10 Reasons You Should Commit To Caring For Veterans

In light of the news that Chester Nez, the last of the World War II Navajo “code talkers,” died yesterday, (Wednesday, June 4, 2014) we wanted to share with you some remarks made at the 2014 Aging in America Conference general session on veterans and their families. Scott. T. Shreve, DO, National Director of Hospice and Palliative Care at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs spoke poignantly at the event about the “We Honor Veterans” campaign and offered 10 reasons you should commit to caring for veterans.

Reflecting on the life and service of Chester Nez, we’d first like to skip to reason #2:

The veteran in front of you may be the last one in an era of our nation’s history.

Ten Reasons You Should Commit to Caring for Veterans

10. The veteran in front of you may have scars you cannot see.

9. The veteran in front of you may have been spit on when returning from war. 

Resource: The National Center for PTSD is dedicated to research and education on trauma and PTSD.

8. The veteran in front of you may never have been thanked for their service.

Dr. Shreve shared this video from the Hospice Foundation of America about how to educate your staff about working with veterans. You can learn more on the HFA website.

7. The veteran in front of you may not look like combat veteran, but it can help to know it.

6. The veteran in front of you may be from the Greatest Generation and in a few years they will all be gone.

Honor Flight is a movie about caring for veterans from World War II:

5. The veteran in front of you may need forgiveness to get closer to being at peace.

4. The veteran in front of you may be a decorated hero.

3. The veteran in front of you may enrich your life in ways you never realize.

Click here to learn about Medical Foster Homes, a program of the Department of Veterans Affairs that places veterans who may require nursing home care but prefer a non-institutional setting, in the homes of trained caregivers.

2. The veteran in front of you may be the last one of an era in our nation’s history.

1. The veteran in front of you may have seen these beaches many years ago:

Coast of Normandy, France

Visit our website at:  www.brightstarcare/eastvalley.com 

3 Benefits of Handicap Accessible Vehicles

Freedom and self-reliance are essential to keeping an individual with a disability in good health psychologically. Having to rely on others for everything, including transportation, can really make disabled people feel helpless, and this can lead to a defeatist attitude and a poor quality of life. A great way to build up a sense of self-reliance and freedom in a disabled person is to use handicap accessible vehicles for transportation. These types of vehicles have a lot of benefits that can help restore a sense of independence and much more in disabled people.

One benefit of handicap accessible vehicles is that they now come in a variety of models, makes, and styles. There was a time years ago that disabled individuals were limited to either public transportation or ugly conversion vans. This is not the case anymore. Many people are using sport utility vehicles, trucks, and minivans as transportation for disabled people. A lot of these types of vehicles are built low to the ground making installation of a wheelchair ramp even easier. Some vehicles have doors on the back that open up to one side, which makes getting in and out of the vehicle easier and safer. Disabled individuals are no longer stuck with large, clunky vans, as they can now choose smaller vehicles like cars due to innovative automobile design and mobility equipment advancements.

A second benefit of handicap accessible vehicles is that many of them can have controls installed that will allow disabled individuals to drive safely. The controls for both the brake and gas are on the steering wheel, allowing individuals who cannot use their legs to still be able to drive themselves around. The driver seat is typically missing from these types of vehicles, which allows the wheelchair to act as the driver’s seat. There are safety clamps or tie downs that secure the wheelchair to keep it from moving during travel. The ability to drive around and run errands or visit family and friends fosters a sense of self-reliance and can improve the self-image of most disabled people.

A third benefit of handicap accessible vehicles is they are more affordable than in previous years. You can purchase a used wheelchair van or vehicle for a fairly good price. Used wheelchair vehicles are newer, usually only being a couple of years old, so the mileage is low. The equipment is already installed on the used vehicle, which saves money on buying and installing new equipment.

Ability Center has many of these options for a handicap accessible vehicle, just stop by one of our 8 stores located in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Or give them a call at (866) 405-6806 and speak to one of their knowledgeable staff, and they will get you on the road to the independence you’ve been craving.

