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November - In This Issue:
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Prevent the Slip
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Falling is not a normal part of the aging process, but it is quite prevalent in the senior population.
According to the CDC, at least 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 fall each year, with less than half talking to their healthcare providers about it due to the embarrassment or worry over the consequences. Further, once a senior falls, the chance of falling again doubles. As you can tell, falls are a serious health concern for aging adults.
Falls can lead to a decreased quality of life, increased fear and isolation, and even hospital visits or extended stays. While you might think that falls only happen to the frail, many older adults fall at least once during the year. You can prevent falls from happening with a few safety practices at home, along with bringing in a Visiting Angel to help out with activities that can increase the risk of falling. These might include bathing, toileting, or getting ready for the day. Give us a call so that we can work together to develop a plan for your loved one's safety.
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Fall Risks at Home
Decrease your chance of falling at home with a few of our tips
Many falls happen at home, with the bathroom being the number one danger area. However, if you and your loved one are able to make a few adjustments at home, you might be able to decrease the risk of falling. Here are a few of our favorite tips to help keep you safe - and upright - when you are at home.
 Secure, or get rid of, rugs
Rugs pose a serious threat when it comes to falling, especially those that are not secured or have ends that roll up. Walk through your home to check rugs. Be sure that rugs are non-skid or secured to the floor so that they don't slide across the floor. Better yet, consider getting rid of unnecessary rugs all together.
Install grab bars and other assistive equipment
With most falls happening in the bathroom, it is best to be sure that there are plenty of safety measures in place there. Install grab bars near the toilet and shower, being sure to install them in a position that does not require someone to lean over to hold it. Also, consider a shower chair or a shower seat to further decrease fall risk.
Secure bathroom surfaces
While you're in the bathroom, take a look at the floor of the shower. Be sure that the shower floor is skid-proof to prevent slips and subsequent falls. You can purchase a skid-proof rug or adhesive and install those within the day to make a major safety difference in your bathroom. Be sure that tile is also skid-proof, especially when it gets wet.
Clear a path
Take a look at where your loved one moves throughout the home on a daily basis, and be sure the path is clear. Remove all unnecessary obstacles that might be in the way, especially in areas that are traveled at nighttime, such as the path from the bed to the bathroom.
Make sure assistive devices can succeed in the home
A walker or cane is only effective if your loved one uses it. Assure that any walking devices are used throughout the home and aren't catching on carpet. Also, make sure that the paths in the home that you cleared are wide enough to support a walker or cane, if those are used.
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What We're Reading
Take a look at a few of our favorite articles for senior care this month
We are always on the lookout for educational or entertaining articles regarding senior care. You can find a lot of what we are reading and sharing over on our
Facebook page, but here are a few more links that you might enjoy reading. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and spend a few moments educating yourself about topics that are pertinent to your season in life; or, bookmark these links and return to them when you have some extra time.
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Upcoming Events
Family Caregiver Support Group
Wednesdays - Nov. 11th, Dec. 9
Registration: 9:30am, Program: 10:00 - 11:00am
FREE EVENT - Registration Required!
Please call (727) 943-3600
Dunkin' Donuts
Conference Room, 1143 South Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, FL
(Shopping Center at the corner of Meres Blvd. and Alternate 19)
If you are caring for a loved one with a chronic condition, join Dottie for a discussion with your peers. Share coping skills, resources, information and fellowship with one another.
Alzheimer's and Dementia Support Group
Wednesdays - Nov. 25th, Dec. 23rd
Registration: 9:30am, Program: 10:00 - 11:00am
FREE EVENT - Registration Required!
Please Call (727) 943-3600
Conference Room, 1143 South Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, FL
(Shopping Center at the corner of Meres Blvd. and Alternate 19)
For those of us who are caring for loved ones with memory loss, a peer support group can be a vital way to get information and share resources. Join us!
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STAY CONNECTED
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