Tips on Preventing Seniors From Falling

Fall hazards exist in the home and account for the majority of home injuries. When seniors experience a fall in the home, the consequences can be dire. Falls, then, are more common when combined with declining physical mobility and decreasing eyesight, putting seniors at a higher risk for injury. Severe falls can often cause lasting injuries or disability, especially for senior citizens.
For these reasons, assessing a home's fall hazards is a vital step in ensuring the safety of senior citizens. Preventing falls will increase quality of life and allow seniors to enjoy their independence within their own homes for much longer.
The room with the greatest potential for falls is undeniably the bathroom. Water and tile floors will always prove to be a dangerous mix when it comes to slipping hazards. Whether a person is in or out of the shower, the chance for slips is highest in a wet bathroom. Let us examine some strait forward modifications that can be made in this room to mitigate slips, trips, and falls.

Inside The Shower
Showering and bathing can actually be risky behavior. With the frequency that people use their showers and the wet and slippery conditions, this daily activity can be a difficult process for seniors or those with mobility complications. Shower chairs and bath benches are the most effective solutions for making the shower a safer place.
Shower chairs came in many shapes and sizes from round shower stools to vinyl padded chairs or handicap seats with or without backs. Shower chairs come with suction feet that adhere the seat to the bathtub to prevent falls. Handicap versions can also allow wheelchair bound seniors easier access to their bathtubs without having to remodel the bathroom.
Bath benches are used to facilitate getting into the tub itself. A bath bench allows seniors to slide into the bath tub safely. These benches are halfway inside and outside of the shower. The two feet inside the tub are fixed with suction cups while the outside of the bench comes beyond the shower. Seniors can sit on the bench from the outside and move safely into the tub.

Outside Of The Tub
After a shower chair or bath bench, there are more safety items that can be installed in and around the bathroom. Non slip mats, adhesive safety strips, and non-slip decals can be liberally used all around the bathroom to prevent falls.
Grab bars also offer an easy installation near baths, sinks, and the toilet to improve mobility and stability. They also will support a person in the event of a fall. Many people try to instead catch themselves on towel racks when they lose their balance, but those will pull right out of a wall.
It is important to keep the bathroom safe to maintain freedom for seniors to live within their own homes. Simple changes like higher wattage light bulbs and night lights will go a long way to making the bathroom safer. Coupled with shower chairs and bath benches, seniors will enjoy their independence for many more years to come.

Author: Jeremy P Stanfords
Source: ezinearticles.com

MEDI-CALL ad parody

A cartoon parody of the classic Life-Alert TV commercials with the "I've fallen and can't get up" lady.

http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/30o5

Caldwell Medical Center and Guardian Medical Monitoring Team Up To Help Seniors

The Times Leader in Kentucky has an article on how Caldwell Medical Center is enhancing their services for seniors by offering the products and services of Guardian Medical Monitoring. For more info follow the link:
http://www.timesleader.net/articles/stories/public/201003/28/0004HHDD_news.html

Myrtle Beach senior citizens reflect on historic day for healthcare

Here's some reaction on the new healthcare bill signed into law:
http://www2.scnow.com/scp/news/local/grand_strand/article/myrtle_beach_senior_citizens_reflect_on_historic_day_for_healthcare/111759/

Senior Citizens Are Starting Medical Marijuana Businesses to Replace Lost Retirement Funds.

Granny is now growing and selling Ganja to keep from going under. Retirees and Baby Boomers are increasingly turning to the medical marijuana industry and starting businesses, Hempgard University is teaching them. For more: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3765764.htm

Senior Lifestyles special airs tonight

Channel 7 WXYZ in Detroit is airing a special program tonight at 8pm. Follow the link to their website to find out more about "Senior Lifestyles:" http://tinyurl.com/ye2q7oh

AMA Issues Older Driver Safety Guide to Help Slow Leading Cause of Injury Deaths in Seniors

"March 17, 2010 - To help protect the lives of senior citizens and make our roads safer, the American Medical Association (AMA) has released a new Physician's Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers. Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of injury-related deaths in adults over 65. Per mile driven, the fatality rate for drivers 85 years and older is nine times higher than for drivers 25 to 69 years old."