Visit our website at:  www.abilitycenter.com 

Minor Home Repair Program in Phoenix!

FSL Home Improvements ~  Minor Home Repair Program 

Do I qualify?  Do you live in Phoenix?  Do you own and occupy your home?  Do you meet the income requirements in the chart below?  This program has no age limit or restrictions.  Ideal for seniors on a limited or low income basis.

80% Median Household Income Limits 2014 

Household Size & Maximum Income Limit as follows:

1 Person     $34,650

2 Person     $39,600

3 Person     $44,550

4 Person     $49,500

5 Person     $53,500

6 Person     $57,450

7 Person     $61,400

8 Person     $65,350

If you answered yes to ALL the questions above and have minor home repair needs, please apply.

Minor Repairs include minor plumbing, minor electrical, heating & cooling, glass replacement and grab bars.

Clients must complete an application and provide the following:

• Proof of homeownership - copy of deed, property tax statement, or mortgage statement 
• Proof of Income (2014) for all members of household – Social Security award letters, bank statements, or paystubs (if bi-weekly - 2 consecutive pay stubs, if weekly - 4 consecutive pay stubs) 

Contact Jessica Hernandez at 602-532-2976 ext. 5 with any questions or to request an application.

Private Duty Homecare Buyer's Guide

Private Duty Homecare Buyer’s Guide

A useful guide provided by BrightStar

Homecare

We understand that budget is a primary consideration when you are making arrangements for homecare, and it is our expectation that you will “shop around” to find the best provider at a manageable cost. As you do, please consider the following points in order to ensure that you and your loved ones are protected and receive the best care possible.

1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Before you make your first phone call, thoroughly consider what your care needs are. Make sure to paint a realistic picture of the patient’s needs so that the right caregiver match can be made:
 Do you need a companion, or someone who can provide
hands-on care (i.e. assisting getting in/out of bath, etc.)
 Do you need assistance with cooking and light housework?
 Do you need skilled medical assistance for things like blood pressure & blood sugar testing, medication administration, wound care or tube/drain/bag maintenance?
 Do you need a caregiver who can drive you to social events appointments or?
 Is a memory loss diagnosis (i.e. Alzheimer’s, dementia) a factor or is the patient becoming confused?
 Do you need a caregiver trained in a specialization such as hospice care or mobility needs?
 Do you need a caregiver that speaks a particular language or is versed in sign language?

2. INTERVIEW THE AGENCY
In order to protect yourself and your loved ones from potential liability, be sure to ask about and consider the following when selecting a homecare agency:
 What levels of care are available? Are you licensed for medical care or only companion care services?
 Are your caregivers supervised by an RN? Who conducts the initial assessment before starting each case?
 Are all caregivers employees that are licensed, bonded, and insured? What happens if a worker is injured in my home?
 Do you take care of paying the taxes and withholdings for the caregiver?
 If there is a personality conflict or other problem with a worker, can a change be made? How is this handled?
 How much notice will you give me if a caregiver is leaving or will be unavailable for an extended period of time?
 What are your rates? Is there a minimum # of hours that I have to commit to each day/week/month?
 What happens if a caregiver calls out sick or has an emergency? Will you send another caregiver of equal skill and experience?
 Can I interview the caregiver(s) before I commit to using your agency? Do you check references, and can I get details of the caregivers experience and background? Can I get someone that has worked on similar cases / patients?
 What happens in case of an emergency? Can your caregiver provide hands-on help (i.e. lifting, CPR, etc.) or do they need to wait for emergency services?

