Annual birthday dinner set for May 27
By
Suzanne Hopkins-
Time for a little ‘spring cleaning’ for seniors
A few weeks ago, most of us “sprung” our clocks ahead one hour for daylight-saving time.
It’s at this time of year we see reminders to change the batteries in our smoke alarms, and people begin to talk about spring cleaning.
But many experts urge a different type of spring cleaning for seniors — reviewing the items in your (or a loved one’s) medicine cabinet to check for expiration dates, unused medications and other potential hazards, like pills that have been compromised due to moisture.
Spring is a great time of year to think about taking stock of the overall safety of your home.
Here is a list of some important items you should check at least bi-annually to help you maintain your independence and safety.
• Take stock of the medicine cabinet.
Check all items for expiration dates.
Are the medications stored in their own containers?
Are they stored in a cool, dry place?
Discard any unused medications.
• Replace the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Run a test to ensure they’re working.
• Check to make sure your home has a fire extinguisher that has been inspected within the past year.
Make sure you know how to operate the device.
It’s wise to keep a fire extinguisher in an obvious location easily accessible to friends, relatives or neighbors in an emergency.
• Clean up clutter.
Clutter increases the risk for falls, fire and other problems such as insects or other rodents.
Remove unnecessary furniture that obstructs the traffic flow, organize cabinets so that the most frequently used items are easily accessible, and throw away any old items from the pantry or refrigerator.
• Create an emergency plan. Set the speed dial on the phone for emergency contacts.
Appoint a neighbor as an emergency backup.
If you live in a senior housing complex, find a friendly neighbor and implement the buddy system; you should each keep an eye out for problems and have contact information for one another’s emergency contacts.
Following these simple procedures can help you maintain a safer and more comfortable home.[[In-content Ad]]
A few weeks ago, most of us “sprung” our clocks ahead one hour for daylight-saving time.
It’s at this time of year we see reminders to change the batteries in our smoke alarms, and people begin to talk about spring cleaning.
But many experts urge a different type of spring cleaning for seniors — reviewing the items in your (or a loved one’s) medicine cabinet to check for expiration dates, unused medications and other potential hazards, like pills that have been compromised due to moisture.
Spring is a great time of year to think about taking stock of the overall safety of your home.
Here is a list of some important items you should check at least bi-annually to help you maintain your independence and safety.
• Take stock of the medicine cabinet.
Check all items for expiration dates.
Are the medications stored in their own containers?
Are they stored in a cool, dry place?
Discard any unused medications.
• Replace the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Run a test to ensure they’re working.
• Check to make sure your home has a fire extinguisher that has been inspected within the past year.
Make sure you know how to operate the device.
It’s wise to keep a fire extinguisher in an obvious location easily accessible to friends, relatives or neighbors in an emergency.
• Clean up clutter.
Clutter increases the risk for falls, fire and other problems such as insects or other rodents.
Remove unnecessary furniture that obstructs the traffic flow, organize cabinets so that the most frequently used items are easily accessible, and throw away any old items from the pantry or refrigerator.
• Create an emergency plan. Set the speed dial on the phone for emergency contacts.
Appoint a neighbor as an emergency backup.
If you live in a senior housing complex, find a friendly neighbor and implement the buddy system; you should each keep an eye out for problems and have contact information for one another’s emergency contacts.
Following these simple procedures can help you maintain a safer and more comfortable home.[[In-content Ad]]