For the rest of the story by seniorjournal.com, click on the link below.

http://www.seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Aging/2010/20100317-AMAIssuesOlder.htm

Senior citizens find easier path back to work

Interesting news story about a national company that helps seniors re-enter the workforce.

http://www.nbcaugusta.com/news/local/87872567.html

Senior citizens, beware of phone scam

Published: Sat, March 13, 2010 @ 3:41 p.m.
Staff report
BOARDMAN
Township police are warning residents about a scam targeting the elderly.
A 73-year-old woman told police that she received a call from a man Thursday morning who claimed to be from the Society Security Administration. He said the agency was reissuing Social Security cards and needed information to verify her identity.
The caller recited the woman’s address, asking her to verify it and then asked for her date of birth.
She provided that, but when the man asked the woman to provide checking account information, she refused.
She hung up when the he became more aggressive.
“The Social Security Administration doesn’t call people like that,” said Detective Glenn Patton. “If you get a similar call, hang up right away.”
If a person has already received a similar call and provided the information requested, Patton urged them to file a police report and to contact their bank immediately.
Similar incidents were reported in Pittsburgh last year.
http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/mar/13/senior-citizens-beware-phone-scam/

Attorney general Koster says 'Say no to scams'

"No. It's a simple word with just two letters and one syllable. But it is a word Missouri's attorney general wants older adults to remember and to use." Follow the link for Annabeth Miller's complete story on how senior's first reaction to anyone approaching them for money or information should be "no."

http://www.dddnews.com/story/1617667.html

Keep seniors safe from scams

The elderly are among the first targets of scam artists. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is using National Consumer Protection Week this week to offer guides on how to avoid becoming a victim.

For more of the article by Sandra Guy, click on the link below:

http://www.suntimes.com/business/currency/2094705,CST-NWS-MSenior10.article

Tips for Senior Citizens, Older Adults to Spring into Shape

Some good ideas to help seniors get active. Compiled by the VA Maryland Health Care System:

http://www.newswise.com/articles/tips-for-senior-citizens-older-adults-to-spring-into-shape

Elder Independence

Interesting article and blog by Ilaina Edison,"Fixing Depression in the Elderly: Reforming the Health Care System One Barrier at a Time." Follow the link to the Huffington Post for more:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ilaina-edison/elder-independence-where_b_493262.html

GMM at IHCCC

Guardian Medical Monitoring will be at the Illinois Home Care Council conference on 3/9/10. Check out our latest medication dispenser and other technology! www.ilhomecare.org/2010AnnualConference.html

Kalamazoo caregiver and health agencies, services and facilities network with Focus on Aging

Guardian Medical Monitoring is proud to participate in the Focus on Aging are Disability Network. The Kalamazoo County area has many independent options for aging seniors from in home care agencies to assisted living.
Among the existing home care agencies and living facilities who have attended and participated with Focus on Aging are A place for mom, Arcadia Healthcare, AdvisaCare, Comfort Keepers, Bickford Assisted Living, Brookdale Senior Living, Extendicare, Gentiva home health, Heartland Nursing facilities, Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, Home Instead, In House Hospice, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, National Church Residences at Spring Valley Crossing, Oakland Center, Right at Home In Home Care and Assistance, Sue’s Loving Care, The Laurels of Galesburg, Park Place Assisted Living, United Nursing Service and UNS Home Health Agency, and Woodside at Friendship Village.
Other services participating in Focus on Aging are Disability Network, Chalgian and Tripp Law Offices, Health and Human Services, Guardian Medical Monitoring, Lending Hands of Michigan, Inc., Bronson Hospital and Bronson Lakeview Family Care, Life ems Ambulance, Marquis Mobility, Senior Services, Inc., and Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center.

http://www.examiner.com/x-33831-Grand-Rapids-Caregiver-Examiner~y2010m3d2-Kalamazoo-caregiver-and-health-agencies-services-and-facilities-network-with-Focus-on-Aging?cid=exrss-Grand-Rapids-Caregiver-Examiner

Job/Career Fair & Showcase of Services Available to People with Disabilities

Guardian Medical Monitoring will be attending the following job fair:

3/18/2009 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services is proud to invite one and all to a Job/Career Fair and a Showcase of Services available to People with Disabilities in Central Illinois!
Over 70 employers, educational institutions, and support agencies.
Come "Dressed for Success" and bring several copies of your up-to-date resume.
Location
Richard Orr Building, Gate 9, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield. Parking is available on the West and North sides of the building.
Shuttle Service
A Shuttle bus will be available to transport any and all attendees from the SMTD bus Stop at 8th and Sangamon Avenue to the Orr building and will return to the stop approximately 10 minutes prior to the arrival of each SMTD bus between 12:45pm - 5:15pm. Persons utilizing public transportation should board the "North 5th Street" bus at the Downtown Transfer Center at 5th and Capitol and get off at 8th and Sangamon.
Contact
For questions, or to request a reasonable accommodation, please call Herb Earl with DHS at (217) 782-4830 (Voice) or (888) 440-8990 (TTY).
Participants
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois
Social Security Administration
Work Incentives Program
University of Illinois - Springfield
Office of Disability Services
Admissions
SIU School of Medicine - HR Dept
SCI - Benedictine University
Lincoln Land Community College
Special Needs Program
Truck Driving School
Human Resources Department
Admissions
Robert Morris College
Midwest Technical Institute
Department of Human ServicesDivision of Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Home Services Program
Bureau of Blind Services
Traumatic Brain Injury Program
Bureau of Recruitment and Selection
Bureau of Job Accomodation
Client Assistance Program - CAP
Sangamon County Public Aid Office
Family Community Resource Center
Department of Employment Security
Illinois workNet
Sangamon County - Dept of Community Resources
DisabilityWorks
IL Dept of Healthcare and Family Services
Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities
IL Dept of Central Management Services
Disabled Workers Program
Illinois Department of Veteran's Affairs
State Approving Agency
Illinois Dept of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Illinois State Police
Illinois Department of Agriculture
EEO/ADA Office
Illinois Department of Child and Family Services
EEO/ADA Office
Illinois Secretary of State
Illinois Department of Human Rights
Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities
Illinois Department of Military Affairs
Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland
ADDUS Healthcare
Avon Products
Tupperware Products
Lewis Memorial Christian Village
Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center
A.T. & T. Mobility
Unique Personnel
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries
Epilepsy Resource Center of Central Illinois
Job Placement Program
Springfield Center for Independent Living
Complete Care Systems/Jazzy Cleaning Service
The Hope Institute
Springfield Community Federation
Peterson Health Care/Courtyard Estates of Sullivan
Community Care Systems, Inc.
Senior Services of Central Illinois
SPARC Supported Employment Program
County Market
Decatur Police Department
Police Officer Recruitment
Emergency Communications Operations
Rose International
Community Living Options, Inc
Americorps Disability Outreach Program
Project Return
Financial Security Planning, Inc
Statewide Indpendent Living Council
Chrysalis Independence Foundation
Capitol Community Healthcare
The Family Service Center
Advanced Healthcare Services
Memorial Health System
Sangamon County Sheriff's Department
Illinois Army National Guard
SPARC - HR Department
ADECCO Employment Services
Scentsy Products
Capitol Radio Group
Primerica Financial Services
Qik n' EZ
St. John's Hospital
United American Insurance Company
Lowes Home Improvement Centers
Kelly Services
Guardian Medical Monitoring
Arbonne International
United Cerebral Palsy of Lincolnland
Manpower Employment Services
Springfield Police Department
Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance
Salsa with Julio
City of Springfield
Community Relations Office
Champaign Police Department

http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=41998&date=3/1/2010

Seniors get fashion statement about safety

Nice little article about an event to help Seniors tell with utility workers and others who may ask for entrance into their homes. Some good tips so please follow the link below:

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/2084750,3_1_EL05_03FASHION_S1-100305.article

Guardian Medical Monitoring Attends Health Fair

Learn from experts at annual health fair
By Ellen Sussman, Special to the Green Valley News
Published: Wednesday, March 3, 2010 5:45 PM MST

Now in its 17th year, the Green Valley Community Health Fair continues to attract a wide range of medical service representatives and health screeners to familiarize local residents with their services.March 10 from 8 a.m. to noon is an opportune time to speak with about 40 community health care representatives while also taking advantage of free screenings at the West Social Center, 1070 S. Calle De Las Casitas.Arleen Boyuls, chair of the Green Valley Health Fair Task Force, said the event began with an idea in 1993, and involved collaboration of community service agencies, health care providers and local businesses.“Through discussion and initiative, the health fair grew to fruition in 1994. Friends In Deed and care coordinators organized the first event, then called a Resource Fair,” she said, adding that from the beginning Green Valley Recreation has provided space and staff support each year.Vendors this year include Arthritis Foundation, Casa de Esperanza, Desert Eye Associates, Friends In Deed, Green Valley Assistance Services, Green Valley Community Food Bank, Guardian Medical Monitoring, La Posada, Pima Council on Aging, Radiology Limited, Tucson Heart Hospital and United Community Health Center.Various health screeners will provide free testing. Sonora Lung Care will offer pulmonary function and oxygen saturation tests, United Community Health Center will provide screening for diabetes and University Physicians Healthcare will screen for glaucoma and offer bone density evaluations.
Screenings for skin cancer, blood pressure checks and five-minute massage therapy will also be offered. Carondelet Health Network will provide cholesterol and HDL screenings for $5.Health directoryThe Green Valley News publishes the Green Valley Health Services Directory for the greater Green Valley and Sahuarita areas. The directory is scheduled to be delivered to subscribers in the March 7 edition.The 2010 Health Directory will also be available at the Health Fair and then at the Chamber of Commerce office.Contact Green Valley freelance reporter Ellen Sussman at ellen2414@cox.net.
http://gvnews.com/articles/2010/03/04/sahuarita_sun/news/20.healthforum0303.txt

Medical Alarm Video Testimonial

Doris McCullough explains how her Medical Alarm from Guardian helped save her life!

http://www.youtube.com/user/GuardianMedical?feature=mhw4#p/u/4/ZzCpP8BndXI