3. HELPFUL HINTS
The following are a few suggestions on ways to make the process of obtaining quality homecare a little easier and eliminate the unwanted surprises:
 Before a new caregiver starts, write out a basic daily and weekly schedule for the patient. Be sure to include a list of likes and dislikes with respect to both foods and activities. This will make the transition much easier and less stressful for the patient, and will allow the caregiver to get up to speed quickly.
 Remember that you are the customer – do not hesitate to express your needs and give feedback, especially if you are dissatisfied or worried. The matching of a caregiver to a patient is as much and art as a science, and clear, constructive feedback will help everyone settle in quickly.
 A note on 24-hour care; Live-in caregivers are often more convenient and cost-effective than utilizing multiple workers in 12-hour shifts. However, live-ins do require some time off and private space for meals, sleeping, and grooming, while 12-hour workers generally do not sleep while on duty. Therefore, if the patient requires lots of attention during the night, 12-hour shifts or an additional overnight caregiver may be the right solution. Live-in caregivers do need to sleep sometime in order to provide quality care!

BrightStar’s mission is to make more possible in your life.
Let us know how we can help you!

www.BrightStarCare.com 

Selling Your Home Under Post Eligibility Rules

Seniors and the Law is authored by the attorneys at JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law and addresses legal issues that arise for the elderly and their families.  Questions can be sent to firm@jacksonwhitelaw.com.

Q:        At only 66 years of age, my husband had to move to an assisted living community where he could receive care for early onset Alzheimer’s disease.  To make ends meet, he applied for ALTCS, which now covers most of his monthly care costs.  As part of that process, I learned that his eligibility was contingent upon me having no more than a certain amount of resources.  Now, several years later, I want to sell my home, but I fear it will cause my husband to lose eligibility for ALTCS.  Is there anything I can do?

            A very general answer to your question is that, yes, there probably is something you can do here.  In fact, depending on whether you did any planning prior to applying for the ALTCS program, it is possible that you can sell the home and keep all of the proceeds in your name, without regard to any requirement to which you adhered during the application process.  The reason for this flexibility stems from what is referred to as post-eligibility rules.

            In short, there are two different sets of rules that apply to the ALTCS eligibility process – initial rules and post-eligibility rules.  The initial rules limit the amount of resources that a well-spouse can keep, and they apply during the application process.  Post-eligibility rules, on the other hand, eliminate the inquiry into a well-spouse’s resources, and they begin to apply after the ALTCS application is approved.

            Depending on your particular situation, and on whether you did any planning at the outset of this process, it is likely that the home is already in your name only.  If you were to sell the home for a significant profit, you could keep the proceeds from the sale without jeopardizing your husband’s eligibility, as long as those proceeds remained in your name. 

             Richard White is an elder law attorney at JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law.  For more information on Elder Law at JacksonWhite, please visit www.ArizonaSeniorLaw.com.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace individual legal advice.

Supreme Court Voids Creditor Protection For Inherited IRA'S

SUPREME COURT DECISION VOIDS CREDITOR PROTECTION FOR INHERITED IRA'S 

Phoenix - The law firm of Morris, Hall & Kinghorn, P.L.L.C (MHK) in response to the Supreme Court Decision on Inherited IRA's, remind Arizona and New Mexico residents that creating a qualified IRA Beneficiary Trust or a qualified Revocable Living Trust can protect a beneficiary's Inherited IRA from creditors.

On June 12th the U.S. Supreme Court  unanimously decided that an inherited IRA does not follow the same guidelines nor bare the same characteristics of typical retirement funds (IRA and Roth IRA).  This ruling means that an Inherited IRA left to a beneficiary cannot be protected from creditors as previously argued in Clark v. Rameker.  Proper protection can still be gained by the creation of a qualified IRA Beneficiary Trust or a qualified Revocable Living Trust.  MHK continues to help individuals, families and beneficiaries protect their assets by providing these qualified trusts to protect your legacy and those who inherit it.

MHK devotes its practice to estate planning matters and has helped thousands of families and individuals  meet their long-term estate planning and financial goals. The firm is a premier member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA).

