Smart Senior

Senior Living: Lighting Can Make A Difference

Tired of fumbling around in the dark?  A little automation, when it comes to lighting up your home, adds immeasurably to a sense of security and safety.

Sensor light switches can be used throughout your house.  You can install inexpensive hands-free devices without rewiring your whole house.  The sensor detects movement and turns the lights on automatically when you enter a room.  Does that sound too complicated or too expensive?    Think again.  The lights also turn off automatically when the room isn’t in use.  Think how many gray hairs that would have saved your parents.  Remember how they were always nagging at you to turn the lights off?  The only downside is that if you are sitting still for a long period of time, the sensor may think you have left the room and pitch you into darkness.  If that should happen you must stir and wave your arms around every once in awhile, so much for meditation.

Oh boy, another remote.  Hand held lighting remotes are still the easiest solution.  Wouldn’t you like to be able to control the lights from your chair or from your bed?  The easiest version of this wireless smart remote is available in most home stores.  The receiver plugs into a standard outlet and you just plug your lamp into the receiver to activate it.  You can purchase several if you want to be able to control more than one lamp.

Sight is important to independent living.  Thousands of people with decreased vision sit in the dark, because they just accept poor sight as a part of normal aging.  They might not even consider that better lighting would improve their visual acuity.  Many people do not appreciate the benefits of using good light.

According to Andy Fisher in his article “No light, no sight,” for (The Optician: Sutton: August 13, 2010), light has a significant impact on the visual system.  Older people need more light in order to function well.  It is generally accepted that most people with sight loss, benefit from increased illumination.  Careful assessment and identification of individual lighting needs are important.

Problem Areas to Assess:  Inappropriate and poor light levels.  Different levels of light between rooms and poor distribution of light creates dark areas and shadows. The best way to light a room is to illuminate the ceiling and the tops of the walls so that light reflects around the room without glare.  Lighting technology is rapidly improving.   Energy efficiency is also important and LEDs are the wave of the future.

Speak to your optical practitioner about information specific to your disability.  His/her recommendations will consider:

• The purpose of the light source:  what the person wants to do and where.
• Even levels of light should be installed throughout the house to make it easier for the eyes to adapt as you move from one area to another.
• In the kitchen install small fluorescent lights to illuminate work surfaces. The main kitchen light should be bright with a diffuser cover to decrease glare.
• In the lounge a three-tiered system with a main ceiling light, secondary wall mounted fittings, and free standing task lighting lamps.
• Light sources should illuminate edges of stairs, landings and hallways.
• Pay attention to floor color and contrast (avoid patterned carpets).
• Appropriate shades and diffusers let will let light through but distribute evenly.
• Use task lights to support reading and writing, personal care, cooking, food preparation and other tasks.
• Use security lights on sensors to aid outdoor navigation.

Senior Living: Home Security Is A Good Idea

Many seniors live alone, which in itself is a scary situation.  If you grew up in a small community where nobody locked their doors, you may not have thought much about home security.  Unfortunately communities are different now and people spend less time at home. Looking out for both your home and your personal safety is important.  House break-ins are usually crimes of opportunity, which means that you have done something, or not done anything, to keep someone from accessing your property.

Maybe you can’t afford expensive alarms and monitoring devices, but there are a number of simple things that you can do to make your home more secure.

Having emergency numbers keyed into your phone, having solid doors, good sturdy locks on your doors, and eliminating dark spots with improved exterior lighting are things that we all can do.

A good quality secure door that has a heavy duty frame, three security hinges and a deadbolt lock are your first line of defense.  You may wonder about security alarms.  Alarms are good but should not be a substitute for other practical measures that you should be taking every single day.

Most people are easy targets.  We are trusting by nature and forget to take simple precautions.  Windows open to catch a summer breeze.  Doors left unlocked when you are working outside in the yard.  Wallets, purses and other valuables left in plain sight are easy pickings for someone looking for things to take.

