Safety First for Seniors in Central MN

Meet my friend Melody Vachal, the Director of Aging Services at Arise Cares, Author of 'Still I Rise: A Guide To Navigating the Caregiver Journey', and Motivational Speaker on matters of the heart. Melody joins me once a month on my talk show, 'It Matters with Kelly Cordes, ' Mondays at 11:15 am on WJON.

I met Melody a few years ago and knew she had something special to teach people. Melody has been on both sides of the caregiving journey, first becoming a caregiver for her son, and then, after being in a serious accident, becoming someone who needed a caregiver herself.

BOTH SIDES

Through all her trials and tribulations, Melody has been able to recognize important steps for people who share in the caregiver journey. As she said, at some point, we will all be on both sides eventually.

Since June is National Safety Month, she shared with me some important safety tips for the seniors in our lives, and she shared this very important information with me to pass along to you and your loved ones. I hope you will take the time to read this list and share it with those that you care about.

Melody provided me with these eight essential safety tips that every senior and their family should know.

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PREVENT FALLS AT HOME

Installing grab bars, improving lighting, removing throw rugs, and keeping walkways clear can help prevent you or your loved one from falling. Yes, those throw rugs are adorable! But they are also really slippery, and by removing them and anything else that might be in your way, you can truly give yourself a more comfortable and safe living space.

MEDICATION SAFETY

Using a pill organizer, keeping a list of your current medications and proper dosages, as well as talking to family members and your pharmacist about possible drug interactions, is always important.

SCAM & FRAUD AWARENESS

Scammers are getting trickier and trickier at gathering dangerous information that can be used against you. Watch out for unexpected phone calls, emails that cause alarm, or letters asking for money or personal information. Talk to someone you trust about your concerns before you EVER respond to any of these messages.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Create a simple plan with emergency contact, medication information, mobility needs, etc. Always keep an emergency go-bag ready...just in case.

FIRE & CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY

Make a plan to check your detectors monthly. Also, be careful not to overload outlets, and make sure you have a fire extinguisher accessible.

HOME SECURITY & PERSONAL SAFETY

Make a plan to keep your doors and windows locked. Screen your visitors before allowing them inside the home, and consider getting a personal emergency alert device.

SAFE DRIVING & TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Make sure to stay up to date with your driving and vision assessments. Use the senior ride program or public transport when needed.

HEAT & WEATHER SAFETY

Summer is finally here. Don't forget that staying hydrated in the summer is incredibly important, and finding a way to stay warm in the winter is also important. Try to avoid extreme temperatures and know how to get help in case you need it.