To arrange an interview, please contact Rhonda Royse at (602)249-1328 (office) or (480) 209-6465 (cell).



Your referrals are the best compliment you can give -
If there is someone you care about whom we should be helping, please let us know!

Visit us at: www.morristrust.com 

ABILITY CENTER More Than Just Wheelchair Accessible Vans

Modern-day handicap vans include equipment that has taken decades of advanced technology to achieve. Disabled drivers and passengers are now able to travel far easier than in the past. Getting into and out of a vehicle no longer has to be the hassle it once was. From running simple errands to taking long vacations, handicap-equipped vehicles have simplified the process allowing for greater ease and enjoyment of such activities.

Equipment should be properly installed by an expert in handicap-vehicle conversions. That’s why at Ability Center all of their service professionals are certified with the manufacturers. So you don’t ever have to worry about anything set up improperly.  Ability Center is one such company that specializes in new and used handicap vans, and handicap conversion equipment.  Once you buy a vehicle from Ability Center, you’re automatically a member of the Guardian Vehicle Program.  Giving you preferred schedule service appointments, guaranteed vehicle buy-back, a free 43 point inspections with reminders twice a year, a Guardian ID card, and 24-hour emergency phone assistance plus more.

Loading and unloading equipment is typically the first piece of equipment that most people consider. Ability Center offers a variety of lifts depending on your unique needs. For instance, wheelchair lifts can be installed on the side or rear of your vehicle, or they can be mounted on the outside and underneath of a mobility van. Some lifts simply lift and store a wheelchair or scooter on the outside or inside of a vehicle. Others lift both wheelchair and occupant into the van.

Transfer seats are available which make the transfer from a wheelchair to a car seat much easier. For drivers, this feature can be especially important. The height and distance of the driver seat can be adjusted for maximum comfort.

Many disabled individuals require hand controls in order to drive a vehicle. For the greatest amount of control and ease, such hand controls may be used for both right and left hand operation. They can include features which allow the driver to accelerate, brake, operate, turn signals and window washers, and other controls necessary for safe driving.

Talk with an expert who specializes in handicap vans and mobility van conversions. After discussing your personal conversion needs, the Ability Center specialist should be able to assist you with the most relevant solutions.

Visit our website @ www.abilitycenter.com  

How Aging Impacts Personal Safety At Home For Seniors

Making Sense of Senior Safety

Observing the safety hazards in a senior’s home is one thing. Living them is another.

It’s not always easy to understand the physical limitations older adults face that could make home a virtual minefield for an aging parent.

According to research conducted by Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care^® network, nearly 100% of emergency room doctors in the U.S. and Canada report that the following health conditions are very serious risk factors as potential causes for injuries or accidents at home:

• Mobility Problems
• Poor Eyesight
• Balance Issues
• Confusion or Dementia
• Impaired Motor Skills

Try putting yourself in a senior’s shoes. Difficult? Perhaps this will put things in perspective:

As time goes on, the effects of aging could impact all senses including hearing, vision, taste, smell and touch. These sensory changes often affect an older adult’s lifestyle as well. It’s a domino effect, of sorts, that might make a senior vulnerable to safety issues in the home.

Poor eyesight, for instance, could make it more difficult to see a throw rug, safely use a knife to cut an apple or take the proper dose of medication.

Aging’s Effects on the Five Senses

The following describes how aging can compromise the five senses:

Sight: By the time someone is 60, pupils decrease to about one-third the size they were at age 20. Add to that aging-related eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Taste: We start out with about 9,000 taste buds. They decrease in both number and mass with aging.

Smell: Sense of smell can diminish, especially after age 70, because of loss of nerve endings and less mucus in the nose.

Touch: Decreased blood flow to nerve endings as we age can reduce the sense of pain and temperature.

Hearing: Our ears control hearing and sense of balance, both of which can be compromised as we age.