What can you do without spending an arm and a leg?  Kick proof your doors.  Solid wood, fiberglass and steel doors can withstand most blows.  Exterior doors can be strengthened by using a 1 inch deadbolt lock and you can easily install and inexpensive reinforcing metal box strike.  Don’t overlook doors that lead into your house from the garage.

Chose the right locks, secure glass areas, beef up window locks and secure your window box air conditioners.  Keep the house and yard bright.  Illuminate the areas around the doors, windows and blind spots.

Landscape wisely:  Be sure that foundation plants and high fences aren’t providing cover for criminal activity.  Trim tree branches that might provide easy access to windows, roof or skylights.

Get to know your neighbors and organize a neighborhood watch.  If you are away from home a lot, consider a central monitoring system that will call your cell phone if suspicious activity is detected.  

Mobility Aids: Is A Motorized Scooter or Other Mobility Aid Right For You?

We see a lot of ads for motorized scooters and other mobility devices designed to promote independent living.  I am thrilled that people are now able to get around independently, and studies show that independence definitely improves quality of life.  Still, I worry that people using mobility devices might become so dependent on them that they fail to keep up with a regular exercise program.  Exercise is the magic potion that strengthens muscles and fine tunes balance and flexibility.

An article by Dorothy Foltz-Gray in the current Arthritis Today (November/December 2010) and an article in USA Today: Farmingdale: (October 2010) examine the upside and the downside of mobility devices.   Studies show that using mobility aids such as scooters improve quality of life, but they also show that they are associated with a decline in health.  It is not that scooters or other mobility aids are dangerous; it is the fact that people who use them become less physically active. 

Obesity heightens the risk of becoming disabled and affects how a person will compensate for that disability.  Studies show that obese older adults are more likely to use walkers, canes, and other devices, and at an earlier age.  Reliance on assistive devices can affect everyday life in many ways, from how you bathe, dress, or even how you move.

One-third of adults over 65 use at least one device (shower seats, tub stools, grab bars, raised toilet seats, walkers, canes, scooters).  Being obese and disabled fuels a vicious cycle.  When you are functionally limited, physical activity is restricted and this means you burn fewer calories and gain even more weight.

When used improperly the supposed solution to a mobility problem can actually make the problem worse.  It is important to have a health care professional evaluate, prescribe, and instruct about the pros and cons of using an assistive device.  This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use your power chair or the Cadillac of Wheeled Walkers, but it does mean that it is important to get regular exercise and eat a healthier diet so that you don’t fall victim to poor health habits.

Mental Fitness: Walking Meditation

What does walking have to do with meditation?  Life is stressful.  We thrive on stress.  If we don’t feel anxious, fatigued, or worried about absolutely everything, we don’t feel productive at all.  At what point in our lives did stress become the mantra for success?

Stress may be at the root of success but it is also at the root of serious mental and physical problems.  The body can only handle stress over-load for so long.

By now you have probably heard about the benefits of meditation.  Research tells us that meditation can improve how we cope with stress.

After reading or watching movies like Eat, Pray, Love, you are probably thinking that meditation might be a good idea.  You are also thinking that taking a year off to seek it out isn’t exactly something that you can fit into your busy schedule.

Shannon Sexton wrote a brief article for Arthritis Today Magazine (November/December 2010) about “Walking Meditation,” and I think you would agree that this is a little more to your liking.  She points out that there are all sorts of meditation styles, and they don’t necessarily require you to sit cross-legged while your knees complain with discomfort.  If sitting still isn’t your cup of tea, consider walking meditation.  Walking meditation blends body awareness, deep breathing, and mental focus, with something that you are likely doing already.

Walking meditation combines synchronizing your stride with your breathing pattern.  This takes a little concentration but it gives you something to think about while you walk besides shin splints, what you are going to fix for dinner, or whatever else is cluttering up your day.

