Thursday, March 28, 2024

When the Word ‘Fall’ is Not a Good Thing

October 28, 2014 by  
Filed under Blog

greeting, John Silva, The Fix-It ProfessionalsLast time we shared some ideas to “seniorize” your home. In this issue we’re focused on fall…or more specifically falling. For those of us who aren’t elderly yet, those “fallen and can’t get up” television commercials might seem overly dramatic – as if they’re just trying to scare us in to buying their product. But the truth is that falling is the most common cause of injury or even death in seniors.

In a class offered at the University of California, San Francisco, students of geriatric studies experience what it’s like to be elderly. They’re given ear plugs to simulate hearing loss. They put popcorn kernels in their shoes so they can feel how panful it is to walk with peripheral neuropathy. In another of these experiences students are given glasses which simulate how difficult it is to see as you get older.

Seemingly normal well-adjusted adults experienced everything from sadness to panic as they discovered just how difficult it is to do “normal tasks” because of the inability to see, hear or walk comfortably.

If you, or someone you love will be entering their senior years soon, there is no better time than the present to make sure living spaces are safe. In this issue we’ll focus on simple home modifications you can make with an eye on fall prevention.

Out of sight 
During the glasses experiment, students discovered the importance of extra lighting. When inspecting for adequate lighting, start by the bed. Is there a lamp within easy reach? Are there night lights to light the way in the middle of the night? Also consider the stairs. Are they brightly lit? Are there light switches at both the top and bottom of each flight of stairsstairs, John Silva, The Fix-It Professionals

Upstairs downstairs
In addition test the handrails of all stairways. If possible, install sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairs. Put non slip strips on stairs for extra traction and be sure any carpet is either securely fastened or removed.

We’ve said it before but…
Clutter is not a good thing. In each room arrange furniture to maximize open floor space. Make sure small furnishings are not a tripping hazard. Be sure clutter is contained or (even better) eliminated in all areas where someone might walk. Remove all throw rugs and be certain that all carpet is secure. In the kitchen, make sure pet bowls are not a tripping hazard.

Frequently used items
Anything that is used often should be within easy reach. In the kitchen be sure that items that are used every day do not require getting out a step stool to access them. This may mean you have to spend a day re-arranging where things are stored. Call it “safety Day” put on some fun music and just get it done. Making sure every day things are in easy reach also applies to pantries, closets and the garage.

bare feet, John Silva, The Fix-It ProfessionalsNo More Bare Feet
We all love to kick off our shoes when we get home. Unfortunately bare feet have a habit of finding that one sharp thing on the floor or the corner of the coffee table. When this happens and we’re younger, it’s just a painful inconvenience because we have the strength and balance to recover. But think back to the students with popcorn kernels in their shoes. Wearing lace up, non-slip soled shoes in the home will help prevent what could be a much more serious injury.

While we don’t help people with shoes, we love helping “fall-proof” homes. Do you or a loved one need some help   “seniorizing?” Read on for our “October Seniorizing Special” 

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Aging in Place: Is the Family Home Safe?

October 14, 2014 by  
Filed under Blog

Home with fence, John Silva, The Fix-It ProfessionalsThese days it makes financial sense for seniors to stay in their homes as long as possible. With the cost of assisted care skyrocketing (as much as $70,000 per year in metropolitan areas) staying in the family home allows seniors to stay where they are comfortable and familiar, while keeping financial worries at bay for as long as possible. But is it safe to age in place in the family home? Here are some tips for “seniorizing” home sweet home. 

1. Basic Safety
Some family homes were built years ago when building codes were not as strict.

Make sure that the family home has a carbon monoxide detector and at least working smoke detector. Even if these devices are powered by electricity, be sure that the batteries are fresh.

In the event of an emergency, be sure there is a safe escape route. Make sure that floors are clear of clutter and that everyone who lives in the house has a plan for what to do if the smoke detector goes off. 

2. How’s that reach? Stool, John Silva, The Fix-It Professionals
As we age, things like getting on a ladder to retrieve 
an item or reaching behind the couch to turn lights off and on becomes more difficult. Make sure that frequently used items, like pots and pans in the kitchen, or linens in the bedroom are easy to reach. Add storage that is more accessible or relocate items with safety in mind.

If reaching light switches to turn lights off or on is becoming a challenge, consider putting lights on a timer or adding a “clap on/off” switch.

3. Oh say, can you see?
Be sure entry areas hallways, walk ways, paths etc. are well lit and safe. Check both during the day and at night to see if dimly lit areas pose a safety hazard. Consider removing or lowering thresholds because they may be a tripping hazard.

Also think: If someone comes to the front door, can the person on the threshold be seen without someone opening the door? Peep holes or surveillance cameras can make sure the door is only answered to people who are known.

clutter, John Silva, The Fix-It Professionals

 4. Not a good time for a trip
We’ve all done this. Something sits in your house long enough and soon you don’t even see it anymore. Some things that may not be noticed are: Loose rugs, clutter, or extension cords. Any of these in the wrong location can cause a fall. In addition consider adding night lights to light the way from bedroom to bath or kitchen to prevent a fall.

5. Get a grip
Finally, inspect for areas where it might be helpful to have a place to hold on. Check to be sure any handrails on the stairway are secure. Also consider adding grab handles in the bathroom and being sure that tubs or showers have a no slip mat inside and out. It might also be time to consider a bath bench or shower chair if standing steadily in the shower is a problem.

If you enjoyed these ideas, but you don’t want to “do it yourself,” just give us a call! We love helping seniors! From entry way ramps to grab bars, we’re here to help. Read on for our “October Seniorizing Special 

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