Image courtesy of Winnod/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Installing grab bars in the bathroom are a great way to improve the safety of the older adults in our lives. But there’s more to improving safety than just purchasing a pair of grab bars. Try these helpful tips to improve the safety of your loved one when they’re getting in and out of the tub.

Concentration Counts

• Getting in and out of the tub requires concentration
• Your loved one may need help in the bathroom if they have difficulty with attention or concentration

Practice Makes Perfect

• Practice using newly installed grab bars before…

Flashback to your childhood and recall what your parents would say to you if you were about to do something that could cause harm to yourself, like climb out of the crib or venture into the street. It was usually a resounding, “No!” They were trying to protect you, and you may or may not have known it then but it was for your own good. Today, it seems children rarely hear the word no.

Some parents, when put to the test, will say they want their child to figure it out,…

Image Courtesy of Keerati/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are you looking for a device that can help your loved one lower his or her risk of falling in the home? How about one that fits in the palm of your hand? Surprisingly this post isn’t about the latest generation of smart phones, but the good old-fashioned nightlight.

I have found that many older adults fall at night simply because adequate and accessible light is not available. A routine trip to the bathroom could potentially result in injury. Unfortunately, in this country, falls related injuries continue to be one…

Photo by Michele Mieklejohn

As we see from everything that is happening in New York City after Superstorm Sandy, getting back to “normal” after a storm is difficult. However, if you have children, it is vital for you to give them a sense of normalcy while preparing them for changes.

For your kids, schools may be closed and power may take days to return, but remind them that the situation is temporary and will get better.

If your kids are healthy and it’s safe to be outside, give them tasks that allow them…

Growing up my group of friends spent time at the local playgrounds trying to figure out if the sneaker with the pump up feature could help you run faster. Our methods weren’t exactly scientific but we eventually came to our senses and figured out that a pair of over priced sneakers won’t make you a better athlete.

However did you know older adults can reduce their risk of falling by choosing the right pair of shoes? Allow me to guide you through some of the key features to look for in a shoe that…

If you’re not sure about which walking device is the right one for a loved one with mobility issues then you’re not alone. There are a numerous amount of choices that available both online and at your local medical supply store.

I have found many people end up choosing the rollator because of its features. This is not surprising when you consider it has a fold down seat, travel basket, four wheels and a set of brakes.

Now before you run out to the store to purchase a rollator you need to understand that it’s not the right device for everyone.…

A year a go I had the privilege of working with a teenage girl who sustained burns to her thigh in a splash injury. She was treated inpatient for a week at a burn center and then discharged to wound care and follow-up at home. Her medical doctor wanted to see her weekly to assure that the dressing and wound were healing with no infections, and her family was doing OK.

When I met the family, the girl had just been discharged, and her parents were anxious about her care. She was…

Did you know that using a cane or walker that has not been adjusted for your height can actually cause more harm than good? I’m always concerned when I see people using walking devices that are either too long or short because it can change their walking pattern and may not provide adequate amount of support. This can result in an increased risk of falls and injury to the shoulder or hip.

So how do you know if your walking device is set at the proper length? When you hold your walking device in standing position…

I recently met with a few of our adult day center’s Chinese speaking members to discuss the importance of home safety and exercise. Despite our differences in age, I realized that our time together was both enjoyable and productive.

I found out right away that one of the advantages of meeting with a smaller group is the willingness of everyone to share their experiences. Their stories brought to life some of the principles I presented.

Just A Few Examples

• One person takes a 20 minute walk every morning before heading out to our adult day center. Keep in mind group exercises…

Recently I’ve been brainstorming about how I can make my presentations at local senior centers more relevant and applicable. I have appreciated the honest feedback of many older adults who have shared they’ve already heard the basic points of my talks.

However, they value the time I spend answering their questions. With that in mind next week I’m planning to visit our own adult day center with a more interactive approach.

Can I Pour You A Cup of Tea?

• My plan is to moderate a small discussion group (4-6 adults) with a focus on…