What you are trying to do is evoke a relaxation response by breaking the cycle of everyday thinking.  You are already walking because it improves your cardiovascular health; what if you can improve your mental and emotional clarity at the same time?

A full fledged “Breathwalk” would take a considerable amount of time and seeing you are already rushed, you might have a hard time buying into that scene.  The author of this article reviews a simple routine that you can try at home, at the office, or during your exercise walk.

Begin walking at a normal pace.  Tune in to the sensations of your body.  If your legs are sore or your shoulders tight, focus on that part of your body and breathe into the pain, visualize it going away.

Focus on your breath.  We habitually breathe shallowly so concentrate on taking deep breaths as you walk, until your breathing pattern becomes slow, deep, and even.  Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.  Deep breathes. Inhale and Exhale.  Visualize your lungs expanding and contracting.

Synchronize your steps with your breath.  As you inhale, take four steps and then exhale for the next four.  Feels good doesn’t it.  That’s it!

Helen Blow in an article about stepping back from stress (The Gloucestershire Eco (UK) September 25, 2010) outlines three principles to meditation:  breathing, gazing and mindfulness.  Think of mindfulness as simply paying attention to your breath, your body and your surroundings.  As erstwhile thoughts try to break through cue yourself by saying “thinking” and redirect your focus to the breathing and stepping and gazing.

That doesn’t sound so hard does it?  You may even come to enjoy your walks.  They will become a period of time that is just for you.  Oh, take your dog along.  He/she won’t mind if you are counting or muttering or stopping to smell the roses.

 

 

 

Walking Meditation:  Senior Health

 

What does walking have to do with meditation?  Life is stressful.  We thrive on stress.  If we don’t feel anxious, fatigued, or worried about absolutely everything, we don’t feel productive at all.  At what point in our lives did stress become the mantra for success?

 

Stress may be at the root of success but it is also at the root of serious mental and physical problems.  The body can only handle stress over-load for so long.

By now you have probably heard about the benefits of meditation.  Research tells us that meditation can improve how we cope with stress.

 

After reading or watching movies like Eat, Pray, Love, you are probably thinking that meditation might be a good idea.  You are also thinking that taking a year off to seek it out isn’t exactly something that you can fit into your busy schedule.

 

Shannon Sexton wrote a brief article for Arthritis Today Magazine (November/December 2010) about “Walking Meditation,” and I think you would agree that this is a little more to your liking.  She points out that there are all sorts of meditation styles, and they don’t necessarily require you to sit cross-legged while your knees complain with discomfort.  If sitting still isn’t your cup of tea, consider walking meditation.  Walking meditation blends body awareness, deep breathing, and mental focus, with something that you are likely doing already.

 

Walking meditation combines synchronizing your stride with your breathing pattern.  This takes a little concentration but it gives you something to think about while you walk besides shin splints, what you are going to fix for dinner, or whatever else is cluttering up your day.

 

What you are trying to do is evoke a relaxation response by breaking the cycle of everyday thinking.  You are already walking because it improves your cardiovascular health; what if you can improve your mental and emotional clarity at the same time?

 

A full fledged “Breathwalk” would take a considerable amount of time and seeing you are already rushed, you might have a hard time buying into that scene.  The author of this article reviews a simple routine that you can try at home, at the office, or during your exercise walk.

 

• Begin walking at a normal pace.  Tune in to the sensations of your body.  If your legs are sore or your shoulders tight, focus on that part of your body and breathe into the pain, visualize it going away.
• Focus on your breath.  We habitually breathe shallowly so concentrate on taking deep breaths as you walk, until your breathing pattern becomes slow, deep, and even.  Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.  Deep breathes. Inhale and Exhale.  Visualize your lungs expanding and contracting.
• Synchronize your steps with your breath.  As you inhale, take four steps and then exhale for the next four.  Feels good doesn’t it.  That’s it

 

Helen Blow in an article about stepping back from stress (The Gloucestershire Eco (UK) September 25, 2010) outlines three principles to meditation:  breathing, gazing and mindfulness.  Think of mindfulness as simply paying attention to your breath, your body and your surroundings.  As erstwhile thoughts try to break through cue yourself by saying “thinking” and redirect your focus to the breathing and stepping and gazing.

