Protecting Your Senior Loved One From Afar

Safety Tip 1:

Preventing Falls

Falls are the leading cause of death and injuries among Americans age 65 and older, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. More than one-third of all seniors – or about 11 million people – fall each year, resulting in almost 12,000 deaths. Of survivors, 50 percent lose their mobility, and 40 percent, their independence – forever. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent such an accident.

Begin by making sure that your parent’s home is as fall-proof as possible – remove clutter and keep things low. Aging individuals don’t always lift their feet while walking, and assistive walking devices (walkers and canes) are easily caught-up. Get rid of rugs, tuck cords away, remove low-lying decorations, and clear floors and walkways. Storing appliances, linens and clothing high up in cabinets and closets forces seniors to tiptoe or stand on a ladder to reach certain items. Ensure safety by moving anything your loved one needs on a regular basis to lower storage areas. It’s important these things are accessible from a flat-footed position.

Safety Tip 2:

Preventing Medication Mishaps and Health Complications

People aged 65 and older take an average of 10 different medications one (or more) times daily. Older adults are also two and one-half times more likely to visit an emergency room due to a drug emergency than younger individuals. Some medical emergencies can’t be prevented, but others, including medication overdose (and under-dose) certainly can.

If you live far from your aging parents, you may want to take the time to arrange an appointment with your loved one’s care provider that includes you. In this meeting, confirm the current health concerns that afflict your loved one, discuss any medications and supplements they should be taking, any dietary restrictions they may have, and use it as a question-and-answer session for both you and your senior family member. This will put everyone involved in the care of your loved one on the same page, decreasing the likelihood of a medical accident.

Safety Tip 3:

Preventing Environmental Emergencies, Such as Fire

Taking the proper measures to safeguard your parents’ home from environmental disasters, such as fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, extreme temperatures, or even intruders can be life saving. The elderly are two and one-half times more likely to die in a residential fire – which can be caused by cooking appliances, open flames, smoking and faulty heating/cooling systems.

Thus, it is important to make sure that home appliances are updated and in good condition. Check the toaster, microwave, blow dryer, TV, radio and other such electrical devices for functionality, a secure plug-in connection (from appliance to cord, and cord to outlet), and potential risk of shock or sparking. Also make sure outlets and power strips aren’t overloaded. If appliances appear dangerous, replace them.

Safety Tip 4:

Remote Care Technology: The Ultimate Safety Measure

Most seniors feel comfortable and safe when they’re at home, which is why more and more families are exploring at-home living options as their loved ones age. But, even the most diligent preventative safety measures cannot help your loved one communicate the need for help, should an emergency arise. This is why the Allisons recommend that families – especially those living afar – consider remote care technology, including a personal response system, environmental monitoring and medication management technology.

A personal emergency response system is a waterproof pendant can be worn either as a necklace or bracelet, designed to help your loved one communicate a need for help in the event of an emergency. Once the button on a unit is pushed, professionals are contacted to determine the type of response necessary for the situation -- and family members are alerted via phone or e-mail.

Safety Tip 5:

Medication Management Technology

Medication management technology serves as a medication dispenser to help remind your loved one when to take their medications. An in home caregiver will load the dispenser with the proper medications and dosages, then a bell will ring to alert your family member when it’s time to take their medication, and the pre-loaded pills will be dispensed. A sensor then reveals if the medication was removed from the dispenser, and if the dosage was missed, the in home caregiver and proper family members will be notified. “Remote care technology is good when a parent or loved one is just starting to get to the point where they are having a few minor issues. They may need help with medications, or need their blood pressure or other vital signs checked on a daily basis,” Doug notes.

Environmental monitoring systems observe carbon monoxide levels, the presence of smoke or a fire, extreme heat and cold, and can also function as motion detectors – ensuring a safe home environment for seniors. These systems also include an emergency response system that can call for help, while your loved one focuses on getting to a safe place in the event of an emergency. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors immediately alert the local fire department. If the furnace stops working on a sub-zero night, the extreme temperature detector will alert you, so you can call dad. The motion detectors will learn the patterns of your loved one, so if mom isn’t up in the kitchen at 8 a.m. as usual, family is alerted. Since seniors are often less aware of environmental emergencies, or unable to respond quickly enough, monitoring their home can prevent unnecessary injuries, hospitalization, and even death.

Safety Tip 6:

Let them know they are loved

We can do all the clinical and procedural things on a sterile checklist -- and still not provide our senior loved one with what they crave: knowing they matter ... and that they are greatly loved.

You can make a vast difference just with a phone call. Checking in once a week can make all the difference in the world. Catch your loved one up on family goings-on. Share your joys and frustrations. Reminesce. Laugh about that time the frog went down Aunt Maude's dress at the Vacation Bible School picnic. Chuckle about how Cousin Herschel never could tell a joke. Marvel at how Marjorie has stayed with Chuck all these years -- considering what a gossip he is!

You may not think your call matters.

It does.