Fire Safety For Seniors

Why Seniors Are At Risk And What To Do About It
Eighty-two percent of all fire deaths occur in the home.  People over the age of 65 are one of the groups at highest risk of dying in a fire.  People age 65-75 are twice as likely as the general population, 75-85 are three times as likely, and 85+ are four and one-half times as likely to be killed in a house fire.
 
Why is this?  Decreased mobility, health, sight, and hearing may limit a senior citizen's ability to take quick action necessary to escape during a fire emergency.  Depending on physical limitations, many of the actions an individual can take to protect themselves from the dangers of fire may require help from a caregiver, neighbor, or outside source.

Fire Life-Saving Tips
-Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home
-Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change frequently
-Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery smoke alarm
-Develop and practice a home fire escape plan
-Keep a fire extinguisher handy

Go Room To Room: Kitchen
-The kitchen is a high danger zone for fire, so be cautious when cooking.
-Do not leave food unattended when cooking.
-Don't weat loose clothing while cooking.
-Never use the range or oven to heat the home.
-Double-check the kitchen to be sure everything is turned off before going to bed.
-Double-check the kitchen to be sure everything is turned off before leaving home.
-Don't overload electrical outlets.
-Always keep dish towels away from all appliances.

Go Room To Room: Bedroom

Bedrooms are a common area of fire origin.  Many bedroom fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, such as overloading extension cords, using damaged electric blankets, or operating portable space heaters too close to combustibles.  Many other bedroom fires are caused by children who play with matches and lighters, careless smoking among adults, and arson.  Before you tuck yourself into bed for the night, make sure you take the time to prevent possible fires in the bedroom.

Free No-Obligation In-Home Assessment From Visiting Angels®

We can provide you with peace of mind and perform a free in-home safety assessment at your convenience.  The safety and security of seniors is our first concern at Visiting Angels, so contact us today.  We can be reached at 813-909-2550 or 727-841-8440.  If you prefer, you can send us an email at wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com  and one of our friendly and knowledgeable Angels would quickly get back in touch with you.

Beating Caregiver Stress

Are You An Informal Or Family Caregiver For An Elderly Person?  If You Are, You Are Not Alone.

Most Americans will be informal caregivers at some point in their lives.  Each year, more than 44 million Americans (21% of the adult population) provide unpaid care to an elderly or disabled person 18 years or older.  This is extremely significant, as it represents 80% of all long-term care in the United States. Caregivers can be people of almost any age, but most caregivers are middle-aged or older women who have jobs in addition to caring for an elderly person.  Most of these women have changed hours or working conditions in order to care for their elderly family member.

Sound Stressful?  It Is.  Take Our Caregiver Stress Questionnaire To See If You Are Under Too Much Stress And To See If Our Suggestions Can Help You.
* Do you feel frustrated and angry while you take care of someone?
* Do you feel guilty about the quality of care you provide because you are so busy?
* Do you feel that giving care has hurt your social life?

* Are you exhausted when you go to bed at night?
* Do you feel overwhelmed?
* Have you recently gained or lost a lot of weight?
* Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy?
* Are you easily irritated or angered?
* Are you constantly worried?
* Are you often sad?
* Do you get headaches or experience other physical problems?
* Do you abuse alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs?

If you answered "yes" to 8 or more questions above = high stress.
If you answered "yes" to 4-7 questions above = medium stress.
If you answered "yes" to 0-3 questions above = low stress.

Ways To Reduce Caregiver Stress
Focus on the rewards of caregiving, and giving back to a loved one.  Being a caregiver strengthens your relationship with the person receiving care and makes you feel needed, boosting your self-confidence.

Make sure you are at your best:
* Get your prescriptions filled
* Keep your own doctor and dentist appointments
* Eat healthy meals
* Get enough sleep
* Exercise vigorously at least 45 minutes each day
* Do something just for yourself at least once a week

Talk to a counselor, psychologist, or other mental health professional right away if your stress leads you to physically or emotionally harm the person you are caring for.

