Bethany Village Wellness Clinic Services

Hi! I’m Robyn Nelson and I’d like to welcome you to the Bethany Village blog. I manage Bethany’s Wellness Clinic as well as our Personal Care and Transportation services. "Faithful Caring" is our service philosophy here at Bethany, and I am proud to say that you can really feel it in the way our staff takes care of residents and each other.

I’ve worked at Bethany for the past 16 years, starting my career in long-term care as a nursing assistant while still in nursing school. I am truly blessed to find my calling in life. I enjoy working with older adults because they have so much history and knowledge to share. I learn a lot from our residents’ wisdom and experience.

One important truth I have realized while working at Bethany is that each person’s definition of "quality of life" is unique. I’ve become a better listener over the years so I can be a resource for choices/options that are available to help people safely maintain their independence. When I go home each day I cherish the feeling that I tried to do something that day to make someone’s life a little easier and a little brighter – and perhaps helped him or her feel special, even in some small way.

Falls are the primary cause of accidents in people over the age of 65 and also the main cause of serious injuries and accidental deaths in older people. Two-thirds of those who fall will fall again within 6 months. Even older people who appear strong and healthy can fall. If an older person falls and is injured, their ability to live independently can be temporarily or permanently affected.

• Remove clutter that you can trip over (like books, papers, clothes, shoes).
• Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
• Arrange furniture so that it's easy to walk around it.
• Keep electrical and telephone cords out of the way.
• Store items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
• Keep the path from bed to bathroom clear and install a nightlight.
• Install grab bars next to your toilet and in the tub or shower. Don't use the soap or towel holdeer for a grab bar or handrail.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.

Here are some safety tips for stairs, which are a particularly high-risk area for falls:

• Check carpeting to make sure it is firmly attached along stairs.
• Avoid placing throw rugs or scatter rugs at the top of bottom of stairways.
• Install handrails on both sides of the stairways.
• Be sure stairways have high-wattage lighting. Install on/off switches at both the 
  top and bottom of stairs.
• Watch out for single steps; they are easy to overlook.
• Outside, repair cracks and rough edges in sidewalks and driveways.

In addition to fall-proofing their homes, seniors can also take a few steps to fall-proof themselves:

• Pay attention to where you are walking and don't hurry.
• Avoid standing up too quickly from a seated position.
• Have an annual eye exam.
• Don't carry large loads the obscure your line of sight.
• Wear "sensible shoes" - both inside and outside the house.
• Be aware of medications you are taking that might affect balance or cause 
  dizziness.
• Limit intake of alcohol as it may interact with medications.
• Exercise regularly to preserve bone density and muscle strength.
• Use a cane or walker if needed.

Want to learn more about preventing falls in the home? Check these resources:

Preventing Falls at Home
AARP Preventing Falls Checklist
NIH Senior Health: Falls and Older Adults

It's only natural for parents to want to live independently for as long as possible. As a son or daughter of aging parents, you can help them remain safe while maintaining their dignity and independence. The best defense is a good offense. When visiting your parents, be observant.  If you live far away, ask a neighbor to check in on your parents.

Here are several signs that will help you know when Mom and Dad are having trouble managing by themselves:

• Health changes: shortness of breath, increased pain, unexplained bruises or other injuries, difficulty walking, changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Memory loss: missed appointments, losing or misplacing items, repetitive conversation, missed doses of medications or medications taken at wrong times
• Mood changes: loss of interest in usual activities, being withdrawn, prolonged sadness, increased irritability, unusual fears
• Poor safety judgment: stove burners left on, unexplained dents in the car, getting lost, dressing inappropriately for the weather
• Decline in personal appearance: wearing the same clothing, poor grooming and/or hygiene
• Decline in living conditions: house not being kept up like it used to be, dirty dishes or paperwork piling up, rooms messy
• Difficulty managing finances: unpaid bills, unable to maintain checkbook

There are some simple ways you can help your parents continue to live independently.  If a parent is having trouble managing money, offer to balance their checkbook or help them set up auto-pay for their regular monthly bills. If there is spoiled food in the refrigerator or your parents aren't eating well, help clean out the fridge regularly and take them shopping for groceries for easy-to- fix meals.  Arranging for housekeeping assistance once a month can make a big difference. 

It's important to remember that you aren't alone. There are many resources in the community that can help if you, your siblings or other family members are feeling overwhelmed.

You can start by talking to your parents' physician. Home health services provide nursing care, therapy, medical social services, and home health assistance. Many communities also have a senior companion program  so Mom and Dad won't always be alone at home if you can't be there.

What signs are you seeing in your parents' living situations that concern you? Or do you have suggestions for other daughters and sons caring for aging parents you'd like to share? We'd like to hear from you.