Medicine Cabinet Spring Cleaning Reminders for Seniors
Are you tending to your ever-growing spring cleaning checklist? If you don’t have “clean out the medicine cabinet” as one of your ToDos, add it today and don’t forget these important reminders:
Dispose of Old Medicine
Unused prescriptions, expired over-the-counter drugs, empty boxes, and bottles . . . it’s easy for a medicine cabinet to become cluttered over the year with superfluous items. Take some time this spring to clear it out and safely dispose of the medicine you no longer use.
- Check expiration dates and recycle old medicine boxes and bottles (remove prescription labels before you toss them or mark out private information)Follow instructions for disposing of medicine or check with your local pharmacy or law enforcement agency about upcoming drug take-back events
Simplify your daily medicine schedule by sorting pills into color-coded pill organizers with day of the week and time of day compartments
Upgrade Home Health Items
As you get older, is your doctor recommending you check health metrics at home more regularly like blood pressure, temperature, or blood sugar? Having handy, reliable home health tools to gather and record important health data could play a significant role in helping you manage a chronic illness, prevent infection, and be alerted when something seems off. Don’t forget to check that these tools are in working order:
- An accurate thermometer to check one’s temperature regularly
A reliable blood pressure monitor with memory for recording readings
A blood sugar monitor with strips (especially if you are one of the 25% of adults over 65 with diabetes)
A pulse oximeter (if you have frequent respiratory infections or heart disease)
Update Medical ID
Did you know that most smartphones offer you the ability to store important medical ID information in the event of an emergency? Simply find the Health app or Medical ID feature in the settings on your phone and input important information like birth date, known medical conditions, allergies, blood type, and emergency contact numbers.
If first responders are unable to get this information from you at the scene of an accident, they are now trained to check your smartphone. Medical ID information can be accessed from the lock screen of most smartphones without having to enter a passcode.
Don’t forget to check the stock on your first aid kit – refilling items like band-aids, wound solution, NSAIDs, cold compresses, antibiotic cream, sterile gauze, and elastic bandages could come in handy during your summer adventures.
6 Ways to Keep Seniors Safe During the Holiday Season
The holidays are just around the corner. While it can be the best of times for many, it can also be the worst of times for some. On the one hand Holiday Season means turkey, gifts and family. On the other hand, it can also mean cold, ice, darkness and loneliness.
Here are a few tips on how you can help your mom, dad or yourself stay safe during the holiday season.
1. Get the flu shot
Up to 85% of flu related deaths happen to those over the age of 65. The Center for Disease Control suggests get the flu vaccine is the best way for seniors to avoid getting the flu. It’s often free under Medicare, Medicaid, insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act and many private employer and school insurances.
2. Avoid isolation
Winter conditions have a tendency of keeping folks indoors, especially less mobile seniors, making isolation a real risk.
Check up on your parents frequently. Make sure they’re not missing any medical appointments, they’re getting their medications, their fridge is full and they’re connected to their support system. Arrange transportation if necessary.
3. Walk safely outdoors
Icy conditions and uneven walking surfaces dramatically increase the risk of outdoor falls. Consider crampons for extra grip and stay indoors during winter storms. You may also want to look into getting a medical alert system with GPS and fall detection to get immediate help in the event of a fall, injury or medical emergency.
4. Avoid depression
The winter blues are a real thing. Shorter days, lack of sunlight, cold weather can all lead to depression. Make your parent’s home a brighter place with therapy lamps. Stay in regular contact with them, include them in family plans, arrange for them to meet with friends and to exercise frequently.
5. Keep the heat on, but keep it safe
Make sure all heat sources are used safely.
Space heaters should have three feet of clear space around them – no curtains, blankets or clothing touching. Have the local fire department install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – it’s often free!
6. Prepare for power outages
A power outage in the winter months can be especially dangerous for immobile seniors. Make sure your parents have a flashlight or battery operated lanterns. Arrange an alternate place for them to stay if they have no heat or light.