Senior Safety Tips

As people age, their abilities to negotiate tasks such as climbing stairs can become severely impaired. Stairs may seem like a simple task, but stair safety is critically important to the elderly or to those with a mobility (or even a visual) disability. Modifying stairs for the elderly is a smart idea, as it promotes safety and lessens the chances of accidents.

Read on to learn about how a stair aid device can help in modifying stairs for the elderly, and other ideas to help keep patients safe.

Modifying Stairs for the Elderly: Reasons

More and more seniors want to age in place, which essentially means growing old gracefully at home, where they are comfortable and happy. However, sometimes there are some safety risks involved with letting a loved one age in place, but with certain modifications, the risk of accidents is much less. Modifying stairs for the elderly is a big concern, as well as altering the kitchen to ensure safe cooking and food preparation. While helping the elderly with stairs works when you’re around as a caregiver, no caregiver can be present 24 hours a day, which makes modifying the stairs an important point.

Modifying Stairs for the Elderly: How to Make Stairs Safer

There are devices such as stair lifts that are extremely helpful, but in some cases, many caregivers may be wondering how to make stairs safer so that their loved one can continue to use the stairs. One of the best things to consider when modifying stairs for the elderly is sturdy, non-slip handrails. A person who can navigate the stairs fairly well, even with age, typically does well with a sturdy handrail. There are many options for modifying stairs when it comes to handrails, such as:

• Wooden
• Metal
• Chrome

Handrails are essential not only on inside staircases, but also for porches and decks as well.

Also, when it comes to modifying stairs for the elderly, open stairs should be closed. Open stairs (stairs with open space in between each step) pose quite a safety risk as one ages. Non-slip adhesives should also be installed on steps so that the risk of falling is much less.

Modifying Stairs for the Elderly: Stair Lifts

For some, modifying stairs for the elderly will comprise of a chair to carry the elderly up stairs, which greatly reduces the risk of accident.  In fact, this is likely the best way of helping the elderly down stairs and up stairs. A stair lift is a motorized chair that glides up the length of the staircase, allowing the elderly to get up and down flights without having to take a step. This is different than a wheelchair lift, which is specifically built to hoist a wheelchair up and down stairs. In a chair lift, the person has to be mobile enough to sit in the chair and exit the chair at the top. This is one of the biggest steps when it comes to modifying stairs for the elderly, but is also one of the safest.

To find out more about how a stair lift can help reduce accidents and make aging in place more comfortable, or to hear about other mobility products such as wheelchair ramps, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We want both patients and caregivers to live their best lives.

Smartwatches may be technologically advanced timepieces, but they’re not just for the younger generation. In fact, a smartwatch for seniors actually offers some excellent benefits to help keep them safe. With the right apps, smartwatches for seniors can be used as a heart monitor watch or a fall alert system.

Read on to learn about different types of smartwatches emergency watches for the elderly and how these devices can help keep your parents safe as they age.

Smartwatch Options for Seniors as Medic Alert Devices

Having the right apps is imperative so that the smartwatch for seniors is used correctly. An Apple watch for seniors (known as the iWatch) is a great idea and actually doubles as an Apple watch medical alert device or an Apple watch EKG monitor. However, there is also an app available for the iWatch known as Alert, that can send a notification to contacts when an elderly person has fallen, can’t get up, or is in another situation that requires caregiver help. This is a one-touch operation, which makes this smartwatch for seniors a great idea. It is much easier than trying to locate a phone, searching for contacts, and then dialing contacts. The app can also respond to physiological changes (similarly to an EKG) to alert the person before they are actually in trouble. This allows the senior to call for help before they’re completely immobilized or in pain.

Smartwatch Options for Seniors as GPS or Tracking Devices

There is always the fear of elopement when it comes to an Alzheimer or dementia patient, and the right smartwatch for seniors has GPS tracking in it so that the patient can never truly be lost. A tracker for dementia patients is truly a good idea so the person can never wander too far.

