Safety Intro

The folk’s safety can bring up issues that may involve you a great deal or perhaps not at all. This chapter is presented as a means of assessment and dialog initiation. The well being of Mom/Dad presents to us some satisfaction and peace of mind.

It may be helpful to review this chapter with the folks. Discussion of safety and the subsequent action steps can provoke heightened awareness as well as a real sense of accomplishment.

There is an appropriate time to be doing this but you and the folks will have to decide when that is. These are issues that will have to be addressed one day. Just don’t wait one day too long.

Approximately 30,000 elderly Americans suffer fatal accidents each year and roughly half of these accidents involve falls. Over three quarters of all falls are due to some environmental cause, i.e., tripping over a misplaced stool or slipping in the bath.

Falls are so damaging to elders because bones break easier and take much longer to mend that those of say, a teenager. Being crippled is no fun. It reduces mobility, sometimes severely, and can initiate anxiety, depression and fear.

Safety in the Home

Home Safety Checklist

Each year, many older Americans are injured in and around their homes. The U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CSPC) estimates that in 1995, over 650,000 people over age 65 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with products they live with and use everyday. CPSC believes that many of these injuries result from hazards that are easy to overlook, but also easy to fix. By spotting these hazards and taking some simple steps to correct them, many injuries might be prevented.

Everyone knows where most accidents happen. Falls are the most common injury and most frequent injury related death among the elderly. Hip fractures due to falls account for over 200, 000 injuries a year. Most of these people will not return to their former level of mobility. This presents additional difficulties for seniors and added stress and responsibility for those providing care to them.

There are factors, which contribute to falls among the elderly. Age is the prime candidate. Although age itself is not a disease the diminished and altered capacities that come with age contribute to the risks of falls. The prime examples of this are;

• Inaccurate Perceptions – hearing and/or vision problems and mental problems.
• Physical Conditions – chronic conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis can make mobility, even standing difficult.
• Medications – many drugs have side effects that can cause dizziness and alter perceptions.
• Decreased Reaction Time – the older body does not respond as quickly as it used to.
• Diminished Body Control – balance can be affected by weak muscles and joints that won’t fully bend or straighten. Diseases such as Parkinson’s will contribute to poor balance and coordination.
• Impaired Judgement or Memory Loss – will cause people to forget certain hazards around the house.
• Drug and Alcohol Use.

Safety Checklist

This list is presented in a general manner meant to alert you to the most common hazards and tips to avoid them. Some or all will be appropriate to the folks’ depending on their physical condition and that of their home. Review the list with the folks and take appropriate steps. Attention to the folk’s safety will be challenging but the rewards can be emotionally and financially satisfying.

Personal

• Eye and Hearing Exams: Have the folks get regular eye and hearing exams.
  Exercise: A daily exercise or suitable workout will keep muscles and joints flexible and limber.
• Medication Evaluation: Have all medications professionally reviewed to identify potential side effects and interactions. If the Mom/Dad is seeing more than one doctor this can be especially important.
• Medication Usage: Store medicines as instructed and keep them clearly labeled. Follow dosage as instructed. Understand how and when medicines should be taken. Keep out of reach (locked) for those who are confused or forgetful.
• Walking Aids: When needed use appropriate walking aids and keep them readily accessible.
• Proper Footwear: Shoes with slippery or rubber soles should be avoided.
• Alcohol and Smoking: Limit or avoid use of both. No smoking in bed and make certain ashtrays have no burning material before emptying.
• Contaminated Waste: Used bandages, syringes, tubing, gloves and other wastes should be disposed of properly. Check with a health care provider.
• Medic Alert Bracelet or Necklace
• The Vial of Life is important. Have Mom/Dad keep a list of all medications in an unused plastic prescription bottle marked as “Vial of Life.” The list should also include family and doctor contact phone #’s. Emergency medical response teams around the country are being trained to look for the Vial of Life which is generally kept in the refrigerator. It is important to keep the list current.
  Coming soon. The Keys Please will soon offer an “E-Vial of Life” as a service.

