2 • morning journal • prime time • friday, february 20, 2015
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morning journal • prime time • friday, february 20, 2015 • 3
How seniors are staying connected (Family Features) For seniors, keeping in touch with friends, family and caregivers is important to maintain an active social life and remain independent. The number of seniors - and the need to find creative ways to be mindful of their care - is on the rise. With nearly seven million Americans providing support as long-distance caregivers, according to the National Institute on Aging, staying in touch is especially important.
Know the signs of choking Choking occurs when food or another object partially or completely blocks a person’s airway. Choking and suffocation are the fourth leading cause of home injury death in the U.S. Older adults are at increased risk of choking due to many factors, including dental problems and appliances and difficulty swallowing due to age-related illness or medicine use. Also, older people who live alone may not be able to get the help they need when they choke.
Nurture relationships Email, cell phones and texting are some of the ways technology is helping people stay connected today. These tools can be especially useful for seniors living away from friends and family or for those who aren’t able to travel as much as they used to.
Common causes of choking in older adults: ▪ Eating too fast or trying to swallow large pieces of food; ▪ Walking, talking or laughing with food in the mouth; ▪ Drinking alcohol before or during meals; ▪ Wearing dentures; and Eating foods that are the wrong texture if you are on a special diet.
One affordable option is a complete phone system, such as VTech CareLine, which has no monthly fee. Offering a wearable pendant, one-button or voice-activated dialing, big buttons and volume booster, CareLine has features designed with seniors in mind. For more information about keeping seniors safely connected via a phone system, visit www.vtechphones.com/careline. Going places Seniors today are staying active, spending time with friends and family outside of their home, rekindling old passions and exploring new activities that keep them on the move.
Even for seniors who aren’t able to be as active, changes in scenery, like a neighborhood walk or visit to the park, are great ways to get fresh air, uplift spirits and live a healthier life. Since transportation can sometimes be a challenge, especially for seniors who rely on caregivers who work full-time, there are numerous organizations that provide transportation resources for seniors to assist in getting them safely to doctor’s appointments, organized activities at local community centers, shopping excursions and more. Your local Area Agency on Aging is a good resource to begin researching options in your area. Find your local agency at www.n4a.org. Selecting a Senior Phone A phone system can provide valuable security and peace of mind for seniors living alone and the loved ones who are responsible for their care. To get the maximum benefit of a phone system designed for seniors, experts recommend shopping for the following features: Voice amplification Conversations are easier to hear and understand when you can adjust the volume of incoming sound. Look for units that can be adjusted by up to 40 decibels.
Signs that someone could be choking: ▪ Coughing or gagging; ▪ Sudden inability to talk; ▪ Turning blue around the face, lips and fingernail beds; ▪ Passing out ▪ Clutching at or pointing to the throat. Caller ID announce Hearing who is calling announced through the speakerphone prevents the risk of falls or other injuries associated with running to catch a ringing phone. Photo dial As memory and or vision fails, it can be difficult to associate names and numbers. A phone that allows you to associate photos with speed dial numbers will help your loved one keep important numbers straight, which is especially important in an emergency or time of need. Help Create Connections Helping an elderly person who lives alone stay connected with others can play a major role in that senior’s quality of life. As a caregiver, you can help foster those connections by: * Coordinating a rotating visitor schedule with friends and family. * Asking others to make regular calls to check in and chat. * Researching local senior programs, such as classes, shopping excursions or fitness programs. * Identifying resources such as transportation services that are available to help seniors get out and about.
Choking is an Emergency Treat every choking instance as an emergency. If you witness someone choking, call 9-1-1 immediately. If you are familiar with life saving techniques, such as abdominal thrusts, use them to try to clear the airway. Do not attempt to drive a choking person to the hospital emergency room yourself unless the 9-1-1 operator instructs you to.
