A Matter of Balance: Reflection

Every Tuesday for the past eight weeks, a group of older adults with concerns about falling gathered at the Alameda Main Library. They were joined by Alice Lai-Bitker from Peace of Mind Home Care and David McGuinness Senior Services, hosts of A MATTER OF BALANCE - a national evidence based program, sponsored by Alameda County Senior Injury Prevention Program, designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. 

This group of older adults learned how to:

• view falls as preventable
• set goals for increasing activity
• make changes to reduce fall risks at home
• exercise to increase strength and balance

What were some reflections from the workshop?

--The workshop was really good. It taught me how to get up when I do fall and gave me safety tips on how to avoid falls.

--This was an eye opener for me and now I am more aware of falls and their danger. I even took steps to make my house more age friendly and safer for me to live in. It was beneficial for me to attend.

--It was very good and has helped me plan for actual life situations so I can be prepared.

--Excellent workshop. I learned how to exercise properly, proper standing poses and some procedures to use to get up from a fall. Very helpful.

--It made me pay attention to how I can avoid falls.

--When I go on trips I will be more conscious of my actions so I will be safe and enjoy my travel injury-free. (Fenstermachers)

When asked what changes have already been made as a result of the class, this is what was shared:

--I learned to be more serious about my physical activity.

--I feel more accepting of using aides- cane, walker, grab bar. 

--I rechecked my home for safety.

--I put bars in my bath tub, and I am aware of what I am doing and watch where I am walking.  The class has opened my thoughts to improve my balance and prevent falling.

--I discipline myself, set a goal and accomplish as much as I can, but not over exhaust myself to fall. 

--I made safety corrections at home.  I walk more with greater care and exercise more. I am more aware of hazards.  

Lai-Bitker really enjoyed leading the workshop. "It's wonderful to see them participate honestly" she explained, "sharing their own experience of falls and strategize together for solutions and how to handle embarrassing moments."

We are currently accepting sign ups for our next session in the summer, beginning August 1st. Sign up here.

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Peace of Mind Home Care is here to help provide compassionate care for your loved ones who struggle to remain independent in their homes. Give us a call at 510-924-8529 and let us provide you with Peace of Mind. 

To learn more about A MATTER OF BALANCE, visit the National Council on Aging or check out our previous blog post.

Fall Prevention at Home

Did you know that more than 75% of falls take place at home? There are some quick and simple changes you can make to help reduce your risk of falling. When assessing your home, remember to pay attention to these three things:

1. Good lighting
2. Clutter
3. Easy access to things used most

You also want to ensure you have THREE POINTS OF CONTACT for whatever you are doing (i.e. getting out of the shower, walking up stairs). This means having two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with something sturdy.

The front door:

• If you have steps at your front entrance, make sure they are not broken or uneven. Fix damaged steps as soon as possible.
• Make sure entryways are well lit so you can see where you are walking. 
• Consider installing a grab bar to help with balance.

Kitchen:

• Organize your commonly used items, such as plates, cups, bowls, and even seasonings, within reach. This will help you avoid using a step stool to reach higher items.
• Scatter rugs are tripping hazards, so replace any with rubber backed rugs that will stay in place.
• Clean up spills right away.

Stairs:

• Keep stairs free of clutter.
• Add strips of colored tape to on the edges of each step to help you visualize the stairs better.
• Have lighting at the top and bottom of the stairs.
• Add a second handrail to help with balance.

Hallway:

• Check your lighting, but don't change lightbulbs yourself. Ask family members, friends or neighbors to help you.

Bedroom:

• Ensure the light near the bed is easy to reach.
• Keep the path from the bed to the bathroom clear of clutter and well lit. 
• Consider installing a bedrail to provide support while getting in and out of bed.
• Keep the phone at arm's reach of your bed. 

Bathroom:

• Add a non-slip rubber mat to the shower, as the traction will help prevent slipping.
• Install grab bars by the toilet and tub. Remember that towel racks are not proper grab bars. 

Have you made other changes to your home that we didn't mention? Please share them with us!

Source: National Council on Aging

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Alice Home Care is here to help provide compassionate care for your loved ones who struggle to remain independent in their homes. Give us a call at 510-924-8529 and let us provide you with helping hands and caring hearts. 

6 Steps to Protect Your Older Loved Ones From a Fall

Did you know that every year, 1 in 3 older Americans fall? While falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for those aged 65+, the good news is that most can be prevented. Here is how you can help.

1. Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe.

   • Ask older loved ones if they are concerned about falling, and suggest they discuss their concerns with their health care provider.

2. Discuss their current health conditions.

   • Find out if they are experiencing any problems managing their health, i.e. trouble remembering to take medication, experiencing side effects, or having trouble doing things easily.