Find out how to deal with your loved one's disease.  This will help you take a positive approach to the daily questions and issues you will be presented with.  You may be able to find a hospital or local agency on aging that offers classes on caring for people with that disease.  Do research with doctors, nurses, on websites, and at the library.  The more information you have, the easier it will be to prepare for issues that arise.

If you do find that you are under stress from caring for your loved one, try these stress reducing tips:
* Get help from community service providers for:
   -transportation
   -meal delivery
   -home health care services
   -non-medical home care
   -home modification for easier daily tasks
   -legal and financial counseling
* Accept help from friends and family - this includes financial help.
* Say "no" to volunteer tasks, such as hosting holiday meals.
* Do the best you can and don't feel guilty about not being perfect.
* Prioritize your tasks and establish a daily routine.
* Stay in touch with family and friends.
* Join a support group for caregivers facing the same condition or disease.
* Try to keep your sense of humor.

Check with the human resource office at work.  It may have suggestions which might be helpful in successfully managing both your job and your responsibilities taking care of your loved one.

Perhaps you will feel better about your loved one's safety if you purchase an emergency or surveillance device.  These devices include emergency response systems (not for people with dementia), intercom systems, web cams, and mobility monitors.  These devices can help with your peace of mind.

When You Need A Break, We Can Help!
When you need a break (and you will), please give us a call.  Here at Visiting Angels®, we will come to your loved one's home and perform any number of household chores, run errands, prepare meals, assist with hygiene, and provide companionship for your loved one, and we're happy to do it!  Our schedule is your schedule.  We can give you a break whenever you need it the most.  This includes anytime of the day or night, weekends and holidays included.  And, let us discuss with you how affordable our rates are.

There Is A Solution -- Contact Us Today.

You've been working hard caring for your loved one, and you've been patient, but you need a break from time to time.  Contact us to receive further information or to arrange for a free no-obligation assessment of your situation.  Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to walk you through any questions or concerns you might have.  Call us at either 813-909-2550 or 727-841-8440, or, if you prefer, send us an email to wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com and we will get in contact with you.

Talking With Older Drivers

Is It Time To Put The Brakes On And Hang Up The Keys?
The growing number of older drivers and today's driving complexities has increased the concern expressed by many Americans about the safety of a loved one.  Decisions about driving are difficult for older Americans to make on their own.  When is the right time to discuss the safety of your elderly relative, loved one, or friend?

The Warning Signs
Mental
Reaction time is one of the most crucial functions to safe driving.  This slows with age, but increasing distance between other cars and objects may help some older drivers.

Vision
Good vision is essential to safe driving.  An older person may notice difficulties focusing on objects and switching focus from near to far.  The ability to see fine detail may diminish.  Peripheral vision may also change with age.  This is significant, since about 98% of what we see when we drive is seen first peripherally.  Driving at night may also become more difficult due to clarity in sight issues.  As we get older, we need more light to see clearly.  Approaching headlight glare may make it harder to adjust to.

Hearing
Some hearing loss is common among people age 65 and older.  High pitched sounds may become less audible long before low pitched ones do.  This is important because horns, sirens, and train whistles are high pitched.  Studies show people who have hearing difficulties are more likely to be inattentive to their surroundings.  Family and friends who suspect an older person doesn't hear well should recommend a hearing exam and offer to go with the older person to get one.

Q's & A's
What can I, as a family member or friend, do if I am concerned about the driving ability and safety of someone older who continues to drive?

First, recognize that driving is very important as it is our primary means of getting around.  Second, if there are other family members or friends available, talk with them to see if they have made some of the same observations and discuss how you may be able to help the driver.

What can family members and friends do when a driver continues to drive against the advice of their doctor and others?

It is best to maintain a sense of trust in your relationship.  Be honest and persistent.  Encourage the person to make a decision to reduce or stop driving as appropriate.  Be aware that persons who lose the privilege of driving often feel lonely or anxious because they have fewer opportunities to be with friends or involved in activities.  If the person will not listen to reason, you may want to discuss the problem with their doctor to find out if there are any medical reasons that should be reported.