If you are alone and choking, and you can’t speak, dial 9-1-1 and leave the phone off the hook. In most communities, emergency personnel automatically respond to 9-1-1 calls in which the caller does not speak. While waiting for the emergency crew to arrive, you can attempt to clear your airway by thrusting your mid-abdomen (the area at the bottom of your ribs) against a chair back or railing. Even if you are able to dislodge the blockage and restore breathing, follow through with seeking medical attention. Choking is a traumatic event that can damage the air way and make further choking episodes more likely. Medical attention immediately after choking can help prevent this.
4 • morning journal • prime time • friday, february 20, 2015
Top 10 scams targeting seniors From the National Council on Aging
Financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they’re now considered “the crime of the 21st century.” Why? Because seniors are thought to have a significant amount of money sitting in their accounts. Financial scams also often go unreported or can be difficult to prosecute, so they’re considered a “low-risk” crime. However, they're devastating to many older adults and can leave them in a very vulnerable position with little time to recoup their losses. It’s not just wealthy seniors who are targeted. Low-income older adults are also at risk of financial abuse. And it's not always strangers who perpetrate these crimes. Over 90% of all reported elder abuse is committed by an older person’s own family members, most often their adult children, followed by grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and others. Review our list below, so you can identify a potential scam. 1. Health Care/Medicare/Health Insurance Fraud Every U.S. citizen or permanent resident over age 65 qualifies for Medicare, so there is rarely any need for a scam artist to research what private health insurance company older people have in order to scam them out of some money.
In these types of scams, perpetrators may pose as a Medicare representative to get older people to give them their personal information, or they will provide bogus services for elderly people at makeshift mobile clinics, then use the personal information they provide to bill Medicare and pocket the money. 2. Counterfeit Prescription Drugs Most commonly, counter feit drug scams operate on the Internet, where seniors increasingly go to find better prices on specialized medications.
This scam is growing in popularity—
since 2000, the FDA has investigated an average of 20 such cases per year, up from five a year in the 1990s. The danger is that besides paying money for something that will not help a person’s medical condition, victims may purchase unsafe substances that can inflict even more harm. This scam can be as hard on the body as it is on the wallet. 3. Funeral & Cemetery Scams The FBI warns about two types of funeral and cemetery fraud perpetrated on seniors.
In one approach, scammers read obituaries and call or attend the funeral service of a complete stranger to take advantage of the grieving widow or widower. Claiming the deceased had an outstanding debt with them, scammers will try to extort money from relatives to settle the fake debts. Another tactic of disreputable funeral homes is to capitalize on family members’ unfamiliarity with the considerable cost of funeral ser vices to add unnecessar y charges to the bill. In one common scam of this type, funeral directors will insist that a casket, usually one of the most expensive parts of funeral services, is necessary even when performing a direct cremation, which can be accomplished with a cardboard casket rather than an expensive display or burial casket. 4. Fraudulent Anti-Aging Products In a society bombarded with images of the young and beautiful, it’s not surprising that some older people feel the need to conceal their age in order to participate more fully in social circles and the workplace. After all, 60 is the new 40, right?
It is in this spirit that many older Americans seek out new treatments and medications to maintain a youthful appearance, putting them at risk of scammers. Whether it’s fake Botox like the one in Arizona that netted its distributors (who were convicted and jailed in 2006) $1.5 million in barely a year, or completely bogus homeopathic remedies that do absolutely
nothing, there is money in the anti-aging business. Botox scams are particularly unsettling, as renegade labs creating versions of the real thing may still be working with the root ingredient, botulism neurotoxin, which is one of the most toxic substances known to science. A bad batch can have health consequences far beyond wrinkles or drooping neck muscles. 5. Telemarketing Perhaps the most common scheme is when scammers use fake telemarketing calls to prey on older people, who as a group make twice as many purchases over the phone than the national average.