Making Home Safer for Seniors with Diminished Senses

It’s possible to counteract the effects of aging by being proactive. In fact, 100% of emergency room doctors surveyed in both the U.S. and Canada say it is very important that adult children take a least one day each year to perform a safety check of their loved one’s home.

Discover the ways you could help older adults safeguard their homes by completing a room-by-room safety check.

Visit our website to learn more @ www.homeinstead.com/eastvalley 

Handicap Accessible Vehicles on Vacation

Many people who are in wheelchairs find that they do not take as much time as they should on vacation. One of the biggest reasons for this, at least for a large subset of those who are in wheelchairs, is that they do not want to go through the hassle of finding transportation while they are on vacation. This is a shame, because it’s possible to find handicap accessible vans for use on vacation. If you have your own van that you use at home, you could always take this with you when you are traveling. Of course, this is only useful if you are within driving distance of your destination.

You will also find companies that offer wheelchair accessible vans for rental. These rental vans are available throughout the country, and they may well be available in the area where you want to go on vacation. Check on the web to see if any dealers or companies in the area are offering rentals and then book a rental. Make sure that it is a van that you or someone in your traveling party is going to be comfortable driving. Most of the companies that rent the vehicles have a decent selection.

If you’ve never driven large full size handicap accessible vans before, it might be a better option to choose a minivan. These are usually easier to handle, and they are easier to park. This is a good option when you are visiting a new area. You want to have something that’s easy to drive. Always make sure that you book your vehicle well in advance of when you are taking your trip. You want to make sure that they will have a vehicle when you arrive after all!

Something else that you might want to look into when you are at home is a rental agency that also sells their vehicles. If you’ve been trying to find handicap accessible vans to buy, you may have found that you can’t afford a new van. Used vans through a company that rents vans can be much cheaper. It’s a great way to save money and still get the van that you need. Look no farther than Ability Center. They have 8 stores, located in Arizona, California, and Nevada, all the hot vacation places, so there is always a rental dealership nearby.

Start looking at all of the possible places you can visit on vacation. You deserve some time out of the house, and with rentals of handicap accessible vans, it’s easier than ever. Have a great time on your next vacation! Stop by one of Ability Center’s stores or give them a call at (866) 405-6806, and one of their helpful staff will assist you and help make your vacation the best it can be.

Visit our website @  www.abilitycenter.com 

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Services

When Things Have Changed

She’s not the same. Mom used to love to spending afternoons together, maybe shopping at the mall or just sitting and chatting. Now she has the same conversation with you six times and asks why you don’t take her shopping anymore—after you just returned home, as if the afternoon had never happened. She gets so upset when she can’t find something, and even accuses you and others she has always loved and trusted for stealing her things. That’s not like her at all. You’re afraid to think what these worrying behaviors could mean for her health and safety, and for you as her son or daughter.

Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is the diagnosis that can strike dread in the hearts of most family caregivers. If you’re living it now, you know all too well. If you’ve just received the prognosis for your senior, you’re likely scared and confused.

You Are Not Alone

You need to know that there is support for you and your loved one. Our Home Instead Senior Care^® office can help. The Home Instead Senior Care network's unique training program for Alzheimer’s and other dementias is part of its CARE: Changing Aging through Research and Education^SM program. Our CAREGivers^SM provide the highest quality of care, changing the way people live with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

Trained CAREGivers

Our trained CAREGivers bring the following skills and support to families of those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia:

• Capturing Life’s Journey^SM – Gathering past stories and experiences helps the CAREGiver give comfort and customized care; all the while honoring who the senior was earlier in life.
• Techniques to Manage Behavior – CAREGivers use techniques such as giving simple choices and redirecting, allowing the senior to remain calm and safe at home.
• Encouraging Engagement – Engaging seniors throughout the day builds self-esteem, enhances physical strength and reduces behaviors that need to be managed. Using techniques and activities, CAREGivers focus on the seniors’ mind, body and soul.
• Supporting the Family – CAREGivers understand the struggles and challenges that accompany caring for a loved one. They are trained to work closely with the family and have open communication, which results in quality care for the senior.

