Page 12 - Senior Times South Central Michigan January 2022 - 29-01

Page 12 Senior Times - January 2022
200 West Michigan Avenue Suite 102 Battle Creek, MI 49017
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Kinship Korner
Help Protect Your Loved Ones Against Falls this Winter
From CareWell’s Daily Active Living Newsletter
Family Enrichment Center Regional Resource 3 Team 415 S. 28th Street Battle Creek, MI 49015
Sharon Dewey
Foster Care Navigator Email: SDewey@fecfamily.com
Ph: (269) 660-0448
Fx: (269) 963-0160 www.Fecfamily.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
This is a promising year for kin- ship care providers. The State of Michigan is recognizing that children, who cannot remain in their home, have less trauma and do better developmentally, academically, and emotionally, when cared for by extended family.
Legislative task forces and Advisory groups around the State are exploring the needs of kinship families to find ways
to actively remove barriers that make it difficult for these fam- ilies to care for their relative children.
Some of the barriers under discussion include understand- ing the legal issues involved with guardianship, foster care, and adoption as well as how to ease the financial burden, espe- cially for those families with informal placements or guard- ianships. Providing the training, support groups, and respite ser- vices that will help kinship fam- ilies provide a healing home for the traumatized children in their care are just part of the services available though kinship care.
You, as a kinship care pro- vider can reach out to your legislators and let them know the difficulties and concerns you have caring for your rela- tive children. Share your ideas of possible solutions. And tell them what you have found to work for your family.
The Family Enrichment Center remains ready to help any who are caring for their family’s children. Please call (269) 339-1353 if you have need for resources such as food, clothing, day care, or someone to listen. We recognize how important you are to our com- munities’ children.
Family Enrichment Center
Older adults' risk of falling may have increased during the pandemic due to declines in physical activity and mobility, along with increased isolation,
a University of Michigan poll shows. Many also became more fearful of falling, which, in turn, can increase the risk.
still grips the floor. Throw rugs/ mats should only be used on bare floors, not on top of carpet. Make sure bath mats have rubber backing in good condition.
only used occasionally. Railings and steps: Check
"Taking steps now to reduce fall risk in their homes could prevent catastrophic injury and hospitalization," said Geoffrey Hoffman, a fall researcher and assistant professor of nursing at the university.
Bathrooms: A grab rail in the tub/shower is a good idea, along with a rubber mat with suction cups or a stool with non-skid feet. If possible, a walk-in shower is much better than a tub.
Seasonal decor: Offer to bring holiday decorations and lights from the attic, an upstairs room or basement, and to help put
Older people whose mobility declined during the first part of the pandemic were 70% more likely to say they'd had a fall in that time, and twice as likely to express a fear of falling, the poll revealed.
Lighting: Dark hallways, stairways, closets with high shelves, and outdoor steps are
fall risk areas. Install brighter light bulbs or new fixtures
that take multiple bulbs. Add motion sensors so lights come
on automatically when someone enters the area, and consider night lights that come on when it gets dark or have a motion sensor.
adults have a good supply of de-icer or sand to use on steps, walkways, and driveways. For those who can't easily lift a heavy jug, transfer the de-icer or sand to a container with a lid and add a scoop so they can scatter it more easily.
Furniture placement: Offer to help move furniture and other objects to create wider walking paths.
railings on stairways and porch steps to make sure they're securely anchored. If steps can become slippery, add stick-on traction strips.
"Even if an older adult has gotten more active since getting vaccinated, their risk of falling could still be higher than it
would have been if the pandemic hadn't increased their inactivity or isolation," Hoffman said in
a university news release. He offered some tips on fall-proofing older adults' homes:
Safe reaching: Encourage
use of a folding step stool that has multiple steps and a high hand rail instead of a small stool or chair when seniors want to reach things on high shelves or change a light bulb, clock, or smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries.
Snow removal: Make sure their snowblower is in good working order and that shovels, car scrapers and brushes are close at hand and in good shape. If
an older person uses a shovel, it should have a back-saving handle to provide more stability when shoveling and prevent muscle strains.
Rugs and mats: Cut pieces of non-skid material to fit underneath small throw rugs and mats. If they already have non-skid material, check that it
Sensible storage: Help them reorganize storage to place items on lower shelves, even if they're
More outdoor hazards: Make sure outdoor lights work and have automatic sensors. Check doormats to make sure they
won't slip. Clean gutters above entrances so melting snow doesn't collect on steps and form ice.
Keep Warm this Winter with These Helpful Tips
By: Liz Lawson Young, Marketing Specialist, CareWell Services SW
Aging and Disability Resource Line: 1-800-626-6719 General Agency Telephone: (269) 966-2450
them up.
Ice problems: Make sure older
Winter is in full swing, and with it comes flu season, icy roads, and cold temperatures! With colds, flu, and a new strain of COVID-19 going around,
you may not consider the colder temperatures to be of concern, but it’s important to stay warm. As we age, we tend to lose body heat more quickly. This can become a problem before we even realize it! Being really cold can cause serious sickness, so it’s important to stay warm. Here are some tips from the National Institute on Aging to help keep you warm this winter:
• Set your heat to at least 68–70°F. To save on heating
bills, close off rooms you are not using. Close the vents and shut the doors in these rooms, and keep the basement door closed. Place a rolled towel in front of all doors to keep out drafts.
• Make sure your house isn't losing heat through windows. Keep your blinds and curtains closed. If you have gaps around the windows, try using weather stripping or caulk to keep the cold air out.
• When you go to sleep, wear long underwear under your pajamas, and use extra covers. Wear a cap or hat.
• Dress warmly on cold days even if you are staying in the house. Throw a blanket over your legs. Wear socks and slippers.
• Make sure you eat enough food to keep up your weight. If you don't eat well, you might have less fat under your skin. Body fat helps you to stay warm.
• Drink alcohol moderately, if at all. Alcoholic drinks can make you lose body heat.
• Ask family or friends to check on you during cold weather.
If a power outage leaves you without heat, try to stay with a relative or friend.
PROMOTING HEALTH
INDEPENDENCE
CHOICE