While the image of the lonely senior citizen with nobody to talk to may have something to do with this, it is far more likely that older people are more familiar with shopping over the phone, and therefore might not be fully aware of the risk. With no face-to-face interaction, and no paper trail, these scams are incredibly hard to trace. Also, once a successful deal has been made, the buyer’s name is then shared with similar schemers looking for easy targets, sometimes defrauding the same person repeatedly. Examples of telemarketing fraud include: “The Pigeon Drop” The con artist tells the individual that he/she has found a large sum of money and is willing to split it if the person will make a “good faith” payment by withdrawing funds from his/her bank account. Often, a second con artist is involved, posing as a lawyer, banker, or some other trustworthy stranger.
“The Fake Accident Ploy” The con artist gets the victim to wire or send money on the pretext that the person’s child or another relative is in the hospital and needs the money. “Charity Scams” Money is solicited for fake charities. This often occurs after natural disasters. 6. Internet Fraud While using the Internet is a great skill at any age, the slower speed of adoption among some older people makes them easier targets for automated Internet scams that are ubiquitous on the web and email programs.
Pop-up browser windows simulating virus-scanning software will fool victims into either downloading a fake anti-virus program (at a substantial cost) or an actual virus that will open up whatever information is on the user’s computer to scammers. Their unfamiliarity with the less visible aspects of browsing the web (firewalls and built-in virus protection, for example)
morning journal • prime time • friday, february 20, 2015 • 5 make seniors especially susceptible to such traps. One example includes: Email/Phishing Scams A senior receives email messages that appear to be from a legitimate company or institution, asking them to “update” or “verify” their personal information. A senior receives emails that appear to be from the IRS about a tax refund. 7. Investment Schemes Because many seniors find themselves planning for retirement and managing their savings once they finish working, a number of investment schemes have been targeted at seniors looking to safeguard their cash for their later years.
From pyramid schemes like Bernie Madoff’s (which counted a number of senior citizens among its victims) to fables of a Nigerian prince looking for a partner to claim inheritance money to complex financial products that many economists don’t even understand, investment schemes have long been a successful way to take advantage of older people. 8. Homeowner/Reverse Mortgage Scams Scammers like to take advantage of the fact that many people above a certain age own their homes, a valuable asset that increases the potential dollar value of a certain scam.
A particularly elaborate property tax scam in San Diego saw fraudsters sending personalized letters to different properties
apparently on behalf of the County Assessor’s Office. The letter, made to look official but displaying only public information, would identify the property’s assessed value and offer the homeowner, for a fee of course, to arrange for a reassessment of the property’s value and therefore the tax burden associated with it. Closely related, the reverse mortgage scam has mushroomed in recent years. With legitimate reverse mor tgages increasing in frequency more than 1,300% between 1999 and 2008, scammers are taking advantage of this new popularity. As opposed to of ficial refinancing schemes, however, unsecured reverse mortgages can lead property owners to lose their homes when the perpetrators offer money or a free house somewhere else in exchange for the title to the property. 9. Sweepstakes & Lottery Scams This simple scam is one that many are familiar with, and it capitalizes on the notion that “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.”
taxes on the prize, which they pocket while the victim has the “prize money” removed from his or her account as soon as the check bounces. 10. The Grandparent Scam The Grandparent Scam is so simple and so devious because it uses one of older adults’ most reliable assets, their hearts.
Scammers will place a call to an older person and when the mark picks up, they will say something along the lines of: “Hi Grandma, do you know who this is?” When the unsuspecting grandparent guesses the name of the grandchild the scammer most sounds like, the scammer has established a fake identity without having done a lick of background research. Once “in,” the fake grandchild will usually ask for money to solve some unexpected financial problem (overdue rent, payment for car repairs, etc.), to be paid via Western Union or MoneyGram, which don’t always require identification to collect.
