Home Care Services: Tips for Making Your Dad’s Home Safe for Him

Posted in Home Care Services, Senior Safety |

November 10, 2021

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Home Care Services: As your dad ages at home, you want him to be safe.

He has several chronic health conditions that concern you. With so many prescription medications to take, you don’t want him to be alone all day, especially when some of his medications cause lightheadedness and nausea. What do you do to ensure your dad’s house is as safe as it can be for him? Talk to a home care services specialist to arrange a home safety inspection. While you wait, you can easily take care of these safety measures on your own.

 

Home Care Services in Elba AL: Senior Safety

Home Care Services in Elba AL: Senior Safety

 

Install Grab Bars

Grab bars should be near the toilet. Ideally, you want them behind the toilet and on one side. You also want to install them both outside and inside the bathtub or shower. Grab bars are best if there are both vertical and horizontal bars within the bathing area.

Get Rid of Slippery Rugs

Your dad may love the carpet runner he has going down the hallway, but it doesn’t have a non-slip back. When you step on it, it moves around. It could cause a fall. If he won’t get rid of it, install non-slip backing under it. Otherwise, roll it up and donate it to a thrift shop.

Fix Loose Rails and Check For Splintering

Examine the railings on the stairs inside and outside the house. If any are loose, add new screws to ensure they’re tight. If they need to be replaced, take care of that. Check them for splintering, too. If he pulls away quickly because of a splinter, he’s likely to fall.

Check His Seating

Look at his favorite seats in the home. Fix loose chair legs and replace chairs that he struggles to get out of. It may be time to purchase new furniture that has a higher back and sturdy arms. Firmer seat cushions are better than plush, soft ones that he sinks into.

Add Brighter Lighting

Your dad is more likely to trip and fall if he can’t see items on the floor. Make sure that every area he walks is illuminated. When he’s going from his bedroom to the bathroom in the dark, nightlights, especially motion-activated ones, will help him avoid falling.

Hire Home Care Services

Home care services is the final step to take to ensure your dad’s safety while he ages in place. He has the help he needs with daily activities and transportation. You have peace of mind that the home care assistance services he’s using help him remain independent. Call to learn more.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Elba, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

Senior Scams – Top Ten Financial Scams for Seniors

Posted in Senior Safety, Senior Scams |

March 22, 2021

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Senior Care in Hartford AL: Senior Scams

Senior Care in Hartford AL: Senior Scams

 

Senior Scams:

As a caregiver, you not only have to help your parent enjoy life to the fullest mentally, physically, and emotionally, but you also need to protect her from those who may desire to harm her – especially financially.
Financial senior scams against the elderly are now considered the crime of the 21st century as criminals try to find ways to access your parent’s finances, whether she has $1 to her name or $1 million.

 

Here are the top ten senior scams that you and your parent will want to be aware of so that she isn’t lured into giving away secure information or her money to a scam artist – whether it’s a complete stranger, or sadly, even someone in her family.

 

1. Grandparent Scams

In this scam, a person calls claiming to be a grandchild. They may not even know the grandchild’s name but will start the conversation with “guess who this is?” or “this is your favorite grandson calling.” They then tell a story of woe and how they need some cash fast to fix it and ask your parent to send them money through some online means before anyone has a chance to stop her.

2. Sweepstakes Scams

An unexpected check is sent to your parent as “winnings” and all they have to do is cover the processing fees in order to claim it. Remind your parent that if she hasn’t entered a contest, she’s not going to win anything.

3. Homeowner Scams

If your parent is asked to provide money for a report to be generated or is requested to make a payment on something she didn’t sign up with her home, have her check the sources before that check is cut because it easily could be another scammer.

4. Investment Scams

If your parent is asked to invest in someone’s business, check out the business closely before she puts any money into it, even if it’s a business by a family member. Pyramid senior scams are all over the place and unfortunately, distant relatives sometimes like to take advantage of your parent’s retirement funds.

5. Internet Scams

One of the most important internet lessons your parent can learn is to never click on an unknown link, no matter how official the sender seems to be. A virus could be let loose on her computer, grabbing passwords and bank account or credit card information.

6. Charity Scams

Especially common after natural disasters, scam artists will call and ask for funds to help the victims of whatever natural disaster just happened. If your parent’s heart is moved to give money to help those in need, have her connect with well-known and established charities.

7.Anti-aging  Senior Scams 

Fraudulent products that produce no results are the basis of this scam. Your parent could spend copious amounts of cash on a product that costs pennies to produce and has no results. Always check reviews of a product before buying too much of it.

8. Medicare/Insurance Senior Scams

The perpetrator will get personal information from your parent and then use that information to create fake medical bills to send to the insurance and pocket the payments.

9. Funeral  Senior Scams

Watch out for funeral homes that require prepayment and then bill for only the most expensive and lavish products.

10. Prescription Scams

Finally, while hunting for the best prescription price is good, in this senior scam, people will provide prescriptions that are not approved or accurate – and a very dangerous game for your parent. Keeping her on approved prescription sites is best for her safety, even when the prices seem ludicrous.

 

Usually, the best bet for scams is to ask someone else what they think or Google the resource requesting the information or money. Almost all things can wait until they are verified so encourage your parent to never simply trust someone or something she receives. She should check with you or any other caregiver in her life first.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Senior Care in Hartford, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.