Home Instead CAREGivers trained in the CARE program have a passion and desire to work with Alzheimer’s or dementia clients. They receive ongoing classroom training and testing prior to caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

CAREGivers receive this training in addition to a multi-phased safety and caregiving education program, so you can rest assured your loved one is with a trusted, well-qualified professional.

If you’d like more information about our Alzheimer’s program, please contact us.

Find more valuable Alzheimer's and Senior Care articles, web site links and resources in our Senior Care Resources section of this website.

Visit our website to learn more:  www.homeinstead.com/eastvalley 

Avoiding Probate and Estate Planning Pitfalls & Misdeeds in Arizona

You hear it in the news all too frequently; another senior citizen is at the receiving end of a scam and loses his or her hard-earned lifesavings. Unfortunately, it has happened again and, this time, an Arizona man is behind elder fraud claims.

The recent scam came to light early in February when the Minnesota Attorney General's office filed a lawsuit alleged consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices against a company operating in that state. Heritage Partners hosts seminars to discuss estate, living trust and probate topics, selling hundreds of attendees estate planning packages, each costing in excess of $2,000.

Unfortunately, the Arizona man who allegedly prepares the legal documents - and operates under the name Legal-Ease - is not licensed and the documents are full of mistakes. Incidentally, the federal government successfully sued Legal-Ease nearly a decade ago for similar illegal acts. The current lawsuit estimates that nearly $1 million has been bilked from unsuspecting elders in this recent fraud.

Mistakes and misbehavior

Unscrupulous companies are not the only ones who cause financial harm to seniors and their families. Whether due to distance from loved ones, reduced mental capacity from dementia or other illness, misguided trust or confusion, certain elders make mistakes or are taken advantage of in a variety of ways.

• Executors: In Arizona, an executor is appointed - typically in your will or trust - to distribute your assets to your family after you are gone. While that individual is obligated to distribute the estate fairly, not all of them do. In the event of suspected fraud or unfair dealings, a wronged heir can demand an accounting, seek removal of the executor or sue for damages. The best tactic, however, is to designate someone who is reliable and trustworthy when you prepare your estate plan. (The problem is that the misbehaving executor or trustee has access to all the money and can easily hire a lawyer to defend himself or herself. However, the wronged heir has to pony up his or her own money to hire a lawyer to bring a claim against the executor.)

• Caretakers: Seniors who retire to Arizona, leaving family many states away, may find themselves in need of caretakers. Personal attendants may find themselves tempted to take advantage of their charges. While many assistants and caretakers may appear perfect for the job, be sure to check references and allow family members to screen the person you ultimately hire. Also, be sure to talk to an attorney about how to ensure that a family member is notified if the senior changes his or her estate plan.

• Jointly held assets: Arizona individuals may make mistakes when they prepare - or fail to prepare - their estate planning documents. With the frequency of divorce and remarriage - even among those over the age of 80 - joint propertypreviously held with a spouse may end up in the hands of stepchildren or other, unintended heirs.

A lawyer can help

If you need to set up an estate plan, have questions regarding your estate plan or have concerns that you or a loved one are a victim of fraud, consult an experienced Arizona lawyer. An attorney knowledgeable about estate planning, probate and elder law issues can help.

Contact Deloughery Law at:  www.delougherylaw.com 

Caring for a Loved One? Don't Forget to Sleep on the Job!

Do you think you get enough sleep? The answer might surprise you! While the average adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep a night, millions of Americans struggle to get by on far less than that.

For those taking care of a senior family member, the problem can be even more pronounced. At Home Instead Senior Care serving the southeast Valley, we have heard from many family caregivers that the added responsibility of caring for another adult, coupled with stress and, in some cases, the sleeplessness of the senior themselves, have whittled the amount of z’s they get down to zilch.