Here, scammers inform their mark that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes of some kind and need to make some sort of payment to unlock the supposed prize. Often, seniors will be sent a check that they can deposit in their bank account, knowing that while it shows up in their account immediately, it will take a few days before the (fake) check is rejected. During that time, the criminals will quickly collect money for supposed fees or
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At the same time, the scam artist will beg the grandparent “please don’t tell my parents, they would kill me.” While the sums from such a scam are likely to be in the hundreds, the very fact that no research is needed makes this a scam that can be perpetrated over and over at very little cost to the scammer. If you suspect you’ve been the victim of a scam… Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to talk about it with someone you trust. You are not alone, and there are people who can help. Doing nothing could only make it worse. Keep handy the phone numbers and resources you can turn to, including the local police, your bank (if money has been taken from your accounts), and Adult Protective Services. To obtain the contact information for Adult Protective Services in your area, call the Eldercare Locator, a government sponsored national resource line, at: 1-800-677-1116, or visit their website at: www.eldercare.gov.
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6 • morning journal • prime time • friday, february 20, 2015
Quality of life and care important in rehabilitation Mary Walker, RN Copeland Oaks/Crandall Medical Center Community Information
Most people admitted to the hospital hope to return home after illness or surger y. Even if your doctor planned for you to go home, your recovery may be slower than expected. As a result, you may need the care of a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility. Skilled nursing facilities provide care for people who are not yet able to care for themselves at home. After your stay and participation in a rehabilitation program, you should be able to return home and care for yourself. If your surgery or treatment at the hospital is scheduled, talk to your doctor and nurse in the weeks beforehand about plans for discharge. If your hospital stay was not planned, you or your family should discuss discharge plans with your social worker or nurse case manager as soon as possible during your time in the hospital. Your most important goal is to get safely back in your home. The quality of care you receive at the facility plays the biggest role in your reaching that goal and getting home.
Rehabilitation often focuses on: • Physical Therapy to help your strength, balance, mobility and fitness • Occupational Therapy to help find new ways of performing activities of daily living
am receiving personal care or have visitors? • How will the facility help me participate in social, recreational, religious or cultural activities that are important to me? Can I decide when I want to participate. • Is transportation provided to community activities?
• Speech-Language Therapy to help with speaking, understanding, reading, writing and swallowing
• Do I get to choose what time to get up, go to sleep, or bathe?
• Treatment of pain • Can I have visitors at any time? Besides understanding the rehabilitation program and therapy treatments provided by a nursing facility, it is equally important to understand the quality of life and quality of care that the facility can provide. Quality of life deals with preferences and personal choices; what’s important to you. Questions to consider regarding quality of life when choosing a facility for rehabilitation include: • Will I have my own, private room or will I share a room with another person? Will I have my own bathroom? • How will the staff make sure I have privacy when I
• Can I decorate my living space any way I want? • Does the facility provide a pleasant dining experience? • Will I have a choice of food items at each meal? Are there options and substitutes if I don’t like a particular menu? • Can I have snacks and beverages at any time throughout the day or night?
morning journal • prime time • friday, february 20, 2015 • 7 • Will my interests and preferences be included in the care plan?
• Can I bring my pet or can my pet visit? • Will I be able to leave the facility for a few hours if I choose to do so? Quality of care deals with your specific, individualized plan of treatment. Questions to consider regarding quality of care when choosing a facility for rehabilitation include: • Who makes my plan of care and how do they know what I want and need? • Will I be included in planning my care? • Who are the doctors and nurses who will care for me? • Is there enough staff to give me the care I need.
• Will I be able to change my plan of care if I feel there is a need? • Will I be given a copy of my plan of care? “After you identify what’s important to you, visit the rehabilitation facilities you are considering. A visit gives you a chance to see the nursing home setting, meet the staff and talk with some of the folks in residence and their family members. A visit can help you see the quality of life and the quality of care as it actually occurs,” suggested Jason Cicchillo, LNHA, administrator at Crandall Medical Center.
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8 • morning journal • prime time • friday, february 20, 2015
Keeping your loved ones safe at home Due to the growing popularity of in-home care for seniors, it's important to make sure you and your loved one are aware of the potential dangers present in the home for seniors living alone and prepare accordingly. You can help prevent falls and accidents by making changes to unsafe areas in the home with these tips.
