Whatever caused the burn-out…it came. Last night, just 2 days before Christmas, I realized I’d failed miserably to get it all done. I sat analyzing the lack of sleep, irritability, messy house and a physically unfit body and mental attitude. It took a bit to get my perspective straight.

Then I realized that with over 37.3 million people over the age of 65 – there are a lot of people that are walking exactly what I have walked the last month. There are certified caregivers. And I am sure there are a lot of sandwich generation individuals caring for their young children and assisting their aging parents.

My recent experiences have caused me to look at what priorities are most important. I have the flexibility to say no to a lot of what I do. Some do not – as they are the only one available to care for an aging loved one. I am blessed that my mother is able to be very active still. Those I assist are for the most part able to take care of their basic necessities. And my mother-in-law is blessed with family that loves her and many live near her to take care of the daily needs, while we provide the ear to listen and the visits as much as we are able.

The question I asked myself yesterday was, “do I have my priorities right, so when things change and more of our time and resources are required , we will be ready?” I think this was a valid question for us now. I remember watching this play out in our home when I was in college – my 95 year old grandmother was no longer able to live on her own – my parents had to rearrange everything to care for her.

So, this morning I did what I always do. First I began to analyze my current walk and life. Second, I made a list and began researching how to incorporate changes into our life. Thus, here are some things I need to make priorities.
• Get physically fit and daily exercise: This serves many purposes including aiding us in not being physically exhausted by change in routines, activities and helps decrease stress. Additionally, it will serve as a model to both my children and my aging loved ones. If I’m making it a priority – maybe they will too.
• Stop over-committing! Prioritize what is vital in our daily life. Allow room for spur of the moment needs (like taking someone to the doctor).
• Communicate more with the rest of the family. Keeping each other updated and addressing care issues as they arise. With open lines of communication we can better assess who can do what if the need arises.
• Promote healthy living for every member of our family – from the youngest to the oldest.
• Stop & Smell the ROSES. What a blessing to spend time with my loved ones. They are here and such an important part of our lives. NEVER should they become an obligation or burden.

I guess that one could say that these are resolutions but not just for the New Year but from this day forward. Limitless Living is not just about those who are older or disabled – but all of us!!! So here is to a brand new season of Living Life Unlimited!

Do A Senior Care Checkup When You Visit For The Holidays

Joe Freudenthal, Vintage Senior Living, edited this from an article written by Julie Northcutt.

Recently, we had our first minor snowstorm. Schools were closed, church services were canceled and some areas even lost power; local weather forecasters warned not to leave home unless absolutely necessary. While this was a hindrance to some of us, it was more severe for others. Aging seniors often feel the impact of inclement weather more harshly. Many drive only during the day or rely on assistance from family and friends for rides. When storms come, these seniors are often blocked completely from their normal routine. Additionally, their caregivers may not be able to reach them as they are coping with their own travel restrictions.

Thankfully, with weather, we are often given a warning that a storm is brewing. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of reminders to assist our aging seniors with preparing for the winter season and storms that are sure to come our way.

1. Home Preparation: Make sure the home is ready for winter. Help keep the cold out by installing storm window and/or covering the windows with sturdy plastic. Remember to remove hoses from outdoor water faucets and insulate pipes to keep from freezing. Check fire detectors, CO2 detectors and fire extinguishers. During colder weather – allow indoor faucets to drip to decrease a chance of the pipes freezing.
2. Snow Removal: Check for tools to help with snow removal. Ensure that there is a good snow shovel, rock salt, sand or kitty litter for slippery driveways and walks. Arrange for someone to clear the walkways when it does snow. If your aging loved one lives a distance away, consider hiring a local neighbor to assist with clearing paths, stairs and walkways.
3. Essentials: Make a trip to the store for supplies before the storm comes. Don’t forget essentials, such as prescription medications, extra batteries, first-aid supplies, a week’s supply of food (non-perishable), and bottled water. High energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts, and canned goods that do not require heating are best. Plan on a gallon of water per day per person. Don’t forget a manual can opener. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing (at least one change of clothes for each family member).
4. If power outage occurs: Plan a safe alternate source of heat if possible. Keep an ample supply of wood for the fireplace or a kerosene space heater with extra heating fuel. Talk with your aging loved ones about a plan of action and remind them of how to stay warm safely. Make sure that there are flashlights with extra batteries, or candles and matches. Have a portable battery-operated radio to stay tuned to local news. If the furnace goes out, take these precautions. Close off any rooms that aren’t needed. Stuff towels in cracks and under doors to prevent heat loss. Cover windows with blankets at night. Remember to stay nourished and hydrated so the body can produce its own heat.
5. Communication: Have a plan on how best to stay in communication so that you can check on your family and friends. Emergency cell phones are available – just ensure that they have been charged prior to the storm.