Environmental

• Lighting/Electrical
• Have lighting without too much glare or shadows
• Use night-lights in appropriate and traveled areas
• Stairwells should be well lit with switches at top and bottom of stairs
• Consider areas such as bathrooms for use of the glow in the dark light switches
• Electrical outlets near sinks, bathtubs and showers should be equipped with Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI)
• Lamps and/or light switches located near bed within easy reach
• Electric blankets and heating pads properly used, not covered or tucked in. Use according to manufacturers instructions.
• Outside lights on motion detector allows for better vision and serves as prowler deterrent.
• Attach/replace loose rugs with tape or rubber backing or remove rugs
• Repair holes in carpeting
• Avoid deep pile carpeting
• Evaluate, replace or repair any flooring that may cause a fall
• All electrical and phone cords out of walking areas
• Evaluate furniture on wheels; may slide when used for balance
• Steps should be of equal width and rise
• Stair edges painted or taped with “Day-Glow” for better definition
• Stair handrails are secure
• Grab bars, near toilets, in showers/tubs – secure in wall studs
• Raised toilet seats
• Non-slip mats or appliques in showers/tubs
• Hand held shower heads make showering/bathing easier, safer
• Water temperature set at 120* F to avoid burns
• Ventilation as needed such as cooking areas or were kerosene heating is used.
• Keep electrical appliances away from tubs, showers, sinks
• Non-skid treads on stairs
• Hospital bed with side rails; overhead trapeze so person can hoist him/herself up from bed
• Step stools – sturdy with wide steps and perhaps a handrail; try to keep commonly used items within reach without the need for a step stool;
• Clutter should be cleared from hallways, exits, steps
• Bells on pet collars to alert Mom/Dad
• Telephones that can be reached without standing and near beds
• PERS – Personal Emergency Response System
 

Fire Safety

• Remove electrical cords under rugs, furniture
• Check condition of electrical/extension cords
• Check load rating on electrical cords
• Check electrical outlets and switches – hot to the touch indicates unsafe wiring; Additional outlets may need to be installed as needed;
• Smoke Detectors – One on every floor, near or on ceiling, check batteries every month (check with local fire department for advice)
• Appropriate wattage light bulb for lamp or fixture
• Fuses if used should be the right size
• Remove combustible materials that are near flame – stove, water heater, furnace, stove. This includes curtains, towels, etc
• Check/clean wood burning stoves, fireplaces to avoid fires and smoke inhalation
• Avoid loose clothing around cooking stoves

 

Emergency Fire/Exit Plan


• Develop plan to include: Two ways to exit each room – if possible
• A meeting place outside where everyone can meet and check on one another
• Practice the plan periodically to make certain that Mom/Dad are capable of exiting
• Post the plan where everyone can see it
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Fraud and Elder Abuse

Seniors comprise a large and growing population. The average senior person has worked hard all their live and saved money. For a variety of reasons seniors can be a good target for fraud.

There are countless methods and new ones almost every day, in which dishonest persons will attempt fraudulent schemes or “Scams” to steal from seniors. Most scams today are perpetuated over the phone but these crimes can also be committed through the mail and over the Internet as well as in person! This costs Americans over $40 billion annually. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) estimates that over 50% of victims are seniors. Here are typical examples;

News Scams

There have been reports in the media about some disaster, flood/hurricane victims, refugees, orphans etc. A phone or mail solicitation asks for contributions, check with the Better Business Bureau, 4200 Wilson Blvd. Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, 703/276-0100 or www.bbb.org/reports/charity.html

Bank Scams

A variety of means may be used to gather information Mom/Dad’s bank accounts by mail or in person, but usually over the phone. A typical trick someone will call stating that they are with some security agency checking on fraud on the bank and need your help, perhaps even offering a reward. They need your help and account numbers. Call the National Fraud Information Center at 1 800 876-7060 or check www.fraud.org. Also see the Federal Trade Commission concerning bank scams at www.ftc.gov

Credit Card Scams
An area of fraud costing consumers hundreds of millions of dollars a year. There are many ways of ripping of seniors through credit and charge cards. Three of the most common means are;
1. A crook goes through the trash to find account numbers from receipts and carbons
2. A dishonest store clerk makes an extra imprint of card and use account numbers
3. A mail or phone solicitation will offer a “special” or bargain priced vacation/trip, or Mom won something and just needs to purchase insurance or shipping.