If an older driver stops driving, what alternative means are available?

Most metropolitan areas have alternative means available.  These services can be located within your community phone book.  Be sensitive to the older person's feelings.  Expect some emotional reactions, and do what you can do to help them through this trying time.

Caring Compassionate Understanding Is A Perfect Prescription For Life.
It is important to understand that even after taking steps to correct diminished eyesight or hearing, and after successfully avoiding adverse reactions to medication, an older person still may not feel comfortable behind the wheel.  Encourage the older person to discuss this with you, another family member, friend, or doctor.  As a familiy member or friend, you must be sensitive to this insecurity and help your elder loved one.

Let Us Help!

Seniors who should no longer be driving are often reluctant to stop because they fear losing their independence, and their ability to go shopping, run errands, visit friends, or make doctor's appointments.  At Visiting Angels® we have professional caregivers who can help seniors with all these activities, as well as providing other assistance around their home.

Contact Us Today 

The Tampa Bay area of Florida has a large population of driving senior citizens, and, in some cases, these seniors may be posing a threat to themselves and others by remaining on the road.  If you have a concern about a loved one who continues to drive, and perhaps should not be, don't hesitate to contact us.  We can provide further information or arrange for a free no-obligation assessment.  Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to walk you through any questions or concerns you might have.  Call us at either 813-909-2550 or 727-841-8440, or, if you prefer, send an email to wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com and we'll get in contact with you.

Getting Your Elder Parents To Choose Home Care

Approaching That Difficult Subject...Your Loved One May Need Home Care.

The Family Plan
How do you help your elderly loved one get past their family customs and cultural beliefs to accept assistance in the home?  How do you tell a loved one that you and your siblings are concerned about them living alone at home?  How do you help them keep their independence without interfering in their life or making decisions for them?

These are issues that will not go away with time.  To the contrary, everyone involved should be very proactive about such difficult topics.  With advance planning, and straight forward discussions, the problem-solving process actually can work well, but it will take some concentrated effort by you, your siblings, and your loved one.

The first thing to know is that many of the conversations you will be having on your loved one's behalf could very well be emotional, and must be handled carefully.  Setting up a family meeting can be a great place to begin to have discussions about the care they should be receiving.  It may seem obvious, but in most cases, remember that they are the one who will be making choices about their life, not you or other family members.  Your loved one should always be a central part of every discussion.  If not, it could be difficult for you to find solutions that are acceptable to your loved one.

Family meetings should be positive and supportive.  Many times, this support alone may be enough to convince the elder family member that they should begin to consider some form of home care before their health deteriorates.  However, even with the most thought out and well planned family meeting, initial resistance is normal.  Remember, you are touching upon a very important topic for them, their independence.

If your loved one shows signs of resistance, and would like to put the family meeting off for awhile, don't push them into having the meeting.  Realize, they may need some time to prepare for such a discussion.  Approach them again in a week or two, and suggest to have another time for the meeting.  If they continue to resist, be a bit more assertive.  Make sure they understand that both you, and other family members, want this meeting because you care about them, and are concerned about their well-being.

Some suggested methods to deal with resistance are:

*  If your loved one's health and/or safety are at issue, say so, and push the discussion forward. 
*  Involve others, such as clergy, physicians, or a geriatric care manager.
*  Use community resources to help everyone ease into the "care at home" process.

Make sure you have focused on what they feel are their issues, not just what you or others think are the concerns.  They will be much more accepting of your concerns and wishes if they tie into their own concerns.  If you suspect that resistance will be an issue, then it is wise to have an initial family meeting, prior to the one held with the loved one.  This will give the family an opportunity to unite in their thoughts, which will help show your loved one that all of you are concerned about similar issues.  The statement "strength in numbers" certainly does apply here.