3. Ask about their last eye check.

   • If your older loved one wears glasses, ensure they have a current prescription. Tint-changing lenses can be dangerous when going from bright sun into a darkened room. Bifocals can also cause problems on stairs.

4. Notice if they're holding onto walls, furniture, or someone else when walking or if they appear to have difficulty walking or arising from a chair.

   • If so, these are signs that they should see a physical therapist, who can help improve balance, strength and flexibility through proper exercises. A cane or walker may also be suggested.

5. Talk about their medications.

   • Encourage your older loved one to speak with their doctor or pharmacist if they are having a hard time remembering to take their medication. In addition, watch out for non-prescription medications that contain sleep aids, which can lead to dizziness and balance problems.

6. Do a walk-through safety assessment of their home.

   • There are simple and inexpensive ways to make a house safer. For example, increase lighting, make sure there are two secure rails on the stairs, and install grab bars near the toilet and in the bathtub or shower.

Source: National Council on Aging

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Peace of Mind Home Care is here to help provide compassionate care for your loved ones who struggle to remain independent in their homes. Give us a call at 510-924-8529 and let us provide you with Peace of Mind. 

Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans aged 65+ falls each year? Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for elder Americans. Every September on the first day of fall, the National Council on Aging and the Falls Free Initiative work to promote Falls Prevention Awareness Day. The 9th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day will be observed on September 22, 2016, and Peace of Mind Home Care is hosting a day filled with free workshops and activities!

*Yoga poses for improved flexibility

*Tai Chi sequences for improved balance

*Medication Management tips from an expert

*Tricks to prevent falls from a Physical Therapist

*Brain Fitness exercises from an expert 

Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak Street 

Thursday, September 22, 2016 from 10AM-2PM

Sponsored by Peace of Mind Home Care of Alameda

Bring your friends and your neighbors, and we will see you on September 22nd!

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Peace of Mind Home Care is here to help provide compassionate care for your loved ones who struggle to remain independent in their homes. Give us a call at 510-924-8529 and let us provide you with Peace of Mind. 

To learn more about Falls Prevention, visit the National Council on Aging.

Alzheimer's Disease as an Adventure in Wonderland

A page from “Aliceheimer’s: Alzheimer’s Through the Looking Glass,” by Dr. Dana Walrath.

Dr. Dana Walrath, a medical anthropologist with a background in art and writing, used her three year experience caregiving for her mother, Alice, to inspire the memoir, “Aliceheimer’s: Alzheimer’s Through the Looking Glass,”. Alice was in the middle stages of Alzheimer's disease during this time, and the book is a tribute to her animated mind.

"Aliceheimers" was created with the technique of graphic medicine, which uses text and graphics to “let us better understand those who are hurting, feel their stories, and redraw and renegotiate those social boundaries.”

 When asked in an interview with the New York Times about how her book might influence the caregiving community, Dr. Walrath shared the following:

“I would love to see “Aliceheimer’s” contribute to reframing dementia as a diversity issue. Of course there is loss involved, but the more we can see people living in this state as useful true humans who might teach us all something about living in the present, about knowing sides of our loved ones that social processes kept inaccessible, the better it will be.”

To learn more about graphic medicine, the background behind the book's creation, and how it can help others caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease, read the whole article on the New York Times Health Blog.

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Peace of Mind Home Care is here to help provide compassionate care for your loved ones who struggle to remain independent in their homes. Give us a call at 510-924-8529 and let us provide you with Peace of Mind. 

To learn more about Alzheimer's disease, visit the Alzheimer's Association.

Elder Abuse Awareness

Did you know that one out of 20 elder Americans are victims of elder abuse each year? While elder abuse can take many forms, including neglect, emotional abuse, abandonment, financial abuse, or physical/sexual abuse, 40% of those victims are due to financial exploitation.

Learn to recognize the warning signs of elder abuse so you can help stop the cycle:

• Caregiver appears too aggressive or exhibits uncomfortable behavior
• Elder unable to speak for him or herself in presence of caregiver
• Bruises, abnormal skin changes, dirty appearance, poor hygiene
• Personality changes, hesitation to talk openly
• Sudden involvement of previously uninvolved relative or new friend
• Unexplained changes to will, power of attorney, or other legal documents

If you see any of these signs, contact the Alameda County Family Justice Center Elder Protection Unit, your local Law Enforcement, or Adult Protective Services (APS) at 1-866-225-5377.

Alameda County Family Justice Center

470 27th Street
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 267-880

Source: Alameda County District Attorney's Office

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Peace of Mind Home Care is here to help provide compassionate care for your loved ones who struggle to remain independent in their homes. Give us a call at 510-924-8529 and let us provide you with Peace of Mind. 

To learn more about Elder Abuse, visit the National Center for Elder Abuse.