If there is suspicious activity with Mom/Dad’s credit cards contact the The Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580, 1 202/FTC-HELP (382-4357) or www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm.

A few things everyone can do to protect themselves from credit card scams:

• Sign cards as soon as they arrive
• Destroy carbons
• Void incorrect receipts
• Watch card during transactions
• Save and compare receipts to billing statements
• Check monthly statements promptly and reconcile balance
• Report questionable charges immediately and follow up with letter
• If Mom/Dad will be moving notify card company in advance of change of address.

 
Keep a record of all card accounts, expiration dates, company phone numbers and addresses. This should be on list found in the FINANCES Chapter.

Other Scams

• Entertainment Scams – There is the lure and glamour of “investing” in this industry to which seniors or anyone can fall prey.
• Estate Planning Scams – A fraudulent means of obtaining the “Estate” or everything a person(s) owns. Estate planning should always be done with a known and trusted person, i.e., the family attorney.
• Debt Consolidation Scams – A means by which crooks will attempt to gather data on account numbers for credit/charge cards.
• Pension Fraud Scams – Check with Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20210, 202/219-8771 or www.dol.gov/dol/pwba
• Securities and Bond Fraud Scams – Check the National Fraud Information Center @ 1 800/876-7060 or www.fraud.org. You can also gather information at the US Treasuary Department on this subject at Bureau of Public Debt, 999 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20239, 202/219-3302 or www.publicdebt.treas.gov
  See the site index and look for Frauds, Phonies and Scams.

Looking out for the Affairs of the Folks certainly includes protecting them from getting ripped off. This is family money in which you have both an interest and responsibility. If Mom/Dad are sharp and of “sound mind” they probably need little if any looking after. It wouldn’t hurt to share helpful consumer information with them.

As noted above most scams occur over the phone. In discussion with the folks determine if there has been unusual activities such as:

• Sweepstakes/prize offers that need fees for processing – taxes, customs, shipping, administration, etc.
• “No risk” investments – “if it sounds too good to be true – - – “
• Repeated calls from the same company
• Huge profits from business or franchise
• “Offer must be taken immediately” or the opportunity is missed
• Caller will not send any written information
• Caller asks for Social Security number
• Offers of loans, credit, credit cards, credit repair or retrieval of lost money for an up-front fee

Crime Prevention

As the folks get older their chances of being victims of physical crime diminishes in part because they may be getting out in public less. Nonetheless their lifetime of experiences combined with problems associated with aging can make them fearful. Here are some things to do that can put minds at ease:

In The Home

• Make certain the house address is large and easy to see from the street for police, fire and emergency medical personnel.
• Consider a residential alarm system that monitors and alerts for home invasion, fire and medical emergencies. This may be part of a PERS – Personal Emergency Response System or the Mom/Dad Emergency Notification (M/DEN),If this is not practical consider motion sensors to activate outside lights at night as a prowler deterrent.
• Have good locks on doors and windows. To be effective, be certain they are used!
• Leave extra house keys with neighbor. Do not hide them in the usual mailbox, planter or doormat places.
• Delivery and service people will have photo identification. If Mom/Dad Feel any suspicion they should call the company.

 
In Public

• Never travel alone
• Purses should be carried close to the body. Wallets should be inside of the coat pocket or in front pants pocket.
• Direct deposit Social Security and other checks that arrive regularly
• In automobiles always keep doors locked. Park in well lighted places near storefronts.
• Be extra alert in parking lots and garages.
• On public transit, sit near the driver or exit.
• If someone is acting suspicious – leave
• And NEVER carry large amounts of cash or credit cards that aren’t needed.