While the Apple iWatch has the “Find my iPhone” feature, it doesn’t have a distinct GPS tracker, so if this suits your needs more than EKG or fall alert, a GPS tracking watch for the elderly may be the better option. Of course, many of the available GPS smartwatch options for seniors also have emergency call features as well. Some notable GPS smartwatches for seniors include:

• Wonbo – offers one-touch emergency call alert and trackable GPS
• Synmila – simple and designed for children; offers SOS calls and GPS
• Tyco GPS – can record routes, offers GPS and SOS calling

Smartwatch Options for Seniors for Medical Alerts

Some smartwatches for seniors function primarily as medical alert systems. Essentially, they’re replacing the old-style analog bracelets or call monitoring systems that were once heavily advertised and used. Everyone remembers, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” These types of medical smartwatches can help a senior feel safe, especially one who is aging in place. These are not typically used as a tracking device for the elderly and are mainly for medical purposes.

Some of these include:

• MobileHelp – This is integrated with AT&T, has fall detection, and offers some GPS tracking for seniors
• Medical Guardian – Offers fall detection
• GreatCall Lively – This medical smartwatch offers a fall alarm for the elderly and GPS tracking

Unfortunately, as of 2019, there is no one smartwatch for seniors that “does it all.” However, with a knowledgeable person downloading the right apps, the Apple watch for the elderly is a top product.

To learn more about different technological advances for the elderly and smartwatches for seniors, or to find out more about mobility products that can help, such as stair lifts or wheelchair ramps, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We want seniors and their caregivers to live their best life.

Some seniors are well aware of a slight cognitive decline as they age, which may affect their driving, while others may be more insistent about driving “business as usual.” No one wants to hear that they’re too old to drive, but for some, this may be the case. For others, senior driving safety is a must. Awareness is the most important thing when it comes to elderly driving, in addition to senior driving safety tips that everyone over the age of 65 should follow.

Senior Driving Safety and Statistics

Elderly driving statistics report that there are 33 million drivers over the age of 65, which is quite a large population. Of that group of elderly drivers, the fatality rates are 17 times higher than that of the 24-year-old age group. This has to do, in part, with the fragility of seniors, but also with a lack of awareness and cognitive decline. Simply put, elderly people driving can be a little scary, and there have been numerous attempts at retesting elderly drivers. In fact, some states do have graded licenses, and some do have special requirements such as retesting. New Jersey is not currently one of those states that offer an elderly driving evaluation. Therefore, senior driving safety must be an implemented standard to keep everyone safe on the road.

Health-Related Senior Driving Safety Ideas

It’s always important to take care of your health, but taking care of your health with regard to senior driving safety is imperative. Experts advise that those over the age of 65 should have their vision checked. Even if it seems okay, the gradual decline of visual acuity as we age might not be noticeable.

It is also important to get your hearing tested, another “sense” that can affect old age and driving and senior driving safety. You need to be able to make sure you can hear a horn or other sounds on the road clearly.

Lastly, it’s important for a senior driver to understand their medications. When it comes to older driver safety, it’s important to know what medications interact with other ones, which ones interact with alcohol, and which medications simply should not be taken before driving (such as opioids). One of the most prominent senior driving safety tips is to know your medications well before you get behind the wheel.

Other Senior Driving Safety Advice

Beyond health, there are many older driver safety tips to consider. Some of these include:

• Be aware of driving conditions. Generally, a good piece of senior driving safety advice is to simply stay home in low visibility, extremely wet weather, ice, and snow. Some seniors are also uncomfortable driving at night. If you are uncomfortable, you should not drive.
• Buy and drive a car with automatic transmission. It’s much more common these days to have only an automatic. For senior driving, operating a manual gear shift can be tough for someone who has arthritis.
• Take familiar routes. It’s best to drive where you are familiar so that you feel more comfortable and drive with confidence.
• Keep up with your auto maintenance. Another good piece of senior driving safety advice is to ensure that your windshield wipers, headlights, seat belts, and defrost controls are working properly at all times.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for your needs. Wheelchair-friendly cars are an ideal choice for those who have mobility issues. This can help increase your confidence and comfort.
• If your state does not offer a driving assessment for the elderly, take a defensive driving course for older persons, which is usually offered through AAA or AARP.

One of the most important things to keep in mind with regard to senior driving safety is to not drive if you feel uncomfortable or unsure. There is no shame in having to take the bus or call a taxi if you’re simply not feeling well that day.

For more senior driving safety information, or to learn about mobility products that can help improve your mobility, such as stair lifts or wheelchair ramps, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We’re here to help you live your best life, at any age.

