Resources for Seniors

YOU HAVE FALLEN, and you can't get up: Radio Shack sells a transmitter which is like a pendant and worn around the neck. It's lightweight, and all you have to do is press the button on the front when you get in trouble. Phone numbers are programmed in so that once you press the button, these numbers are called one at a time. If the first number doesn't answer, it rings the next number and so-forth...until someone answers. That person hears a tone that alerts them of your emergency call. These pendants cost less than $100 and are very dependable. They run on batteries, and should be worn at all times. (Emergency Phone Dialer Pendant, Cat # 49-1005)

PORTABLE PHONE or Cell Phone: Keep your portable phone nearby or in the basket of your walker. All walkers need baskets or some sort of carrying bag or device which can be homemade or purchased. Use the phone when you get into trouble. Make sure you have phone numbers programmed in so that all you have to do is push a button for help.

PHONE CALL CHECK-IN'S: Have a family member, friend, or neighbor call you 2, 3, or 4 times a day at certain times....just to check in with you.

DOOR KEYS: Hide a door key outside so that someone can get inside to help you if you can't get to the door to open it yourself. OR...take a key to the closest FIRE DEPT and tell them you are alone in your home. Let them keep this key in case they are called to your home for an emergency. You have to trust someone, and the Fire Department is a good place to start. Allow a close neighbor, relative, or friend to have a key also.

MEDICATIONS: One of the major problems with seniors is they don't take their medicine at the right time.....or they forget to take it.....or they take too much. Having several different doctors prescribing medicine for you can become confusing. Make sure each doctor has a list of ALL your medications. One way to help with these problems is to get your pharmacy to bubble package all medications on a weekly basis. With bubble packaging, all your morning meds are in ONE little bubble. It is the same for lunch, supper, and bedtime medications.

Bubble packaging is safe, convenient ..... and much better than those plastic weekly pill containers. If you drop a bubble package, all your pills don't fall out! You can get these bubble packages on a weekly basis or monthly. NOTE: When you go to the doctor, take your bubble package with you...so the doctor knows all the medications you are on.

Featured Links