Page 21 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - July 2019 - 26-07

Senior Times - July 2019 Page 21
STRATEGIES TO REDUCE FALLING RISKS
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
There are significant steps that we can take to reduce the risk of falls. However, while we would like to prevent falls altogether, the real- ity is that falls may happen. Adults over the age of 65 have a higher risk of falling for many reasons including higher use of medications, more waking up at night, shuffling from an uncertain gait, coordination issues, weakening musculature and balance, and more. Add to that complications from chronic conditions, ambulatory aids, and equipment from a recov- ery from a procedure and the risk can actually increase.
medications you are taking or have been newly prescribed. Read the labels on any medications you take, or check with your doctor or phar- macist, to learn if any of the drugs might make you feel dizzy or tired. That can make falling more likely. If you have side effects, write down when they started and let your doctor know; they might change your medicine or dosage.
Whether you have a family member bring a list for you to review at home or a social worker
or geriatric care manager comes to perform one, these precautions identified can make your home safer to move about in.
Put handrails in the shower and wherever else you need them.
Start with a physical examination. Reach out to your physician or physical therapist. Schedule an evaluation of your leg strength, gait, and balance. Consider their recommenda- tions in helping to strengthen your muscles or adding assistive devices for safer movement. If your movement is good now, be sure to make exercise a regular part of your routine. It will make you stronger and improve your balance and coordination.
The National Council on Aging provides
a 12-page home fall prevention checklist at https://www.ncoa.org/wp-content/uploads/ cksafety.pdf. The checklist asks about hazards and provides suggestions to prevent injuries.
Once your home is a safe zone, you’re less likely to have accidents. You can move around with more confidence and a renewed sense of independence. But talk to your doctor if you're still having any trouble. They may refer you to an occupational therapist, who can come to your home and show you how to make more changes.
Have your vision checked at least once a year by an eye doctor. Poor vision can increase your risk of falls, confuse your depth percep- tion, and more.
Light it up. As you get older, you need more light to see. Make sure your light switch- es are easy to reach, and at the bottom and top of any stairs. Turn the lights on before you get up to move around. And always know where your flashlights are in case the power goes out.
You will learn about fall risks, how you can reduce your risks in your home, what to do if you fall, and even how to get back up safely.
Have your medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) evaluated to eliminate med- ications you no longer need, or find those that might be creating complications by interacting. Schedule a time with your pharmacist for assis- tance. If you do not have all your prescriptions filled there, be sure to bring along the others you have. You must have all your medications for a proper evaluation. Bring a list of any herbs or other natural remedies along as well to your medication evaluation.
And by all means, if you have assistive devices to help you be sure to have them prop- erly adjusted for you and to use them. They don’t do you any good if you leave them at home in the closet.
Furthermore, know the side effects of the
Grab hold. Consider getting grab bars installed on both sides of toilets and bathtubs.
Get a home safety assessment done.
Move it where you use it. Keep items you use often – food, cans, dishes, clothes – where you can easily reach them. This way you won't have to climb on a stool.
Safe zone quick tips for the home.
Clear the clutter. Get a friend or family mem- ber to help you clear your walkways of any- thing you can trip over.
Consider taking a fall prevention course.
Hold the rails. If you have stairways, put handrails on both sides of them and put treads on each step.
Falls are often due to hazards that are easy to overlook but also easy to fix. This is not an exhaustive list but it is a great start. Keep in mind that our living environment and health changes so reviewing these areas regularly is important. The consequences from a fall can be life threatening, or lead to disabilities. Take the time to reduce your risks today for a safer tomorrow.
Cut the skids. Use self-adhesive, non-skid mats or safety treads in bathtubs, showers, and pools. Put non-skid rugs on bathroom floors and pads under rugs on bare floors.
Toss the throw rugs, or make sure they're secured with double-sided tape. More than half of all falls happen at home. This simple fix can help you keep you safe.
Wear sturdy shoes inside and outside.
Solid footwear helps with your balance. Avoid slippers or walking barefoot.
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
ORGANIZATION
Aequitas
Albion Marshall Connector
Area Wide Transportation
Battle Creek Transit - Fixed Route
Community Action Senior Transportation
JTC Transportation Service LLC
Mobility 1 Transportation
Senior Transportation, DC Services LLC
AREA
Battle Creek
Marshall, Ablion
Southern Michigan
Battle Creek
Calhoun County- Battle Creek
Calhoun County Area
Southern Michigan
Michigan, Northern IN
SERVICE CONDITIONS
Curb-To-Curb
Fixed Routes
Origination To Destination
Within 150 miles
Will Travel Out Of Michigan
PHONE
(269) 441-5387
(269) 781-3975 or (517) 654-3000
(269) 679-6999
(269) 966-3474
(269) 565-4144
(269) 339-6928
(269) 430-5055
(517) 677-9262
HOURS
M-F, 7am-12midnight
M-F, 7:30am-5:30pm
Available 24 hours/ day
M-F, 5:15am-6:45pm, Some Routes Sat, 9:15am-5pm
M-F, 8am-4:30pm
Daily 6am-8pm
By Appointment
By Appointment
COST
$7 one-way
$1 one way for seniors, 60+; disabled & children 6-12, $2 adults/children 13+
Bills Medicare/Medicad
$0.60 seniors
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
Wheelchair $35+$1.50/mile after 20miles, Ambulatory $25+$1.50/ mile after 20miles
Can bill some Medicad plans
$0.50/mile
NOTES
Must have exact change, can receive tokens for future trips if you overpay
Rider responsible for any costs not covered
Must have exact change, 12 punch pass for $6, 48 punches for $24
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
10-15% Disc for ambulatory frequency
Starting from Tekonsha
Alamo Transportation
Calhoun & Jackson Counties
(517) 494-0029
M-F, 7am-5pm
Bills Medicare/Medicad
Alpha Medical Transport
Battle Creek Area
(844) 895-4809
By Appointment
Arranged through individual health insurance plans; direct pay not accepted
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Battle Creek Tele-Transit
Battle Creek Area
Door-to-Door Service
(269) 966-3474
M-F, 5:15am-mid- night, Sat, 9:15am-5pm
$2 one-way for senior/disabled, Personal attendants ride free, $7 adults ($5 after 6:45pm)
Reservation Needed, 10 punch pass for $20, 20 punches for $40
Branch Area Transit Authority
Branch County
Curb-To-Curb
(517) 278-5889
Daily
Half Fare for Handicapped & Senior Citizens Over 60
Weekly Subscriptions Available
Community Action Senior Transportation
Calhoun County- Albion
Origination To Destination
(269) 565-4144
M,T,W,F, 9am-2:30pm
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Marshall Dial-A-Ride
Marshall
(269) 781-3975
M-F, 7am-6pm
$1.50 one-way for seniors, 60+, disabled, children 5-12, $3.00 adults/children 13+
Free on Wed for seniors, age 60 and over
Ready Ride Transportation
Michigan
(616) 261-2400
By Appointment
Contact for Rates
10% Discount for Veterans
Details subject to change.To have your senior transportation added or changes to your listing, Call Sherii at (269) 979-1412 ext. 302 or ssherban@wwthayne.com.