 

That doesn’t sound so hard does it?  You may even come to enjoy your walks.  They will become a period of time that is just for you.  Oh, take your dog along.  He/she won’t mind if you are counting or muttering or stopping to smell the roses.

 

 

 

 

 

Walking Meditation:  Senior Health

 

What does walking have to do with meditation?  Life is stressful.  We thrive on stress.  If we don’t feel anxious, fatigued, or worried about absolutely everything, we don’t feel productive at all.  At what point in our lives did stress become the mantra for success?

 

Stress may be at the root of success but it is also at the root of serious mental and physical problems.  The body can only handle stress over-load for so long.

By now you have probably heard about the benefits of meditation.  Research tells us that meditation can improve how we cope with stress.

 

After reading or watching movies like Eat, Pray, Love, you are probably thinking that meditation might be a good idea.  You are also thinking that taking a year off to seek it out isn’t exactly something that you can fit into your busy schedule.

 

Shannon Sexton wrote a brief article for Arthritis Today Magazine (November/December 2010) about “Walking Meditation,” and I think you would agree that this is a little more to your liking.  She points out that there are all sorts of meditation styles, and they don’t necessarily require you to sit cross-legged while your knees complain with discomfort.  If sitting still isn’t your cup of tea, consider walking meditation.  Walking meditation blends body awareness, deep breathing, and mental focus, with something that you are likely doing already.

 

Walking meditation combines synchronizing your stride with your breathing pattern.  This takes a little concentration but it gives you something to think about while you walk besides shin splints, what you are going to fix for dinner, or whatever else is cluttering up your day.

 

What you are trying to do is evoke a relaxation response by breaking the cycle of everyday thinking.  You are already walking because it improves your cardiovascular health; what if you can improve your mental and emotional clarity at the same time?

 

A full fledged “Breathwalk” would take a considerable amount of time and seeing you are already rushed, you might have a hard time buying into that scene.  The author of this article reviews a simple routine that you can try at home, at the office, or during your exercise walk.

 

• Begin walking at a normal pace.  Tune in to the sensations of your body.  If your legs are sore or your shoulders tight, focus on that part of your body and breathe into the pain, visualize it going away.
• Focus on your breath.  We habitually breathe shallowly so concentrate on taking deep breaths as you walk, until your breathing pattern becomes slow, deep, and even.  Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.  Deep breathes. Inhale and Exhale.  Visualize your lungs expanding and contracting.
• Synchronize your steps with your breath.  As you inhale, take four steps and then exhale for the next four.  Feels good doesn’t it.  That’s it

 

Helen Blow in an article about stepping back from stress (The Gloucestershire Eco (UK) September 25, 2010) outlines three principles to meditation:  breathing, gazing and mindfulness.  Think of mindfulness as simply paying attention to your breath, your body and your surroundings.  As erstwhile thoughts try to break through cue yourself by saying “thinking” and redirect your focus to the breathing and stepping and gazing.

 

That doesn’t sound so hard does it?  You may even come to enjoy your walks.  They will become a period of time that is just for you.  Oh, take your dog along.  He/she won’t mind if you are counting or muttering or stopping to smell the roses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Living: Do You Really Need To Remodel Your Home?

To remodel or not to remodel, that is the question?  Young people may remodel because they are trying to keep up with the Jones, or because they are trying to find a way to control the chaos in their lives.  Older people approach remodeling from a different perspective, but either way it is a big decision.   Seniors are looking for ways to make their lives safer and easier, but they find themselves reluctant to spend the money and they wonder if it is worth the bother.