After having the initial family meeting with your loved one, and everyone has had the opportunity to express their feelings and thoughts, gently suggest that they make an appointment with their physician to have a thorough evaluation.  This professional evaluation can go a long way in helping them decide that they could use some assistance in their home.  Don't nag them about this evaluation.  Simply plant the seed and water it from time to time.  Eventually, most elders realize that they cannot care for themselves as they once could.  Seeing a doctor seems to make this decision easier.

Finally, be direct and speak with them about having a home care agency come out and meet with them.  This will allow your loved one to get a sense of exactly what such an agency can do for them.  Focus this meeting on what a caregiver from an agency will and won't do.  It is important to be specific about the tasks the caregiver will perform and won't perform.  Let them know that they are still in control, and that the home care process can add significantly to everyone's peace of mind.

Talking To Your Loved One

As a recap, when talking to your loved one, keep all discussions with them positive.  Treat them as an equal and don't parent them!  And remember, let your loved ones make their own decisions.  Your job is to help them make those decisions, not to make the decisions for them.

Visiting Angels® Can Help!
Here in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, let us demonstrate that Visiting Angels is "America's Choice In Home Care!"  If you would like to set up a free no-obligation assessment for your loved one, or just want to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Angels, just give us a call at 813-909-2550, or, 727-841-8440.  If you prefer, you can send us an email at wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com and we'll get right back to you.

Show Your Loved One You Care Today!

Are Your Elderly Loved Ones Eating Healthy?

The National Institute on Aging Says It's Very Important For Seniors To Eat The Right Foods In Order To Stay Healthy.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says that seniors should continue to eat well as they get older.  Specifically, NIA offers the following information:

Eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits. For instance, eating well may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, some kinds of cancer, and anemia. If you already have one or more of these chronic diseases, eating well and being physically active may help you better manage them. Healthy eating may also help you reduce high blood pressure, lower high cholesterol, and manage diabetes.

Eating well gives you the nutrients needed to keep your muscles, bones, organs, and other parts of your body healthy throughout your life. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fats, and water.

Eating well helps keep up your energy level, too. By consuming enough calories -- a way to measure the energy you get from food -- you give your body the fuel it needs throughout the day. The number of calories needed depends on how old you are, whether you're a man or woman, and how active you are.

Consuming the right number of calories for your level of physical activity helps you control your weight, too. Extra weight is a concern for older adults because it can increase the risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease and can increase joint problems. Eating more calories than your body needs for your activity level will lead to extra pounds.

If you become less physically active as you age, you will probably need fewer calories to stay at the same weight. Choosing mostly nutrient-dense foods -- foods which are high in nutrients but low in calories -- can give you the nutrients you need while keeping down calorie intake.

Your food choices also affect your digestion. For instance, too little fiber or fluid may cause constipation. Eating more whole-grain foods, fruits and vegetables or drinking more water may help with constipation.

Eating well isn't just a "diet" or "program" that's here today and gone tomorrow. It is part of a healthy lifestyle that you can adopt now and stay with in the years to come.

To eat healthier, you can begin by taking small steps, making one change at a time. For instance, you might buy whole-grain bread, leaner meats, or more fruits and vegetables when you shop.

These changes may be easier than you think. They're possible even if you need help with shopping or cooking, or if you have a limited budget. If you have a specific medical condition, be sure to check with your doctor or dietitian about foods you should include or avoid.

Whatever your age, you can start making positive lifestyle changes today. Eating well can help you stay healthy and independent -- and look and feel good -- in the years to come.

Let Us Help!
Often seniors need someone around to make sure they are eating, and eating healthy.  At Visiting Angels® we have caregivers who can provide assistance in both meal planning and meal preparation.  If you, or someone you love needs a little help around the kitchen, we can help.

Contact Us Today
Don't hesitate to contact us to receive further information or arrange for a free no-obligation assessment.  Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to walk you through any questions or concerns you might have. Call us at either 813-909-2550 or 727-841-8440, or, if you prefer, send an email to wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com and we'll get in contact with you.