Preventing Falls

Falls are a common cause of injury in older adults.  Broken hips are just one of the risks of falling.  Plus, the fear of falling may cause a person to limit his or her mobility.  But you can do a lot to reduce the chances that you or someone you care for will fall.  Look below for tips that can help. 

Most serious falls occur at home.

• Look around the house for items that may cause someone to trip and fall.
• Make sure all rugs and mats are skid proof or secured with carpet tape.
• Remove electrical cords from pathways.
• Keep floors and stairways free from clutter.  Pick up papers, books, clothes and shoes.
• Roll up hoses and pick up tools in the yard.

Improve lighting in the home.

• Brighter lights can help a person see better and may prevent a fall.
• Have a lamp or night light near the bed.
• Even if the room is familiar, always turn on a light before walking into a dark area.  Consider using motion-, voice- or clap-activated switches.

Make the bathroom safer.

• Place a non-slip mat in the shower or tub.
• Install grab bars in the shower, tub and next to the toilet.
• If a person’s balance isn’t reliable, a shower bench with non-skid tips can be used in the shower or tub.
• A raised toilet seat is helpful for people who have trouble getting up and down from a regular toilet.

Wear safe shoes.  Use a cane or walker if needed.

• Choose shoes that are easy to walk in and give good support.
• Avoid shoes with slippery soles and those with high heels.
• Using a cane or walker can help you maintain your balance.

Poor vision can lead to a fall.

• A regular eye exam can determine if glasses are needed or if the current glasses are the right strength.
• An eye doctor can also check for cataracts or other conditions that may limit vision.

Regular exercise is important.

• Daily exercise helps maintain balance, flexibility and strength.
• Ask a health care provider about which kinds of exercise are best.

Review medications with a health care provider.

• Some medications or combination of medications can make a person drowsy or lightheaded.  This can increase the risk of falling.

Falls contribute to many serious injuries in older adults.  But falls are often due to hazards that are easy to fix.

The Other Olympians

For the past week, I've been watching as much of the Olympics as I can. I've been recording coverage during the day and catching up in the evenings, then watching primetime coverage. I'm one of those people who hates commercials. If I can record it and fast forward through the commercials, I will. However, as I've been watching the Olympics, I've been thoroughly enjoying the commercials. My favorites are the Visa commercials with narration by Morgan Freeman and the Nike commercials about greatness. How inspirational!

One promo that caught my eye, though, was for a new show coming up in the fall called Chicago Fire. As the scene unfolds on men working out as "athletes" the tagline, "Some heroes never go to the olympics," comes up on the screen, and we begin to see that these "athletes" are actually firefighters. It got me thinking about the many heroes that never go to the Olympics. The doctors, the soldiers, the mothers, and the ones I see everyday when they walk through the doors of Alzheimer's Services--the caregivers.

An Olympian is defined as majestic in manner, superior to mundane affairs, surpassing all others in scope and effect. Just as Olympians devote hours to training, caregivers devote hours to caring for their loved ones. Just as Olympians sacrifice, caregivers sacrifice their time, their social lives, and many times, their financial stability. Just as Olympians thrive under pressure, caregivers find strength and push through, even in the darkest moments. And just as Olympians rejoice in their victory and see the impact they have on entire countries, caregivers relish the joy of knowing they are making a difference in the lives of their loved ones and inspiring other caregivers along the way.

This week, I'll continue watching as much of the Olympics as I can. I'll cheer for USA to win more medals, and I'll continue to look for Kate Middleton and Prince William in the crowds. I may even try to figure out the rules of water polo. But most importantly, I'll remember the other Olympians--the caregivers--who will never stand on a podium with an Olympic medal around their neck with the national anthem playing in the background, but who are as every bit as heroic as those that will. And I will be inspired to find my inner Olympian.

We're Here For You

“Even if this illness took her memory away from her, it didn’t take the memory of her away from me.” -Annonymous
 
This quote touches my heart tremendously. It captures the loss the affected individual has experienced, but it reassures the caregivers and loved ones that the wonderful memories will never be lost. My grandmother suffers from dementia. I visit as much as possible and she always wants to know what’s going on in my life; of course, I have told her countless times. However, in her mind I am still 12 years old and her pride and joy. At times, I am overcome with sorrow to think that my hero has this terrible disease. But, like in the quote above, I am comforted by the fact the memories of her and I sharing moments together as I grew up will never leave me. 
 
I spoke with a caregiver recently who stated, “No one knows what an Alzheimer’s caregiver feels unless they have experienced personally.” This statement describes the frustration felt by many caregivers and other family members. Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area strives to decrease this frustration. We have the Caregiver Network Support Group Meetings as well as our monthly Lunch-N-Learn which gives caregivers a place to discuss the unique situations brought on only by this disease. Alzheimer’s affects many people and many families but it affects each differently. If you or someone you know needs a person to talk to, who can understand the frustration and can offer assistance, please contact us at Alzheimer’s Services. If you are struggling to cope we will do our best to provide hope!


Katherine Schillings, Program Coordinator

A First Week to Remember…

Alright, I have just completed my first work week at Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area.  The most appropriate word that describes my experiences is “wow!” It was a great first week filled with a LOT of information about the services the agency provides and as well as all the activities they are engaged in. I am very humbled by the warmth and reception given to me by this great team of people. The dedication and passion the agency has for those whose lives have been impacted by Alzheimer’s is commendable. I got a chance to talk to each of my co-workers about how they individually and collectively contribute to the success of the agency.  I am truly blessed to be a member of this winning team. But I must say that I had two unexpected highlights in my week which were attending the BRAN Meeting at Sunrise and caregiver support group at Magnolia Assisted Living in Gonzales, Louisiana.   

My third work day began at a Baton Rouge Aging Network (BRAN) Meeting. The BRAN Meeting’s activity this month was a personal virtual dementia tour.  Participants got a chance to walk in the shoes of someone who has Alzheimer’s. The activity allowed the participant to experience some of the more pervasive symptoms of the disease such as vision and hearing problems, difficulty in holding or grasping objects; and how these challenges impede completing daily activities. It was an enlightening experience.    

My fourth day at work ended with a caregiver support group meeting. The support group was held at Magnolia Assisted Living facility. It was facilitated by Suzie Richard. Ms. Richard was well received by her diverse group of participants which included Alzheimer’s patients, children of Alzheimer’s patients, caregivers, and a couple who had been married for over 67 years.  The group shared their own personal experiences with the disease. Some participants cried while others shared a laugh. One person described his experience with Alzheimer’s as, “Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.” The group agreed with this gentleman’s comment.  The group was able to vent their frustrations, ask questions, share caregiver tips, laugh, and even cry in a non-judgmental atmosphere. The group may have begun as strangers but they left the group as new friends giving each other support through hugs, handshakes, and/or a gentle pat on the back.  

So to summarize my first week, let’s just say that the bar has been set very high (thanks Julie D!) and I will work diligently to carry out the mission and vision of Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area in my work! Thanks again for this wonderful opportunity!

Kristi F. Mellion

Program Coordinator/Respite Administrator