But sleep isn’t a luxury you can afford to miss out on: it is a crucial component to health and vitality. Numerous studieslink prolonged lack of sleep to everything from an increased risk of catching the common cold to certain kinds of cancer to diabetes to earlier death. It cannot only contribute to obesity due to changes in the levels of appetite hormones, it can also actually make you crave and eat more high-calorie, high-carb foods. It can cause irreversible brain cell death. And, of course, it can make you short-tempered and edgy.

Obviously, getting your eight hours is easier said than done when there are so many demands on your time. Some family caregivers even feel guilty for prioritizing their own sleep when each 24-hour day has roughly 30-hours worth of things to do.

Think of it this way, though: if you get sick, if your judgment is impaired or if you’re stressed out and snappish, it’s not only you who suffers. It impacts everyone around you, including the person or people for whom you are caring.

The other bad news is that sleeplessness can be a pattern that’s hard to break. You can find some great tips to try to stop the cycle of insomnia at Caregiver Stress:
• Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. If you can’t eliminate these all together, set a cut-off point and avoid them in the evening.
• Keep your bedroom clear of clutter, which can distract and agitate you.
• Keep a journal. If you have trouble shutting your brain off at night, take time before bed to write down your thoughts.
• Find your ideal sleep atmosphere. A cool, dark, and quiet room is typically recommended for good sleep. Avoid bright lights and invest in a white noise machine if there are noises disturbing your sleep.
• If your insomnia is due to an aging loved one requiring help during the night, consider bringing in a paid caregiver a few nights a week.

Visit our website for more information at:  www.homeinstead.com/eastvalley 

Nearly Half of Senior Home Accidents are Preventable

Home Instead Senior Care of Southeast Valley Offers Free Home Safety Checks and Easy Fixes to Reduce Accidents; Ensure Safety of Seniors

Nearly 20 million seniors ages 65 and older visit the emergency room each year with almost a third of the visits related to injuries*, many of which are sustained in the place seniors are meant to feel the safest: their home. In fact, 65 percent of senior homes have at least one potential safety issue, according to adult children of seniors surveyed by Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care® network. However, almost half of all home accidents by seniors (48 percent) can be avoided according to a recent survey of emergency room doctors.** 

These preventable home hazards, such as throw rugs or loose railings, can be particularly harmful, leading to falls and injuries that can impact seniors' ability to live independently. However, the majority of seniors (85 percent) haven't taken any steps to prepare their homes for their changing needs as they grow older.

"The home should be the safest and most comfortable place for aging seniors," says Mahnaz Pourian of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Southeast Valley. "It is critical for families and seniors to invest the time in identifying the necessary home safety modifications to ensure it stays that way."

Senior home safety experts recommend that adult children of seniors take at least one day each year to perform a thorough safety check of their parents' home. To help families accomplish this goal and help seniors reduce the risk of injury in their own homes, the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Southeast Valley is offering free home safety checks conducted by local senior care experts throughout the month. The safety checks will be provided at no cost on a time-available basis.

"An annual safety check can help seniors avoid dangers that could threaten their independence," said Pourian. "When we go into homes, we see a lot of red flags that are easily overlooked by those who are familiar with the home. Most of the time, these are relatively easy and affordable fixes-and they could be the difference between a trip to the emergency room and staying safe at home."

The most common issues found in seniors' homes are tripping hazards, bathrooms without assistive equipment, such as grab bars on the shower or tub, and storage that's too high or too low. A free home safety checklist, online safety assessment and recommendations for inexpensive modifications that could ensure the safety of older loved ones are also available atwww.makinghomesaferforseniors.com.

These free safety checks and support resources are part of Home Instead Inc.'s broader Making Home Safer for Seniors^SMprogram. To request a free home safety check or the home safety checklist, please call the local Home Instead Senior Care office at 480-827-4343.

Visit our website at:  www.homeinstead.com/eastvalley