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home, as it’s long been known as a gathering spot, a place of celebration, and a place to get together with family and friends. However, the kitchen can also be one of the most dangerous rooms in the home. Kitchen safety for seniors is of the utmost importance if you are a caregiver. Unlike a toddler, who is just learning to crawl and explore, many seniors are well-established cooks that have made countless meals for their families over the years.

While you never want to take away a hobby or something someone loves, cognitive decline is an unfortunate reality, and kitchen modifications for the elderly and an elderly-friendly kitchen makes sure that everyone is safe and happy. Beyond modifications, there are also food and preparation tips that can also promote kitchen safety for seniors.

Kitchen Safety for Seniors: Stove Safety Devices and Modifications

When it comes to safety hazards in the home for the elderly, the stove is one of the most dangerous. It is estimated by FEMA that the elderly have a 2.5 time greater risk of dying in a kitchen fire when compared to the general population. Because of this, stove safety, especially gas stove safety for the elderly, is of the utmost importance. Before you install a stove alarm or modify the appliances, look around the kitchen first. Many times the dangers lie not in the stove itself, but factors that could potentially cause a fire.

Tips for stove kitchen safety for seniors include:

• Remove all potentially flammable items from the vicinity of the stove—this includes paper towels, pot holders, dish towels, and any similar items
• Ensure that your loved one does not wear loose fitting clothing while they are cooking—this has a better chance of igniting
• Turn all pot handles inward (and remind your loved one to do so also) to prevent scalds, burns, and other accidents
• Install a working smoke detector in the kitchen
• Make sure plastic cooking utensils are stored well away from the stove
• If the kitchen is equipped with any type of ventilation system, make sure it is properly cleaned
• Install bright lighting over the stove so it is easier to see
• Have a qualified electrician check the kitchen wiring to ensure its safety

When it comes to safe cooking appliances for the elderly, and stovetop modifications, one of the best things to promote kitchen safety for seniors is to install a shut-off switch (or even several). This includes a shut-off switch on the stove and finding other small appliances that are already equipped with one (such as a tea kettle). The safest cooktop for the elderly is one that has a motion sensor pre-installed. This way, if no one has been near the stove within a specified amount of time, the appliance shuts off.

Kitchen Safety for Seniors: Microwave and Small Appliance Safety

When using small appliances, it’s important to keep these tips for kitchen safety for seniors in mind:

• Make sure the microwave has minimal buttons and easy to use. A small microwave with a dial/timer is a great idea.
• Find a refrigerator that has a large-print digital temperature display so the temperature is easily set. If the patient is in a wheelchair, a refrigerator that is side-by-side makes it much easier for them to open the freezer. Note: for food safety, the refrigerator should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Choose irons (many people have a tendency to iron in the kitchen), coffee pots, and other small appliances with the shut-off switch. If they are not included, consider installing a shut-off outlet.

Preventing Falls and Other General Tips for Kitchen Safety for Elderly People

There is much more than fire when it comes to potential hazards in the kitchen. Tips for kitchen safety for elderly people also must include information about fall prevention. Make sure your loved one always wears non-slip slippers or shoes in the kitchen. Also, tile flooring can be the most hazardous. If recovering or replacing tile is not possible, consider placing non-skid rugs throughout the kitchen, especially in front of the sink where water can splash to the floor creating a slippery surface. Food safety is also a concern. Other tips for kitchen safety for seniors to keep in mind:

• Install motion-sensor activated night lights so your loved one can see when they enter the kitchen
• Replace glass items with plastic ones (such as cups and mugs)
• Ensure heavier objects are at waist level and not on a higher shelf
• Use one cutting board for meat and one for vegetables
• Store meat and perishable in tightly sealed and labeled containers (with written-on dates)
• Use pots and pans that are equipped with two handles

This may seem like a lot of work, but it is so vitally important to keep your loved one safe. You can’t keep an eye on them all of the time, even if it is your intent, so ensuring that their kitchen is a completely safe area is an important job.

To hear more tips on kitchen safety for seniors, to learn about other safety needs such as bathroom aids, or to get information regarding medical devices that can help improve mobility for your loved one, contact Williams Lift Co. today to learn about wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, and other mobility products to improve your loved one’s quality of life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults (those 65 and over) are 10 times more likely to suffer from a foodborne illness than younger generations. When it comes to preparing food or cooking for the elderly, great care must be undertaken to ensure that food has been handled properly, and that the food itself is safe. Here are several food safety tips for seniors who live independently and their caregivers to help prevent the spread of foodborne illness.

