Maximizing your home safety

Mary Smith has lived alone in her two-bedroom midtown Omaha home for more than 40 years. While the 75-year-old retired bookkeeper considers herself to be a private person, she knows the names of some of her neighbors, many of whom are much younger.

Earlier this year, Mary – who is single and has no children – had a mild case of COVID-19 and was bedridden and homebound for a few days. During that time, newspapers piled up in her driveway, the mailbox filled, and neighbors didn’t see Mary’s dog running around in the back yard.

After consulting with Smith’s next-door neighbors, Margaret, who lives across the street from Mary, decided to call the Omaha Police Department’s 911 line to request a welfare check.

A police officer knocked on Mary’s door, found out she was ill, and notified Margaret that while not feeling well, Smith was safe and secure in her home.

While this story is fictitious, it’s typical of a situation which repeats itself frequently, according to Officer Joe Nickerson in the OPD’s Public Information office.

Nickerson said requests for welfare checks also known as “check well-beings” are often made to the OPD when friends, neighbors, or employers observe unusual activity or behavior, hear suicidal comments, or someone is absent from a place they’re supposed to be at a specific time or day and may be in danger.

An OPD officer will visit the home and conduct a “knock and talk” with the resident to check on their condition.

If the resident doesn’t respond to the door knock, the officer will look through windows to further assess the situation. If necessary, and whenever possible, a landlord or someone who has a key to unlock the door is contacted to let the officer into the home.

Nickerson said the officer has the legal authority to enter the residence – knocking down the door if required – and to act accordingly if probable cause is determined.

In some cases, an ambulance is summoned, and medical care provided for the resident.

Because no warrant to enter the home is issued, the officer must be cognizant of the resident’s Fourth Amendment rights under the United States Constitution to be secure in their home. The Fourth Amendment’s goal is to protect people’s right to privacy and freedom from unreasonable intrusions by the government.

In addition to dialing 911, welfare checks can be requested in Omaha by calling the OPD at 402-444-5600 or 402-444-4877.

An estimated 12.5 million older Americans live alone. While many of these men and women live in their own homes with independence and dignity, there may be inherent threats to their safety.

Here are some safety tips: • Staying in good physical condition by exercising, eating a healthy diet, maintaining an active social life, and drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent falls. Minimize the risk of falling by keeping the home free of exposed chords, slippery stairs, etc., and adding handholds and grab bars around the shower and toilet. • Avoid isolation by maintaining a close circle of friends and family. Seeing and communicating with friends and loved ones on a regular basis can help boost well-being and develop a support system to call on if necessary. • If possible, keep extra medications on hand to avoid frantic trips to the pharmacy. • Maintain a disaster kit featuring dry foods, blankets, bottled water, flashlights, matches, candles, and medical supplies that can be used during power outages, freezing weather, or natural disasters. • Keep doors and windows locked, consider adding a peephole in the door, motion-activated lights, and an alarm system. • Develop a list of emergency contacts (medical professionals, family members, and friends) and keep it in a visible place others can find easily. • Have someone pick up packages from the doorstep and mail from the mailbox, keep the lawn mowed, and driveways and sidewalks free of snow when the homeowner is away.

It’s important for friends, loved ones, and neighbors to monitor the condition of the older adults in their life. Here are a few suggestions: • Be subtle when evaluating an older loved one but trust your instincts. If something seems wrong, look into it further. Evaluate their appearance, ability to walk, and communication skills. • Check the living environment. Does the home need repairs? Is the lawn mowed or the driveway and sidewalks clear of snow? Is the lighting adequate? • Check the expiration dates on canned goods, spices, cereal, and items in the refrigerator. • Check dates on medications and make sure the meds are being used properly. Make a list of the medications and take the list to doctors’ visits. • Are bills being paid properly and on time? • Are flammable items stored away safely? • Does the older adult know how to use the new television, computer, or smartphone?

This information in this article can be summed up by quoting American poet Maya Angelou:

“As you grow older, you will discover you have two hands. One for helping yourself and one for helping others.”

May be covered by insurance Telehealth offers a convenient way to visit medical providers

By April Hauf, MA

During the pandemic, telehealth services have provided a much needed and safe way for people to speak with their medical professionals about healthcare issues. Even though communities are opening back up, many places still offer telehealth services upon request.

Telehealth is the use of digital information and communication technologies such as computers and mobile devices to access health care services remotely and to manage healthcare. These may be technologies you can use from home, or your doctor uses to improve or support healthcare services.

Telehealth may be beneficial for people who have limited mobility or problems with transportation to get to their doctors’ appointments and offers the convenience of speaking from home with medical professionals.

Many offices provide a patient portal where you can view test results, refill prescriptions, and communicate with your doctor. These are secure sites which offer a way to look at your history and upcoming appointments. Some portals offer video appointments on the website to make it easier to check in electronically and have your video appointment with a physician.

You’ll be asked a series of questions to help the providers make suggestions, prescribe medications, or make changes. Ask your doctor about telehealth services in your area and find out if they’re covered by your insurance.

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the spirits of many people and one of the biggest needs is help with their mental health. Many counselors and physiatrists offer telehealth medicine as an alternative to in-person sessions.

Although telehealth medicine may be convenient, it poses some differences from traditional face-to-face medicine. If you opt for telehealth services, it may not always be with your primary provider. Since you won’t be face to face with a clinician, they may miss something that may have been seen during an in-person exam.

It’s important to know the benefits and drawbacks to telehealth and then decide what’s right for you and your health. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information. (Hauf, MA is the Director of Social Services at Florence Home Health Care Center in Omaha.)