• Use only non-glare 100 watt or greater incandescent bulbs (or the fluorescent equivalents) • Make sure that all stair cases have good lighting with switches at top and bottom • Staircase steps should have a non-slip surface
• Store hazardous items separate from food • Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove • Make sure food is rotated regularly and check expiration dates Drug Safety
Bathroom Safety General Home Safety
Please use the following home safety tips to help your loved ones stay safe: • Consider a medical alert or a buddy system • Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor • Never smoke when alone or in bed • Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. • Take your time, and make sure you have your balance. • Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels • Use a correctly measured walking aid • Remove or tack down all scatter rugs • Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas • Avoid using slippery wax on floors • Wipe up spills promptly • Avoid standing on ladders or chairs • Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house, or, if necessary, purchase a stairlift
• Leave a light on in your bathroom at night • Use recommended bath aids, securely installed on the walls of the bath/shower stall and on the sides of the toilet • Skid-proof the tub and make sure the bath mat has a non-slip bottom. • To avoid scalds, turn water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below. • Mark cold and hot faucets clearly • Use door locks that can be opened from both sides • If possible, bathe only when help is available.
• Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist and when you take new medication • Make sure medicines are clearly labeled • Read medicine labels in good light to ensure you have the right medicine and always take the correct dose • Dispose of any old or used medicines • Never borrow prescription drugs from others • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you mix alcohol and your drugs • Have medication dispensed in a bubble pack or convenient dispenser • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing non-prescription drugs and prescription drugs
Kitchen Safety
• Keep floors clean and uncluttered • Illuminate work areas • Mark "on" and "off" positions on appliances clearly and with bright colors • Store sharp knives in a rack • Use a kettle with an automatic shut off • Store heavier objects at waist level
Better bathroom safety Any real estate agent will tell you that that updating your bathroom is one of the best things you can do if you want to sell your home. But, it's also one of the best things you can do if you plan to stay in your home for a long time to come. As we age, our physical abilities and needs change. If our homes don't keep up with those changes, problems can arise, and the bathroom is the room that often presents the most challenges. Fortunately, there are several ways you can modify your bathroom to make it safer, most with little effort or expense. As we age, our physical abilities and needs change. If our homes don't keep up with those changes, problems can ariseIf it is difficult to get up and down from the toilet seat, it may be time to swap your standard toilet for a comfort height model. You can also have grab bars and handrails professionally installed for added stability. For more affordable fixes, you can purchase a raised seat attachment or a safety frame to use with your existing toi-
let at many drug and medical equipment stores. If you have to stretch, turn or bend to reach the toilet paper holder from the seat, invest in a moveable holder that can be placed in a more convenient location. If you find it harder to step into and out of your bathtub than it use to be, have grab bars professionally installed. There also are temporary grab bars available at most drug and medical supply stores that use suction cups. If you choose this option, make sure the grab bar is installed properly and check it frequently to make sure it remains firmly attached to the wall. Invest in a hand-held shower sprayer and shower chair made of sturdy plastic with slip-resistant rubber feet to make bathing easier. A skid-resistant bath mat or adhesive shower strips designed to increase traction are also nice additions. Never use towel racks, toilet paper holders or shower curtains for stability or to hold your body weight; they simply weren't designed for that purpose and eventually will let you down... literally.
If you can't see the floor or obstacles in your bathroom without shadows or glare, consider having brighter or more even lighting installed. If your bathroom floor is tile or linoleum, add a rug with a non-slip rubber backing to increase traction. If you use a cane or walker, always take it with you to the bathroom, but make sure you have an out-of-the-way place to stow it where you or someone else won't trip on it. If you or a loved one are age 60 or older and need help making your bathroom safer, contact your local area agency on aging. They can point you to resources such as minor home repairs and modifications and other services to help you live safely at home. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the area agency serving your community. Visit the STEADY U Ohio website for more things you can do to make your home and everyday life safer.
morning journal • prime time • friday, february 20, 2015 • 9
Healthy tips for a senior diet
Omega 3 fatty acids The acids have been proven to reduce inflammation, which can cause heart disease, cancer and arthritis. They can be found in many different types of fish and in flaxseed oil. Your parent should have foods rich in this nutrient twice per week. If this is impossible, check with their doctor to see if an Omega 3 supplement would be beneficial. Calcium and Vitamin D The need for calcium and vitamin D increases as people age. This is primarily to preserve bone health. One added benefit of calcium is that it helps to lower blood pressure.