Transition points in life are what cause most to people to think about remodeling.  People surveyed admit that they think of remodeling when the first or third child arrives, when the kids move away from home, and when aging parents come to stay.

People who chose remodeling over moving often say that it is the yard that keeps them from leaving their old home.  I know this would be a factor for me.  I love my trees and would always wonder if the next person would continue to feed my squirrels and birds. The yard is a factor, but so is parting with all of your “stuff.”  You may not be a hoarder per se, but you still have accumulated a lot of cherish belongings along the way.  Many people use remodeling as a way to organized space, while figuring out a way to make their homes lighter and roomier.   It could be that you need more light to lift our spirits, but from a practical standpoint it is an admission that you need more light to see well as you grow older. 

Simplicity and universal design are the trends but a little added luxury isn’t far behind.  As people get older they feel that they deserve a few little luxuries, such as a really nice bathroom or heated floors, and why not?

It pretty much boils down to whether you should “stay put” or move.  This is the question that people in their 70s or beyond give a lot of thought too.  Many people opt to “stay put.”  It is more comfortable living out your life in your home, and in many ways more economical.  Lesley Alderman in an article for the New York Times (July 18, 2009) pointed out that assisted living facilities often cost from $34,000 to $70,000 a year depending on the area and the services offered.  If you are saving for your money for a rainy day you might have to come to terms with the fact that the clouds are gathering.

While staying at home is cozier and cheaper than moving into a senior community, it is not always safer.  If you plan right your home environment can be supportive of your well being, but it can also be health hazard.  If you want your home to be safe and supportive, you are going to want to follow remodeling guidelines that will help you achieve this goal.  In general, insurance companies will not cover physical upgrades to your house, but they will often pay to have an occupational therapist come in to do an assessment and make recommendations.

Know when to improve and when to move.  As you grow older you are going to have to lean toward adapting your home to meet your needs.  Don’t make home improvements for the sole reason of boosting the home’s value, although attractive universal design features can do just that.  You should be undertaking projects that will give you pleasure and keep you safe.

Kitchen Remodeling: How Safe Is Your Kitchen?

The kitchen is the first room that comes to mind when you think about remodeling. You spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  You use your kitchen as a place to plan menus, to cook, to eat, or to gather with friends and family.  It is the hub of the household.  It is the most frequently visited room in the house.  It stands to reason that you want it to look nice and you want it to have the latest appliances.  You want your kitchen to be safe as well as functional.

There was a time when choices in appliances were limited to size and color.  You probably remember having something in almond or avocado green.  Thank goodness we have gotten past that, but now there are so many choices that it is enough to make your head spin.  The good news is that many of the latest appliances now combine style with enhanced safety features.

What should you look for in appliances when factoring “aging in place” into the picture?  In addition to large sized buttons and controls in bright and contracting colors, you will be looking for models that are quiet, well insulated and energy efficient.

Safety First:  More household fires start in the kitchen than in any other room in the house.  Unattended cooking is the usual culprit.  You will be happy to know that low temperature electric burners and induction cook tops perform without an open flame or a red hot cooking element.  Low temperature burners are only a third as hot as a regular electric burner.  The burners are hot enough to cook on but not hot enough for oil, food, and most household materials (such as pot holders, clothing or paper) to ignite.   Induction cooking processes are different in that there are no hot coils, open flames or heated surfaces.  Only the area directly under the cookware gets hot. Technologies like these are geared toward keeping you or your older parent safe in the kitchen. 

Safety features:  An automatic turn off feature will program a maximum cooking time and turn off when it is reached.  The burner will also turn off automatically if a burner is turned on without having a pan or if an empty pan is set on it.  An indicator light will tell you if a cooking top is still hot.

If you prefer gas stoves you can still make them as safe as possible.  Lock out features makes it impossible for children or adults with memory issues to turn a stove on.  Gas stoves are available with reigniting burners that will automatically relight if the flames go out accidently.