Risks Associated with Food Safety for Seniors

It’s important to understand why food safety for seniors is so important. As we age, our body changes, including our gastrointestinal tract. In those over age 65, food remains in the gastrointestinal tract for a longer period of time, allowing bacteria to grow. This type of bacteria isn’t always harmful—but the length of time it stays in the GI tract causes an increased risk of food poisoning in the elderly. Also, the stomach of an older person may not produce enough bile (acid), which allows bacteria to grow and multiply. Those who suffer from conditions such as diabetes and cancer are at increased risk.

Safe food handling for seniors is a must because each additional risk will multiply the already existing risks of simply getting older. Whether you’re an older person preparing your own food, or you’re a caregiver in a home or a certified nursing home, food safety for the elderly is a priority.

Cooking Safety Tips for Seniors and Their Caregivers

It’s something we’ve been told from toddlerhood—wash your hands. Even in modern times, the best advice when it comes to food safety for seniors is to wash hands consistently, especially after handling raw meat.

Another great tip is to separate raw meats and poultry from ready-to-eat foods. People may wonder how so many units of romaine lettuce were recalled due to disease—this is because this “tip” was not followed correctly. Use separate cutting boards for meat, poultry, and vegetables/fruits, and prepare them on different surfaces.

When cooking for the elderly, be absolutely sure that meats are cooked to their proper temperature. Chicken should always have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or above, while red meat should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The advisories for pork state an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit is best.

Food safety for the elderly also includes proper refrigeration. Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly within two hours of cooking time. Also, it’s advised that older adults keep their refrigerator temperatures at 40 degrees to keep food cold and fresh. This also applies to refrigerators in nursing homes or care facilities.

Perhaps the best tip of all for food safety for seniors: “when in doubt, throw it out!”

Food Safety for Seniors – Known Pathogens

While the best method of preventing food poisoning in seniors is prevention, it’s still a good idea to be aware of the risks that are out there. Some of these pathogens include:

• Listeria: This pathogen often grows on deli-style meats and hot dogs, improperly cooked or stored in the refrigerator. It can also affect raw vegetables. While in many it causes fever, malaise, and GI upset, if untreated in seniors, it could be deadly.
• Escherichia coli: Commonly known as E. coli, this is highly correlated with uncooked ground beef. It can also be transmitted through person-to-person contact (e.g., unwashed hands).
• Salmonella: This affects food safety for seniors, as it is very much associated with chicken. Salmonella can also be present in milk, seafood, and other poultry. It can cause stomach pain and diarrhea, and is a very serious condition for the elderly.
• Clostridium: This pathogen is most associated with food left out on the counter, which is part of why safe food handling for seniors is so vital. While it rarely causes death, it can cause serious GI upset and cramps.

Remembering every last piece of advice can be tough for anyone. However, when it comes to food safety for seniors, the most important things to do are to wash your hands, separate meats and poultry, throw suspicious food away, and refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible.

Helping make life easier for seniors, the disabled, and their caregivers is what the Williams Lift Co. has been doing for over 70 years. For a free estimate for wheelchair or stair ramp costs, or to hear about our other mobility products, contact us today to speak with a member of our professional staff.

Because of extremely cold temperatures, winter can be tough on everyone, especially the elderly. Wintertime is often a time of decreased activity and increased depression for seniors, and it can be hard looking after the elderly in cold weather if you are a caregiver. Whether you are a caretaker of someone who is older and needs assistance, or if you are a senior yourself, there are just a few important winter safety tips for seniors to keep in mind. Some tips—such as the ideal room temperature for the elderly—may be a bit surprising.

How Does Cold Weather Affect the Elderly?

As we age, our bodies react differently to extremes, and this includes dramatic changes in temperature. Blood circulation in the elderly is poorer than a younger adult any time of year, but the addition of colder weather worsens this condition. As humans, we always need adequate blood flow at all times to all of our extremities. Hypothermia is an additional concern. An elderly person who has their home temperature set to 65 degrees Fahrenheit may be at risk for hypothermia in extremely cold weather, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). This is particularly alarming if the person lives alone and rarely has visitors.