As you are going over your checklist with your family and friends this winter season, please remember to embrace those who do not have anyone nearby to assist them. Is there an elderly neighbor that is alone? Someone at church who could use your help? Are there Meals on Wheels programs or Senior Service groups that could use a hand when storms come? We encourage you to reach out and help others to have a Life Unlimited no matter the season!

According to a July 2006 study from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, falls are the leading cause of injury death among older adults and the most common cause of non-fatal injuries and hospital admissions. In 2003, 1.8 million Americans age 65 and older were treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries. That same year 13,000 people age 65 and older died from fall-related injuries. Two thirds of these falls occurred in and around the home(1).

Colorado State University (CSU) Extension has published an article which specifically details risk factors that can cause a fall. “Although no single risk factor causes all falls, the greater the number of risk factors to which an individual is exposed, the greater the probability of a fall and the more likely the results of the fall with threaten the person’s independence.”(2) Most of these falls are preventable if you decrease the number of risk factors. The most prevalent of these risk factors is Environment Hazards. The good news is that environment hazards are PREVENTABLE.

By combining CSU’s list of environment hazards with our own experience in the field, we have compiled a list of safety issues in and around the home as well as viable remedies to the problems. The first step to decreasing risk factors is to conduct a walk-through. Whether it is your own home or that of a friend or family member walk through looking for anything that could potentially cause a safety issue, particularly for someone with a mobility issue.

Outdoors (Front walk, driveways, back and side yards)
• Install handrails on both sides of stairs and steps, whether one stair or an entire flight. Extend them one foot beyond the last step for added support and position the top of the railing at elbow height of homeowner – Handrails are available at most home supply stores and can be cut to your specifications.
• Ensure that existing handrails are fastened correctly and sturdy.
• Repair stairs or walkways that have cracks or abrupt edges (including uneven tile stairs or landings).
• Keep walk areas clean and free of debris, rocks, roots, and overgrown plants and shrubs.
• Address the issues of high doorway thresholds by either adjusting them or adding threshold ramps – Prairie View Industries Threshold Ramps are ideal.
• Ensure that there is adequate lighting by doorways and walkways. Statistics show that the elderly need 2-3 times the light people need in their 20s and 30s. Consider installing motion sensor lighting. – Available at most home supply stores.

Entry, Stairs and Hallways
• Reduce clutter and heavy furnishings for easier accessibility.
• Secure rugs with nonskid tape – Tape is available at most home supply stores or larger supermart.
• Make sure carpeting is secured and get rid of throw rugs that cannot be secured to the floor
• Provide adequate lighting and if necessary place light switches at each end of stairs or hallways – Contact a qualified, licensed handyman or electrician for any home repairs.
• Install nightlights in the hallways particularly from the bedroom to the bathrooms.
• Stairs – install handrails that are tightly fastened the entire length of the steps along both walls.
• Consider purchasing a stairlift if this is a long-term mobility issue. If this is a short-term situation, contact a local homecare supply company like Homecare Suppliers, LLC to see about renting a unit. You can install most of the units yourself, or you can use a licensed installer. Summit Stairlifts are very cost-effective and safe models.

