Tag Archives: safety

Falls: Prevention and What to Ask Your Older Loved One

An older woman sitting alone on a bench in a garden with a walking aid next to her

Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal, trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. For many elders who have a fall, this is often the beginning of a deleterious cascade of ill health that will lead to trauma, hospitalization, decreased mobility, depression, and in some cases, even death. … Continue reading Falls: Prevention and What to Ask Your Older Loved One

Don’t Wait for a Crisis: Ways to Create an Aging Plan Now

It’s easy to put off planning for a parent or loved one’s care when that person is still healthy and able to care for themselves. Rather than wait for a crisis to strike, take time to plan for how you can maintain your loved one’s  safety and quality of life. Here are five strategies to … Continue reading Don’t Wait for a Crisis: Ways to Create an Aging Plan Now

Before Turning on the Faucet: Alzheimer’s Disease and Bathing

By Miriam Zucker, LMSW, ACSW, C-ASWCM September is World Alzheimer’s Month. In order to support the mission of raising awareness and providing education about Alzheimer’s, the Aging Life Care Association will be publishing articles that discuss different aspects of the disease. You can learn more about World Alzheimer’s Month at https://www.worldalzmonth.org. It may be at the beginning when … Continue reading Before Turning on the Faucet: Alzheimer’s Disease and Bathing

The Secret Life of the Refrigerator

The Secret Life of the Refrigerator by Miriam Zucker, LMSW, ACSW, C-ASWCM “Ins and outs,” are what Aging Life Care Specialists™ often do during our initial walk thru a client’s home. The “ins” are such things as medication dispensers, grab bars and smoke detectors.  The “outs,” are unsecured throw rugs, old newspapers and magazines, and … Continue reading The Secret Life of the Refrigerator

Be Prepared: Making a Plan for Winter Weather

2017 has been the year of severe weather , and this winter may bring with it snow, freezing temperatures, ice,  or heavy rains. All of this greatly impacts the safety and well-being of the elderly, especially when weather events strike unexpectedly or with speed. Here are some tips from the experts in aging well to … Continue reading Be Prepared: Making a Plan for Winter Weather

How to Recognize When It’s Time for Older Adults to Stop Driving

One of the most difficult conversations caregivers can have with their older loved ones concerns driving. Telling someone they are no longer safe to drive can result in hurt feelings, resentment, and arguments. ALCA member Susan Birenbaum addresses these concerns and directs caregivers to useful resources. How to Recognize When It’s Time for Older Adults … Continue reading How to Recognize When It’s Time for Older Adults to Stop Driving

Beat the Heat: Summer Safety Tips for Aging Adults

summer

With temperatures already breaking 100° in parts of the country, the dog days of summer are here and it will only get hotter.  This raises some concern for keeping safe and cool, especially among senior citizens. Aging adults, in particular, may be at higher risk of heat-related maladies as they are less likely to sense and respond … Continue reading Beat the Heat: Summer Safety Tips for Aging Adults

Home for the Holidays: Making the Most of Visits to Aging Parents

warning signs to look for during holiday visits

Holidays are occasions that many of us spend with family, whether we live down the block or across the country.  For those with aging parents or loved ones, these visits are an important time to take stock amidst the hustle and bustle, and to make plans.  By Heather Imhoff, MSW, LMSW – Aging Life Care … Continue reading Home for the Holidays: Making the Most of Visits to Aging Parents

What to Do When Your Elderly Neighbor Needs Help

My elderly neighbor needs help

Have you seen your elderly neighbor speeding by the park? Or perhaps driving slower than a snail, in the wrong lane? Maybe you’ve found him wandering the streets confused? Or noticed that she hasn’t come outside when, normally, she waters her garden every other day? Not everyone has family nearby to routinely check-in or monitor … Continue reading What to Do When Your Elderly Neighbor Needs Help

Seven Signs That an Aging Parent Needs Help

Loneliness linked to declining health in aging adults

As an Aging Life Care™ advisor, I know how fiercely older adults  cling to their independence. Many feel that their adult children don’t understand them or are making something out of nothing — a fall, a burnt pot, a call from the police station. They make promises to ask for help shopping, assure a son they … Continue reading Seven Signs That an Aging Parent Needs Help