Fire Safety for Seniors - From Right At Home High Point

Seniors Most Susceptible to Fire Death Says US Fire Administration

The fire death rate among people over the age of 65 is twice as high as the national average, according to the United States Fire Administration (USFA). In addition, the fire death rate among people between ages 75 and 85 is three times the national average and after age 85, it increases to four times the national average. These statistics are especially alarming when researchers estimate that by 2030, the 65 and older population will exceed 70 million people.

Adults 65 years and older can reduce their fire death rate by changing five major fire safety habits:

Change Smoke Alarm Batteries

Having a working smoke alarm can more than double your chances of surviving a fire.
Make sure alarms are installed on each level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. If sleeping with bedroom doors closed, the smoke alarms should be installed within each room. Test each alarm monthly and replace the battery at least once a year. Adults who are deaf or hard of hearing should invest in visual aids such as alarms with strobe lights. Flashing or vibrating smoke alarms should also be tested every month.

Change or Update Escape Routes

Many older adults are still using escape routes that were planned when the kids were in the house. Plan and practice your home fire escape. Consider your capabilities when preparing escape routes. Have two ways to get out of each room and if needed, make sure all exits are accessible for walkers or wheelchairs.

Change Unsafe Smoking Habits

Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths among Americans 65 years and older. Make sure that you are alert when you smoke and never smoke in bed. When you are finished smoking, soak the ashes in water before discarding them. Never leave smoking materials unattended, and collect them in large deep ashtrays.

Change Unsafe Cooking Habits

Cooking fires are the leading cause of fire injuries among older adults. When using the stove, never leave cooking food unattended. If you need to step away, turn it off. Also, wear tight-fitting clothing when cooking over an open flame; a dangling sleeve can catch fire easily. Keep towels and potholders away from the flame.

Change Unsafe Heating Practices

Install and maintain heating equipment correctly. Do not store newspapers, rags, or other combustible materials near a furnace, hot water heater, or space heater. Keep flammable materials, such as curtains or furniture, at least three feet from space heaters. Never use a stove as a substitute for a furnace or space heater.

For more information on senior fire safety or other fire safety topics, write to the United States Fire Administration, Public Fire Education, Building I, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727, visit http://www.usfa.fema.gov or speak to a Home Care Specialist at Right At Home High Point.

Source:
SeniorJournal.com

Diabetes Awareness for Seniors Part 2 - Diagnosis and Evaluation from Right At Home High Point

Possible symptoms of diabetes include the following:

• increased thirst
• increased urination
• weight loss
• fatigue
• loss of vitality
• wounds that heal slowly
• foot sores
• numbness or tingling in the feet
• confusion
• depression

Not everyone with diabetes shows these symptoms, and some people with diabetes go for years without any obvious symptoms. This is especially true for older adults, who often do not have the increased thirst and urination that is common younger people with diabetes. In fact, it is estimated that up to one-third of older adults with diabetes are unaware of their condition. Unfortunately, asymptomatic diabetes (diabetes without showing symptoms) is still associated with increased risk for many serious illnesses. This is why blood glucose tests are so important. They are the only way to know for sure whether or not you have diabetes.

Blood glucose testing

Blood glucose is measured in units called mg/dL. The normal level of blood glucose is around 100 mg/dL. To check for diabetes, blood glucose levels are usually measured after an 8-hour fast (ie, no food for 8 hours). If two fasting blood glucose measurements are at or above 126 mg/dL, diabetes is diagnosed. Diabetes can also be diagnosed if you are showing symptoms along with having a random (not fasted) blood glucose level at or above 200 mg/dL. Sometimes, more sophisticated tests (eg, glucose tolerance test) are needed to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.

Drug reactions can sometimes cause high blood glucose or lead to complications, so it is a good idea to give your health care providers a complete list of all medications that you are taking. It helps to put all of your medications (including over-the-counter drugs) in a bag and take it to your doctor’s appointment. This "brown bag" inventory allows your physician to see all the drugs you are taking, and to remove medications that you no longer need or are inappropriate for any reason (eg, expired drug).

Complications of diabetes

Symptoms or signs of serious health conditions that are often caused by diabetes include the following:

• heart disease
• blood vessel problems (eg, narrowed arteries)
• nerve problems
• foot problems
• eye problems (including blindness)
• kidney problems

Because heart problems are so common with diabetes, your healthcare provider will likely ask about and check for other conditions that can also cause heart trouble, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history.

Although there is no cure for diabetes, it is very manageable. There are three main goals of diabetes management among older adults:

• control high blood glucose and its symptoms
• prevent the complications caused by diabetes (eg, kidney disease, heart disease, eye problems, etc)
• identify and treat any complications

Complications of diabetes can also be decreased by controlling other risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Preventing and managing risk factors for heart disease in older adults with diabetes is especially important. These include the following:

• Maintain appropriate weight
• Increase physical activity
• Stop smoking
• Limit fat and carbohydrate intake
• Consider drug therapy to treat high blood pressure, prevent heart attack, or treat high cholesterol or blood lipids

Right At Home Winston-Salem can provide you the support you need to prevent and help care for your family members with diabetes or diabetic symptoms. If your loved one has special needs, Right At Home can work with you and your health care provider to provide the care needed.

Diabetes Awareness for Seniors – Part 1 from Right At Home High Point

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 18.3% (8.6 million) of Americans age 60 and older have diabetes. The prevalence of the disease increases with age; an estimated 50% of all diabetes happens in those aged 55 and older. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes also increases with age.

Seniors face unique diabetes management challenges. For those with type 2 diabetes, age causes a decline in insulin production and an increase in glucose intolerance. Older Americans are also more likely to have complicating conditions such as retinopathy, hypertension, and kidney problems.

Consequences of Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition associated with both many complications and earlier death. These complications include blocked arteries, nerve damage, loss of vision, and kidney disease. The rates of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness are up to twice as high in older adults with diabetes.

Older adults with diabetes are also at higher risk of incontinence, falls, frailty, decrease in mental function, and depression. Functional loss and disability is also more common in older adults with diabetes than in those of similar age without diabetes. Older adults with diabetes are 2-3 times more likely to have trouble getting around, and 1.5 times more likely to have trouble performing activities of daily living, compared with older adults without diabetes. When diabetes is poorly controlled in older adults, high blood glucose alone can cause fatigue, weight loss, muscle weakness, and a loss of function.

Of course, not all older adults with diabetes experience these complications and problems. The key to staying healthy and independent for as long as possible is early diagnosis and proper management. You can take control of your diabetes and strongly reduce the chances of developing any complications.

Right At Home High Point can help you keep up with health maintenance and doctor's appointments. If you have questions, concerns or special needs, they are there to help you too.

Source:
HealthinAging.org
DLife.com