Microwaves can be dangerous too.  Hot drinks and dishes that can easily spill when you remove them from a microwave are a safety hazard too.  A good rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t remove hot items from an oven that is at face level or above (so much for those over the stove microwaves).  It is safest to install the microwave on a countertop with counter space nearby where you can set a hot dish down quickly and comfortably.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when selecting or deciding where to put new appliances.  Take your time, speak to specialists, and consider what your needs are now and in the future.  The kitchen is the most important room in the house and you should be totally safe and happy there.   Food and food preparation is important in your quest for health and independence as you grow older.

 

Kitchen Remodeling:  How Safe Is Your Kitchen?

 

The kitchen is the first room that comes to mind when you think about remodeling. You spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  You use your kitchen as a place to plan menus, to cook, to eat, or to gather with friends and family.  It is the hub of the household.  It is the most frequently visited room in the house.  It stands to reason that you want it to look nice and you want it to have the latest appliances.  You want your kitchen to be safe as well as functional.

 

There was a time when choices in appliances were limited to size and color.  You probably remember having something in almond or avocado green.  Thank goodness we have gotten past that, but now there are so many choices that it is enough to make your head spin.  The good news is that many of the latest appliances now combine style with enhanced safety features.

 

What should you look for in appliances when factoring “aging in place” into the picture?  In addition to large sized buttons and controls in bright and contracting colors, you will be looking for models that are quiet, well insulated and energy efficient.

 

Safety First:  More household fires start in the kitchen than in any other room in the house.  Unattended cooking is the usual culprit.  You will be happy to know that low temperature electric burners and induction cook tops perform without an open flame or a red hot cooking element.  Low temperature burners are only a third as hot as a regular electric burner.  The burners are hot enough to cook on but not hot enough for oil, food, and most household materials (such as pot holders, clothing or paper) to ignite.   Induction cooking processes are different in that there are no hot coils, open flames or heated surfaces.  Only the area directly under the cookware gets hot. Technologies like these are geared toward keeping you or your older parent safe in the kitchen. 

 

Safety features:  An automatic turn off feature will program a maximum cooking time and turn off when it is reached.  The burner will also turn off automatically if a burner is turned on without having a pan or if an empty pan is set on it.  An indicator light will tell you if a cooking top is still hot.

 

If you prefer gas stoves you can still make them as safe as possible.  Lock out features makes it impossible for children or adults with memory issues to turn a stove on.  Gas stoves are available with reigniting burners that will automatically relight if the flames go out accidently.

 

Microwaves can be dangerous too.  Hot drinks and dishes that can easily spill when you remove them from a microwave are a safety hazard too.  A good rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t remove hot items from an oven that is at face level or above (so much for those over the stove microwaves).  It is safest to install the microwave on a countertop with counter space nearby where you can set a hot dish down quickly and comfortably.

 

These are just a few things to keep in mind when selecting or deciding where to put new appliances.  Take your time, speak to specialists, and consider what your needs are now and in the future.  The kitchen is the most important room in the house and you should be totally safe and happy there.   Food and food preparation is important in your quest for health and independence as you grow older.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Safety and Seniors: How Fire Save Is Your Kitchen?

Most home fires start in the kitchen, and most fires are caused by unattended cooking.  If you are easily distracted or your memory isn’t quite what it used to be, you will need to be especially vigilant.   It could happen to anyone, which is why you should surround yourself with safety products in order to protect yourself.  If one does start, you want to be able to extinguish the flames safely and efficiently.

We all get sidetracked.  A few minutes to check your e-mail can easily turn into a half an hour.   It doesn’t take long for browning hamburger to burn and fill the kitchen with smoke.  Most kitchen fires start because cooking food is left forgotten on the stove.  Every appliance in the house has a buzzer but most of them are not loud enough to hear if you are more than one room away.  If you must leave the kitchen get in the habit of taking a portable timer with you. Some people like to wear a timer around their necks or have timers that are so loud that they could raise the dead.

