Statistically, elderly drivers are safer drivers than younger ones. Research finds that they wear seat belts, avoid the roads in inclement weather, avoid rush hour and overall drive fewer miles than most. That isn't to say there aren't risks that come with aging medications, reduced mobility and other medical conditions can all conspire to make driving more of a challenge for your aging relative.
Mark the Date: September 23, 2019 View & Download PDF The National Council on Aging sponsors the annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day (FPAD). This day raises awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults. National, state, and local partners collaborate to educate others about the impact of falls, share fall prevention strategies, and advocate for the expansion of evidence-based community fall prevention programs.The NCOA has prepared a helpful flyer with "6 Steps to Prevent a Fall" which is available for download by clicking on the image above. Watch the video below, created by the National Council on Aging with helpful suggestions to Prevent a Fall. Click here to find events in your community scheduled for Monday September 23rd to raise awareness
Summer will bring with it long; lazy days of sunshine and chances are heat emergencies will also arise as a result. As a general rule, the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory when the heat index meets a certain threshold. These are the days when checking on your loved one is ever more important!
When it comes to scams perpetrated against senior citizens, there seems to be a correlation between the time of year and the scam that is going around. This time of year seniors need to be aware of IRS refund and tax scams. If you're a caregiver for an aging relative, you too should be on the lookout for some of the items on this list that may be happening to your aging loved ones when you are not around.
Hundreds of lives are lost each year due the tragic consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning. The danger is of greater concerns during the winter months when people use heating devices and stoves to keep warm. This colorless, odorless gas can be deadly. In fact, accidental carbon monoxide poisoning takes more than 400 peoples’ lives each year in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another 20,000 people visit emergency departments, with more than 4,000 requiring hospitalization.
At LifeFone, we are aware that one of your greatest concerns is the safety of your loved one. Whether or not they are properly taking their medication is probably high on the list of things you think about when you are not with them. Here’s six medication safety tips that are easy for you, and them, to follow.
As we age, some individuals can become the target for a financial crime, identity theft, home break-in or some other scam. Boomers raised in an era where being rude to a solicitor on the phone or door to door can actually put them in a more vulnerable position. In some cases, those who would perpetrate a crime against the elderly will either rely on charm or bullying tactics to get the information that they seek. While a financial crime is a devastating time for anyone, it can be even worse for the elderly as they may not only question their ability to remain independent but will become fearful of living alone.
Being the caregiver for someone you love can be a rewarding experience for you, and for them. Though, there are times when you have to face some challenges. Probably the most daunting is facing the question of whether it is time for your loved one to stop driving? At LifeFone, we have five signs that may indicate that it's time for a person to give up driving.