Remember to call 9-1-1 for any emergency. It is the fastest way to get professional help in a hurry.
Today's seniors are more healthy and active than ever before. But, like everyone, they need to pay attention to health and safety risks. The following are safety prevention tips for common problems facing older adults.
Safety in your home
For the majority of people, a feeling of security is found in the safety of their homes. It is vitally important to take fundamental precautions to secure your home.
Install good locks on doors and windows. Use them! Don't hide keys in mailboxes, planters or under doormats. Instead, leave an extra set of keys with a neighbor or friend.
Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in. If you are the least bit worried, call the company to verify.
Be sure your street number is large, clear of obstruction and well lighted so police and medical personnel can find your home quickly.
Consider a home alarm system that provides emergency monitoring for burglary, fire and medical emergencies.
Join a Neighborhood Watch group to look out for each other and help the police.
Consider a home alarm system that provides emergency monitoring for burglary, fire and medical emergencies.
Join a Neighborhood Watch group to look out for each other and help the police.
Safety away from home
It is important to take extra care in securing your home when you are going to be away for any length of time. Not only should your home be secure but it should also appear lived in.
Secure all windows, doors and the garage before you leave. Leave a radio playing to indicate that someone is home. Leave one or two lights on, preferably with timers that turn on according to how dark it is outside.
Discontinue mail and newspaper deliveries. Let your trusted neighbors know that you are going to be away, for how long and where you can be contacted if necessary.
Safety on the streets
The following are ways you can reduce your risk of victimization and increase your sense of personal safety.
Go shopping in pairs or in a group.
Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Don't carry credit cards you don't need or large amounts of cash.
Walk in the center of the sidewalk, away from alleys and doorways.
Sit close to the driver or near the exit while riding the bus, train, or subway.
If you suspect you are being followed, cross the street, go to the nearest home, service station or business and call the police.
If someone or something makes you uneasy, trust your instincts and leave.
Remember to call 9-1-1 for any emergency. It is the fastest way to get professional help in a hurry.
Watch out for con artists
One has to remember that con artists are clever actors appearing friendly and trustworthy. When faced with the real thing, we can be fooled in person or on the telephone. Remember that con artists only want one thing from you - your money.
Don't fall for anything that sounds too good to be true - a fee vacation, sweepstakes prizes, cures for cancer and arthritis or a low-risk, high yield investment scheme.
Never give your credit card, phone card, Social Security or bank account numbers to anyone over the phone. It's illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify a prize or a gift.
Don't let anyone rush you into signing anything - an insurance policy, a sales agreement, a contract. Read it carefully and have someone you trust check it over.
If you're suspicious, check it out with the police, the Better Business Bureau, or your local consumer protection office. Call the National Consumer League Fraud Information Center at: 800-876-7060.
Summer Safety
Summer arrives and with it comes the chance for mishaps and accidents. The following are summer safety tips provided by Home Health Care of Michigan:
Sun Safety
Fact: Those most at risk for heat illness are young children and the elderly. To protect yourself from dehydration, sunburn, and heatstroke:
Safety Tips:
Be alert for symptoms of heat illness - fainting, dizziness, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, flushed skin, and body temperature of 104 degrees or higher.
If suffering from a heat illness, rest in cool area and sip cool, non-alcoholic drinks.
To avoid losing salt and water when sitting or sunbathing, replenish with fluids often, and avoid beverages with alcohol or caffeine. Keep the skin moist and cool.
Wear loose-fitting clothing, a hat, and a waterproof sunscreen.
If you take prescription drugs, check with your doctor before sunbathing.
Fact: Lightning strikes are fatal less than a third of the time.
Safety Tips:
Don't go near the water.
Don't lie down on wet ground.
Don't go near tall or metal objects, such as flagpoles, fences, and trees.
If you're inside, stay away from electrical appliances and don't use the telephone, as they are good conductors of electricity.
Don't watch storms from an open window or door, and avoid the fireplace, as it is often a lightning target.
The safest place to be is in a steel-framed building or an enclosed automobile.
Bites:
Human or animal bites often become infected or transmit illnesses such as rabies. Medical evaluation is necessary for thorough cleansing and treatment, and a tetanus shot may be required if you have not had one within five years.
Insect bites or stings that cause severe swelling at the site of the bite, a generalized rash or any swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, require immediate medical evaluation. Remove stingers from bee or wasp stings by scraping (the edge of a credit card works well). Don't use tweezers or fingernails.
Minor swelling and itching can be treated with cool compresses, over the counter oral antihistamines or hydrocortisone creams. (Use only as directed.)
If there is a significant blistering or charring or if the burn involves the palms, soles, face or groin area or a large area of skin, seek immediate physician evaluation.
Minor burns are treated with cool (not cold or ice) compresses. After cleansing, a mild antibiotic ointment and bandage may be applied. Take care not to break any blisters.
Sunburns with extensive blistering or general symptoms of nausea, vomiting, weakness or chills, are more serious and need physician evaluation.
Remember to call 9-1-1 for any emergency. It is the fastest way to get professional help in a hurry.
Contact Creative In-Home Care for more information:
- (888) 677-5655
- (517) 887-1514
- Fax: (517) 882-9763
- E-mail: cihc99@aol.com
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