Because this type of situation is very dangerous, NIA suggests that a safe home temperature for the elderly is between of 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s understandable that this winter safety tip for seniors may cause some anxiety over the heating bill, but seniors can help keep their heating bill down by closing off rooms they are not using, closing curtains and windows and having them weather-treated, and placing a rolled towel in front of doors to keep out drafts.

Staying Healthy in the Winter for Seniors

Another health concern for seniors during the winter months is simply staying healthy. During this time when cases of the common cold, flu, and bronchitis are prevalent, winter safety precautions for seniors should include the prevention of any ailments. Because the elderly are an at-risk group, it is highly recommended that all older patients receive their flu shot every year. The flu can be deadly to all groups, but particularly so in seniors and those that are immunocompromised.

It’s also very important to wash your hands as often as possible. Simply put, having unclean hands is the easiest way to transmit germs. Those with deeper health concerns should also invest in a surgical mask to help protect against the transmission of airborne droplets and diseases. Vitamin deficiencies also are a problem during the winter. Another winter safety tip for seniors is to eat a varied diet full of leafy greens and vegetables, and foods rich in Vitamin D and calcium.

Other Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

Consider these additional winter safety tips for seniors:

• Avoid prolonged exposure outside. Frostbite and hypothermia are real concerns for seniors who have been outside too long, especially if not dressed properly. Bundle up and prepare well for going outside in extremely cold temperatures.
• Beat the winter blues. Winter depression is very real, and part of winter safety for seniors is keeping busy and staying active. Look for local winter events around your area that may be of interest, or think about joining a local senior support group.
• Be wary of ice. Whether you use a wheelchair ramp to get inside your home or you walk, falling on ice is a safety concern. Be sure to stock up ice melt for your walkways and sidewalks. Also, wear shoes that have non-slip grips on them, which are better for walking on icy surfaces.
• Drink only moderately. Alcohol consumption can make you lose body heat, while also making you feel as if you’re not cold. If you drink at all, make sure it is in moderation.
• Be well stocked. One of the most important winter safety tips for seniors is to have a well-stocked house for many reasons, including the risk of a power outage. Make sure you have candles and batteries, an easy way to contact a loved one if you need help, and a pantry full of canned goods and other non-perishable items.

For more ideas on winter safety tips for seniors, or to hear about products such as wheelchair ramps and stair lifts, contact Williams Lift Co. today to speak with a member of our team. With different types of mobility equipment, we can help make mobility a reality again.

It seems that part of getting older means that you have to rely on mobility walking aids to get around. With so many options, however, what would be the best for your senior mobility? There’s so many factors to consider ranging from weather patterns to storage space. We are here to take a deeper look at all of the usual walking aids for elderly people to ensure that you make the right decision for you or your loved ones.

Canes

Canes are among the first mobility walking aids that seniors use when getting around. They come in all shapes, sizes and materials to fit each person’s lifestyle. Many have been updated with the ability to collapse down to a smaller size, making it easier to place in a purse or bag if need be. It also improved itself as a mobility walking aid by adding three points of connection on the ground, meaning that it is less likely to slip away from you when walking on wet, uneven or icy terrain. While the three point connection end is not standard to all models of canes on the market, the cane remains a great standard for mobility walking aids.

Walkers

Another of the first mobility walking aids that comes to mind is the roller walker. While it has been thought of as a sign of getting older, today’s models are versatile and easy to use. The standard for today means that they come with basket and a seat, designed for the modern era. If there is a need to have this instead of a cane, the current designs are made to encourage senior mobility and safety while walking. The adjustments are quick and easy to make. While we have talked about the measures needed to ensure safety, elderly walkers with seats remain one of the best senior mobility aids.

Scooters

Motorized scooters have been a great addition to mobility aids when you need to go over long distances while running errands or joining your family on vacation. They are easy to rent in the store or in the theme park, already charged and ready to go for the user with a need for mobility walking aids. They also have a basket for you to place your items in and thus creating less worry when traveling out and about. Purchasing your own can mean changes in the home, including adding a ramp if your home is not already accessible by scooter or wheelchair. Williams Lift is able to create these accommodations necessary without disrupting your home or life.

Mobility Walking Aids: In Conclusion

Mobility walking aids are one of the best ways to maintain independence and safety as a senior. There are many options out there and we have discussed the three most common options for you and your loved ones to look over. With any major mobility change, Williams Lift is there to help adjust your home to the new lifestyle changes, whether they are temporary or permanent. Contact us today.