Adults over the age of 50 need at least 1200 milligrams per day of the nutrient – equal to about four cups of milk per day. Many people find it challenging to consume this much calcium per day by eating and drinking, so check with your parent's doctor to see if he or she should take a calcium supplement. Limit sodium content Most elders have hypertension – high blood pressure. One of the most important things caregivers can do to help reduce a parent's hypertension is to prepare foods with low sodium. Most people are surprised to know that table salt accounts for only a small percent
I would just like to share my experience with wearing hearing aids. My name is Eric Everson and I’ m 37. I never thought I would need hearing aids at my age. But I noticed my wife had to repeat things and tell me to turn the TV down and I couldn’ t talk on the phone because I would misinterpret things. That’ s when I said enough is enough and set up an appointment at Hearing Aids and Devices in Salem, Ohio. She gave me a thorough hearing test and walked me through each step of the way and was very helpful in answering all my questions. There is nothing to be ashamed of young or old about wearing hearing aids. I thought hearing aids were big and bulky but with today’ s technology they’ re small and very comfortable to wear. I’ ve been hearing things I have never been able to hear before. I don’ t have to turn the TV up so loud, I can hear talking on the phone, and my wife doesn’ t need to repeat things as much anymore. These hearing aids have made my life so much more enjoyable. So young or old if you’ re thinking about getting hearing aids don’ t be ashamed because life will be so much more enjoyable.
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10 • morning journal • prime time • friday, february 20, 2015
Avoiding the flu
Be fire safe and smart
Flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and, in some cases, can lead to death.
Everyone should have fire prevention and response plans in place, but this becomes especially important for older adults because of changes that come with aging or impaired health. According to the National Fire Protection Association, adults over 65 years old are twice as likely to die in a fire and those over 85 are four times more likely.
Flu viruses are spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing or by touching an object that has flu viruses on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Flu season runs from late fall through the winter months and generally peaks in February and March. Symptoms of flu may come on quickly and may include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle achesand stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Complications of flu may include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. How to Avoid the Flu Flu shots are your best defense against the flu. While it is best to get a flu shot as they become available for the coming flu season (usually in the fall), you can still benefit from a flu shot later in the season. Check with your doctor before you get a flu shot to make sure it is right for you. Your doctor may recommend another approach, such as the use of certain antiviral medications. Other prevention steps: • Maintain good health habits: Get plenty of sleep, be as physically active as is appropriate for you, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritional foods.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, scrubbing for about 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your shoulder or arm, then wash any affected skin immediately. • Limit your contact with persons who are ill. Avoid shaking hands if you are ill and with others who are ill. • Limit going out and into crowds as much as possible during the flu season,or when flu cases are common in your community. How to Care For Yourself When You Have the Flu • Stay home and rest to fight the flu and avoid spreading it to others.
• Drink plenty of liquids to replace fluids lost through fever and sweating. • Take medication for your symptoms. If you have a chronic health problem or are taking medication, get advice from your doctor or pharmacist about the best over-thecounter medications for you. Your doctor may want to prescribe antiviral drugs to lessen the length of the flu. • Wash your hands often to avoid spreading the virus to others. • Let your case manager know that you have the flu and if you need anyadditional services, such as a ride to the doctor or help getting food, liquids and medications. If you are moving to another location to receive care while you recover, let your case manager and service provider know where you are going and again when you are coming home.