 
Most communities have crime prevention units set up through local law enforcement agencies. Contact the sheriff or police department in the folk’s community to determine what programs they have.

Natural Disasters

Preparedness

Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes or fires are events we are all aware of yet so few of us are prepared for them. Think of disaster preparedness as immediate insurance. In the event of a disaster food, water and medical supplies can be available to your family faster than anyone is likely to come to your assistance. It doesn’t require a great deal of expense or time and the piece of mind alone will offset any inconvenience you are put through. Prepare a kit for yourself and one for the folks should they reside somewhere else.

Preparedness Kit(s)

In a large sturdy container such as a duffel bag, covered trash container or other suitable holder assemble and store the following list of items and keep the kit(s) where it is accessible by all family members.

• Water – a gallon a day per person for three days.
• Food – three day supply of non-perishables.
• First Aid Kit – including non-prescription drugs such as aspirin
• Sterile adhesive bandages, assorted sizes
• Sterile gauze pads, assorted sizes
• Sterile gauze rolls of bandages, assorted sizes
• Scissors, tweezers, needle
• Disinfectant cleaning agent and/or soap
• Latex gloves
• Safety pins, assorted sizes
• Thermometer
• Moist towelettes
• Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Sunscreen
• Tools and supplies -
• Flashlight and battery operated radio, extra batteries
• Eating utensils, paper cups, plastic forks, etc
• Manual can open
• Space blanket or tube tent
• Pliers
• Tape
• Waterproof (plastic) storage containers, assorted sizes, place matches inside
• Plastic sheeting
• Aluminum foil
• Paper, pencil, whistle
• Map of the area, compass
• Cash or cashiers checks
• Shutoff wrenches, to turn of household water and gas
• Sanitary supplies
• Toilet paper
• Soap and/or liquid detergent
• Moistened towelletes
• Feminine and personal hygiene supplies
• Plastic bucket with lid, plastic bags w/ ties
• Bleach and/or disinfectant
• Bedding and Clothing
• Change of clothes for each person
• Hats, gloves, thermal underwear (cold weather)
• Boots or sturdy shoes
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Rain gear
• Sunglasses
• Individual Items – This list is determined by unique needs of individual family members.
• Prescription drugs – check with doctor to determine if or how they can be stored. If not keep copies of prescription.
• Extra eye glasses, contact lens, supplies
• Denture needs
• Other – Keep in mind that a kit for the folk’s may contain different items that the one prepared for yourself.

 
Inventory

Fate and nature combine for strange events and circumstances. What you have and value one day may be gone the next. No doubt you know the trouble it is to replace a lost drivers license or credit card. Imagine the loss of all of your family documents.

Prepare a family inventory(s) and secure in a safe place. Here are steps to take. Make copies of documents:

• Wills and Trusts
• Insurance Policies
• Deeds, contracts, agreements
• Stocks and Bonds
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card accounts – the companies and phone numbers
• Passports, drivers licenses, social security cards, immunization records
• Family documents/certificates – birth, marriage, death
• Important phone numbers
• Inventory of valuable household items. A video of these items can be very helpful for insurance purposes.

 
Store your inventory in a secure place. Consider making copies to be stored elsewhere such as a relative’s house.

After Disaster Strikes

There are three steps to take immediately after there is disaster.
1. Before entering the home make certain it is safe to enter. Be particularly aware of fallen electrical wires and natural gas lines that may be leaking. Remove any valuables to a safe place.
2. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Keep receipts of materials used as most insurance will cover these expenses.
3. Notify your insurance company, the Red Cross, and other community organizations of your situation. You may need and receive assistance for temporary shelter and living expenses.

For further information on Disaster Preparedness go to:

www.redcross.org
or
www.fema.gov