Bathrooms (Full and half baths)
• Install grab-bars on walls around the tub/shower and beside the toilet, strong enough to hold your weight – Curve Grab Bar by Standers are very secure.
• Install nightlights in bathrooms.
• Add nonskid mats or appliqués to bathtub and shower floor surfaces – Available at most home supply stores or larger supermart.
• Use nonskid carpets or mats around the tub and sink to ensure that the floor does not get wet and slippery.
• Install a raised toilet seat if needed. There are multiple toilet seats that assist with mobility and safety issues, including Uplift or Lift Seat 3000.
• Mount liquid soap and shampoo dispensers on the bathtub/shower walls.
• Install a portable, hand-held shower head – Available at most home supply stores or larger supermarts.
• Consider purchasing a shower platform if you have to step down into the shower. This will raise the shower up to avoid tripping getting in or out of the shower. – PVI Shower Platforms
• Purchase a bath or shower seat. – Available through Homecare Suppliers or your home supply store.
• Purchase a bath lift for the tub. These are usually portable and can travel with anyone who has difficulty getting in and out of the tub whether at home or visiting family. – Homecare Suppliers carries several different bath lifts.
• Consider installing a walk-in bath tub. Your standard tub can be swapped out to place a walk-in tub for ease and safety in bathing. These provide a door and seat for safety and comfort. – Presidential Series and SafeHands Walk-In Tubs provide both safety and comfort.

Living, Dining and Family Rooms
• Keep electrical and telephone cords out of the way.
• Arrange furniture for ease of movement and accessibility. Pay close attention to smaller furniture, such as coffee tables or decorative objects, which could cause someone to stumble or fall.
• Make sure that furniture in the home is easy to get in and out of.
• Consider purchasing furniture risers that increase the height of the furniture to aid in sitting or standing. – Furniture Risers or Stand Easy Chair Lift by Standers are ideal.
• Install grab-bar or furniture canes to assist in rising from furniture – Standers has several products including the CouchCane and the Security Pole & Curve Grab Bar.
• Remove casters wheels from furniture for more stability.
• Consider replacing shag or thicker carpeting that could impede walkers or wheelchairs in the home.
• Modify or remove small changes in elevation/levels, especially single steps in common areas(3). ¬– Prairie View Industries has various ramps that could be used and are less costly than construction.

Bedrooms
• Provide adequate lighting including a bedside light with a switch for ease in turning on and off.
• Have a nightlight.
• Relocate telephone near the bed or purchase a cordless phone.
• Adjust height of bed to make it easy to get in and out – Standers Furniture Risers can increase the height of your bed 3 to 4 inches.
• Purchase a bed rail for stability in getting in and out of bed but also to ensure that falls do not occur while sleeping – Standers Easy Adjust Bed Rail or Drive Medical’s Bed Assist Handle.
• Have a firm chair, with arms, to sit and dress.

As you can see, there are many things to consider in making your home safer. Many products, including the ones highlighted here, are available to ease mobility and to reduce home environmental hazards. Homecare Suppliers, LLC has a catalog of products that meet many of the accessibility and safety issues facing the elderly or those with mobility issues. Whether it is a permanent ramp, a vehicle ramp, grab-bars for use throughout your home, or stairlifts and elevators, we represent some of the best products on the market.

Homecare Suppliers, LLC., members of the Better Business Bureau, is a privately-held company specializing in home medical equipment. We pride ourselves on only offering top-of-the-line medical equipment. Our goal is to provide our customers with a simple one-stop solution for all their home medical equipment needs.

References
1. July 2006 “Injury Prevention Fact Sheet” Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. www.astho.org/pubs/ElderlyFactSheet.pdf
2. May 1996/December 2005 “Preventing Falls in the Elderly” K.R. Tremblay Jr. and C.E. Barber. Colorado State University Extension. www.ext.colostate.edu/Pubs/consumer/10242.html
3. September 2000 “Designs on Building Safe Homes for the Elderly” Gina Rollins. National Safety Council. www.nsc.org/rexources/issues/articles/fallfalls.aspx

Additional Resources
Senior Approved: www.qualityeldercare.com/certified.html
Aging Network Services: www.agingnets.com
Administration on Aging: www.aoa.dhhs.gov
National Council on Aging: www.ncoa.org
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov
Center for Disease Control –Fall Prevention: www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/preventadultfalls.htm
National Safety Council: www.nsc.org
Occupational Health & Safety – www.ohsonline.com