Prevent Fires ▪ Safe Cooking: Always watch stove top items andturn off burners if you must walk away – even for aminute. Turn handles of pots and pans toward the back to avoid accidentally knocking them over. Avoid loose-fitting and dangling clothing on your arms and chest while you cook. Keep flammable materials like towels, potholders, papers, etc., away from heating appliances. Use a timer to remind you if you are using the oven. If you don’t feel safe cooking, contact your case manager or an area agency on aging, 1-866-2435678 about receiving home delivered meals or other assistance with meal preparation.
▪ Safe Electrical Equipment: Unplug small appliances like toasters and can openers after each use. If an appliance appears to be malfunctioning, have it checked and repaired before using again. Be sure that electrical cords and any extension cords are in proper working condition. Be sure outlets are not overloaded. ▪ Safe Heating: Do not use your oven to heat your home. If you use electric space heaters, be sure the electrical cords are in good condition and the outlet can handle the load. Do not share an outlet used by a heater with any other device. Avoid using extension cords with heaters. Use only the correct fuel in kerosene heaters to avoid fire or explosion, and be sure to let the heater cool before refueling. Store and handle the fuel safely. Be sure fireplace flues are clear and always use a screen to deflect sparks. Keep combustible materials like blankets and clothing at least three feet away from any heat sources. If your utility services have been cut off, contact your utility company to make arrangements or contact your case manager or an area agency on aging for resources to assist you in resolving the matter. ▪ Safe Decorating: The use of candles and other open flames requires direct and constant supervision. Keep flammable materials at least three feet away and extinguish flames before leaving a room. For electrical decorations, avoid extension cords and overloading outlets. Turn off and unplug electrical decorations overnight and when you will not be home. Be Prepared ▪ Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and in all sleeping areas and test them monthly. Change the batteries every six months. For help obtaining and installing smoke detectors and batteries, contact your local fire department, your case manager or an area agency on aging.
▪ Use only deep-seated ashtrays. If you or others in your home must smoke, keep smoking materials away from combustible materials and wet them before disposing of them. Never smoke while lying down, when tired or when taking medications that cause drowsiness. Always turn off medical oxygen while someone in the house is smoking, then turn it back on when they’ve finished. ▪ Develop and practice a fire evacuation plan. Identify at least two ways to get out and review safety steps like checking closed doors for heat before opening, using your emergency alert device if you have one and crawling on the floor below the smoke. Get out fast and stay out! ▪ If you require assistance getting out of the house, close the door toyour room, stay near a window and stay on the phone with rescuers. Alert your local fire department prior to a fire that you may be unable to evacuate without assistance in the event of a fire – this will help keep you and your rescuers safer.
morning journal • prime time • friday, february 20, 2015 • 11
Preventing theft in your home Theft is most often a crime of convenience. Money and valuables left within sight of even the most trustworthy person may be an irresistible temptation in certain circumstances. Invite people into your home, but don’t invite theft. ▪ Know who is in your home and why. Verify the identity of any person who wishes to enter your home. Ask to see I.D. and ask who sent them. Call to make sure the visit is authorized.
▪ Store your valuables, including medications, jewelry, cash, checks and credit cards, in a private place. ▪ Retrieve your mail daily. If you can’t get your mail yourself, have a trusted friend, family member or neighbor retrieve it for you. ▪ Destroy unwanted or unneeded documents that identify you in any way, including bank statements, bills, financial documents, records and other papers that contain information that could be used to conduct business in your name.
▪ Do not allow someone to write checks for you or pay your bills with your credit or debit card unless you have previously and formally authorized them to do so. If you need assistance, contact your case manager or area agency on aging, 1-866-243-5678. • Monitor purchases. When someone runs an errand for you, give him or her only the money needed for the task. Get the receipt, check it and count your change. Do not lend money or belongings to someone working for you. If you suspect someone may have stolen something that belongs to you, do not confront the person yourself. Immediately contact the appropriate authorities (police or sheriff) and the individual’s employer, your case manager and your family.
If you can’t get your mail yourself, have a trusted friend, family member or neighbor retrieve it for you.
12 • morning journal • prime time • friday, february 20, 2015
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