Q – I’m a caregiver for my 80 year old mother. Although I help her out regularly, she insists on maintaining some of her independence by taking public transit so she doesn’t have to rely on me to get her everywhere. I have no problem with this, but I can’t seem to convince her, because she wants to be independent. I worry she’ll injure herself, can you provide me with some suggestions to keep her safe on Phoenix public transit?

A – Here are 10 ways to keep seniors safe on public transit. If your mom insists on taking it, at least she can help ease your mind that she will be safe by taking note of these tips!

1. Get on and off transportation with caution – when getting in or out of a vehicle, like a bus, be aware of uneven pavement or other hazards that could result in tripping, falls, or twisting of ankles
2. Have bus fare ready – fumbling around for change when a bus is starting to move can result in losing balance, have it ready before you get on the bus
3. Brace yourself – when a bus, subway or streetcar is turning or stopping, make sure you’re sitting or brace yourself to ensure you don’t lose your balance
4. Watch the gap – when stepping off the curb onto a bus, or a subway platform into the vehicle, be aware that there might be a gap between where you’re standing and the vehicle
5. Let others go first – before getting onto a bus or subway, let others exit first. You can also let others get ahead of you at the vehicle’s doors when waiting to get off so you don’t get pushed
6. Watch for closing doors – on a subway or streetcar where doors automatically open and close, never try to go through doors as they’re closing
7. Don’t get on if it’s too crowded – if public transportation is too crowded, wait for the next one. Or when getting on make sure you get a seat; many vehicles have reserved seating for seniors and people with disabilities. If the seats are taken by people who don’t fit this criteria, don’t hesitate to ask them to move or ask the driver to assist you
8. Keep hands free – don’t carry too many things in your hands, so you can adequately hold on to railings
9. Ask a bus driver to lower the steps – most buses are equipped with ramps and stairs that lower to accommodate individuals in wheelchairs, if you’re worried about getting up or down the stairs, ask them to lower it
10. Get there safely- if walking at night, wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, be careful when crossing streets, and remember to buckle up if taking a taxi

Via: About.com

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228

Many people in Phoenix who become family caregivers believe that they are doing their loved one a favor, because rather than hiring a professional home caregiver which can make seniors feel like they’re losing independence; receiving care from a family member can make seniors feel like they’re just spending quality time with someone they love. Of course, this is not the reality; but beyond the illusion that sometimes comes with family care, there are also potential safety implications. Very few family caregivers receive training in proper safety techniques for senior caregiving; methods to identify hazards in the home, recognizing signs or symptoms of serious illness, or even basic CPR. As a result of this lack of training, family caregivers are putting their loved ones at risk since they are ill-equipped to respond to medical emergencies, and may inadvertently cause harm to the seniors they care for.

While family caregivers feel that they’re doing their loved one a favor by saving them from the indignity of losing independence by accepting help from someone who isn’t family, they might really be doing them a disservice. Instead of choosing a family caregiver for a senior, consider hiring Home Instead Senior Care in Phoenix to provide home care services. Professional caregivers are trained in the following:

• First aid

• Safe caregiving techniques

• Identifying signs and symptoms of potential illness

• Specific Alzheimer’s care

Sources:

1. Seniors Daily
2. Home Instead Senior Care

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.

As a leading home care agency in Phoenix, one of the top questions that Home Instead Senior Care receives is if caregivers can help seniors out around the home. Many families worry about their aging senior’s ability to keep up with tasks and responsibilities at home, especially when a safety risk might be a consequence; but they don’t want their loved one to suffer from loss of independence by moving them out of their own home.

Fortunately for Phoenix families, Home Instead Senior Care provides a number of senior home care services, including help around the home. Our caregivers can assist seniors with light-housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, meal planning, grocery shopping and transportation to and from errands. In addition to the help around the home that our caregivers offer, they also provide assistance with personal care like bathing, dressing, and personal grooming. Our caregivers also provide companionship for the senior and bond with each and every one of their elderly clients to ensure that they feel comfortable, safe and happy with their home care situation.

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.

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