What else can you do to prevent fires?  If you tend to forget your timer you might want to let modern technology come to your aid.   Use an electric tea kettle that turns off automatically when the water boils or install an electric shut off timer on your stove.  Use appliances with automatic turn-off features or consider a low electric burner or induction cook top. 

Smoke and Fire Warning Devices are must have safety features.  A lot of people have them, but how many remember to test them regularly and replace the batteries?  Consider purchasing an alarm that uses lithium batteries that will last for 10 years, or have your appliances wired into the home electric system (which would eliminate the need for batteries altogether).  Install an alarm outside your bedroom and on every floor in the house.

What do you do if a fire actually occurs?  Keep a fire extinguisher where it is handy.  This means within easy reach in the kitchen, and be sure that you know how to use it.  Check your fire extinguishers periodically.  If a kitchen fire has happened more than once it is time to something about it.  One option is to install an automatic fire extinguisher in your range hood.   When a stove top fire occurs and the flames reach the can, the extinguisher automatically releases fire suppressing powder onto the fire.  A more expensive version not only puts out the fire but turns off the gas or electric power.

One of the reasons that people don’t keep fire extinguishers out in the open is that they are obvious and unsightly. This is a poor reason but what can I say.  If this is your excuse you will be gratified to know that less obtrusive versions are available, and they can sit right on the counter.  They are easy to use and they are right there if you need them.

Don’t become a statistic because you are easily distracted, forgetful or just too busy to multi-task successfully.

 

 

GPS Tracking: What Can You Do To Make Memory Challenged Elders Safer?

Caring for a senior with dementia is worrisome, especially if your charge has a tendency to wander.  Statistics suggest that 60 percent of people with dementia will get lost at least once and often more than once.

People who have been accustomed to taking walks every day don’t take kindly to having someone tell them that they can’t go out alone.   In an effort to allow people to be as independent as possible, for as long as possible, every effort is made to allow them to come and go as they please.  Whether you work in an assisted living facility or are looking after a parents well-being from a distance, having them wander off and get lost is a constant worry.

Your parents may be perfectly capable of managing their personal activities of daily living, but it would not be unusual for him/her to get confused when away from familiar surroundings. You don’t have to be deep into Alzheimer’s to get lost.  Take it from me.  I am directionally challenged and could get lost in a parking lot.  The difference is that I can problem solve, call for help, or ask questions.  A person with dementia may not know that they are lost and might not even remember their name.  What can you do to make your memory challenged elder safer without taking away his/her privileges altogether?

A GPS tracking device provides a better quality of life for your memory challenged elder.  They can still have some independence and freedom of movement while you, the caretaker, can have more peace of mind just knowing where they are.

One method mentioned in an article by Wang Hongyl, (McClatchy-Tribune Business News. Washington: October 16, 2010) talked about a small device that could be worn on the wrist like a watch.  The device sends signals via global positioning satellites.  If a person walks away from home a short message is sent to the phone of the person responsible.

I like that idea but learned from experience that residents that I was responsible for would quite diligently remove or cut off banding devices.  I’ve since then read three articles about tracking devices embedded in shoes.  This sounds much more practical because while a person might fixate on removing a bracelet or leg band they wouldn’t be bothered by something hidden in a shoe.  Getting dressed and putting on shoes is a memory that people will retain the longest, and they wouldn’t think about going for a walk without putting on shoes.  A tiny GPS chip in the sole of a shoe provides continuous tracking and a caretaker could locate their charges with the click of a mouse.  A tracking “geo-fence” could also be placed around a person’s home and an alert sent to a cell phone or computer when the boundary is crossed.

 

 

Remodeling: Would a Home Elevator Work For You?

Remodeling your living quarters so that you can live all on one floor is a good solution, but not always possible.  If you are reluctant to leave your lovely large home, and if you have a healthy budget (factor in what it will cost to move elsewhere) installing an elevator might be the right choice for you.

