do eat must have nutritional value.
3. Having a diet that includes fruits and vegetables could help prevent respiratory disease, vision loss and cataracts. It can even help prevent some types of cancer.
4. Poor nutrition can cause a decline in the function of the immune system. This can leave seniors at risk of becoming ill.
5. Seniors need to make sure they have a healthy diet. In addition, seniors who eat alone often experience poor nutrition. Seniors should eat with another, whether it is a spouse, family member or friend.
6. If a senior has poor oral health, this can affect their ability to eat properly, which can lead to many health problems.
It’s not uncommon for seniors to have concerns about exercise, whether it’s because they fear injury or simply just aren’t sure how to get started. But, there are many studies that prove that since exercise really plays a role in senior health that can actually improve the financial burdens that seniors may face. In Canada, lack of physical activity is responsible for approximately $5.3 million in healthcare costs each and every year. Although not all of these costs are ones that seniors are personally responsible for paying out of pocket, it also takes a toll on the healthcare system overall. Here are the reasons that costs are associated with lack of exercise:
• Seniors who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from acute diseases and chronic illnesses which are associated with high medical costs in the country
• Seniors are more likely to injure themselves when they are physical unstable and weak because they do not remain physically active. Hospital care is covered by provincial healthcare, but often seniors need supplemental services like physical therapy during the recovery process
• There may be costs associated with family caregiving when a senior suffers from a health issue or an injury when someone is no longer able to maintain a full-time job and takes on costs of care
How Mother’s Day Started: Celebrating Moms Throughout History
With Mother’s Day coming up this week, it’s time to show appreciation to those mothers who have been there for us throughout our lives. Those mothers who we are there for now that they are aging. But while we appreciate them, we may not know how Mother’s Day came about. There are a number of different historical perspectives from different cultures and all of them recognize that joy and appreciation of motherhood.
• Egyptian Roots with the Goddess Isis – in ancient Egypt, an annual festival was held to honour the goddess Isis, considered the mother of the pharaohs.
• Ancient Roman History with Cybele – initially in Roman tradition, Isis was also recognized, marking the beginning of winter with a 3-day celebration. However, Mother’s Day also recognizes the Phrygian goddess Cybele who was Rome’s version of Rhea, considered the mother of many of the major deities. These celebrations were said to be very wild, and were banned until later the focus shifted to giving flowers and eating cake
• European History for Lent and the Mother Church – in Europe, on the fourth Sunday lent, individuals honoured the church where they were baptized which was known as the “Mother Church”. Flowers and jewels were placed around the place of worship as offerings.
These Mother’s Day celebrations of the past have similarities to what is celebrated here today in Canada on the second Sunday of May.