Those of you who have had a stroke, a knee replacement surgery, or have arthritic joints know that stairs, narrow doorways and bathrooms can be tricky to navigate.  You don’t have to be an expert to know that there is a growing need for ramps, open floor plans, accessible bathrooms, and even elevators.

There are a number of models available depending on your floor space, design preferences and of course the cost.  Find a manufacture that will let you test out available models in the showroom before you make a decision.   Look at cost, noise levels, ease of use, and comfort.   If you are building a house from scratch and want to stay there for the rest of your life, keep in mind that it is less expensive and easier to install an elevator during initial construction.  At the very least consider stacking up closet space floor to floor so that you have a space that could later be used as an elevator shaft.

Rosemary Bakker discusses three models in her book “Revitalizing Your Home.”  These models all offer emergency back-up systems so that you don’t have to worry about being stranded between floors in the event of a power outage.

Freestanding Elevator Cab offers a no frills solution and is the least expensive model.  It does not require a shaft, just a floor cutout for the cab to pass through and a load bearing wall to mount the steel tracks on.  These models can carry 450-500 pounds.

Freestanding Glass and Metal Elevator; this deluxe model has a little more pizzazz, but like its cheaper model does not require a shaft, just a floor cutout.  The cab is pneumatically powered, is wheelchair accessible and quite lovely.   Some models will hold up to 550 pounds and are wheelchair accessible.

Hydraulic Elevator:  This is the luxury model and offers many custom features.  It does, however, require a shaft, a machine room and an excavated pit.

The idea is to assist people with disabilities to be independent.  It is entirely possible that you or someone in your family will need help at some point in the future.  What lengths are you willing to go to stay in your own home?  With a little bit of planning you can dramatically increase your ability to live independently.  Specific features such as safer stairs, lifts, and elevator systems are some of the ways that you can use to make your house accessible while keeping you safe.

Senior Fitness: Accessible Hiking

If you are an outdoor lover but have limited mobility, you may think that your days of enjoying the out-of-doors are over. This doesn’t have to be the case. I found a delightful book titled “Accessible Trails in Washington’s Backcountry,” that was put together by The Washington Trails Association. I was pleased to discover that there are trails available that everyone can enjoy.  With a little research you will be able to find gentle paths that access beautiful scenic vistas. 

Whether you are confined to a wheelchair, a grandparent exploring trails with a toddler, visually impaired, or just a traveler looking for a pleasant stroll, there are easy trails for you.

Many Americans long to enjoy the wilderness experience but are physically not able to manage rough and tumble mountain trails.  You don’t have to be very old before an 8-10 mile hike becomes an exhausting experience.  Hiking is rated as being one of the most popular recreational activities, but a large segment of the population is unable to get to or use the average hiking trail.  Nearly one in three Americans over 65 has some form of disability, and when one family member cannot participate the entire family is affected.

In the past, facilities were all designed for the average person, but thanks to a series of federal laws, more and more of them are being made accessible for all.  The U.S. Forest Service has been addressing accessibility issues and has been focusing on the universal design approach.

Many trails today are open and accessible for all outdoor enthusiasts. With newly designed equipment, disabled persons can enjoy bicycling, cross-country skiing, marathons and even rock climbing.

Accessible Trail Guidebooks evaluate trails by degree of difficulty, distances, gradient, surface, when to go, parking and restroom facilities.  Many of the trails listed are hard packed or paved and can bear a lot of traffic.  A surprising number of trails are accessible to all.

As with any other hiking it is important that you be adequately prepared.  Always carry extra clothing, extra food, sunglasses, insect repellent, knife, fire starter, first-aid kit, matches, flashlight, map, compass, and cell phone.  So, whether you are just looking for a quarter of a mile paved trail to a view point or something more adventuresome, there is a trail for you.