Why Seniors Need to Exercise

There is no better time to exercise than when you’re older.

 

Although many older people know the importance of physical fitness, it is estimated that about 85 percent fail to exercise on a regular basis.  They don’t do it for the same reason younger people don’t exercise – it’s too hard, it’s too boring, or it takes too long to see the results of their effort.

 

This is a big mistake for a number of reasons.  For starters, regular physical activity, in addition to making you look and feel good, lowers risk for a variety of conditions that increase when we age.  This includes heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure and obesity.  According to one aging expert, “Biologically you can reverse the aging process by 15 to 25 years.”  In addition, exercise can maintain your mobility, keep your bones and muscles strong, promote good balance, and combat frailty.  Enhancing your fitness will also increase your metabolic rate and burn calories, decrease body fat, improve immune function and promote bone density.

 

If that’s not enough reason to jump on a treadmill or start lifting weights, recent research shows that regular exercise can reverse age-related brain decline.  There is substantial evidence that aerobic exercise and physical activity can affect such executive-control brain functions as task coordination, planning, goal maintenance, working memory and the ability to switch tasks.  Several studies have shown that regular moderate exercise that makes a person breathless increases the speed and sharpness of thought, the actual volume of brain tissue, and the way in which the brain functions. Adults with higher levels of physical fitness had less evidence of deterioration in gray matter (involved in thinking) than did less fit peers.

 

Even frail seniors can and should exercise – once they get the green light from the medical professional.  A body is just like a car – it needs to be used to keep working properly.

 

There are several things to consider, of course.  Start slowly and build.  If something hurts, take a break.  Make sure you wear loose fitting clothes, keep yourself hydrated and wear comfortable sneakers.  If you experience chest pain or pressure, nausea, persistent sharp pain, excessive shortness of breath, or problems with your balance, check immediately with your doctor.

 

To stay healthy, active and independent include activities that enhance strength, endurance, balance and flexibility.  Most of all, seek out activities you enjoy so you won’t view exercising as a chore.   You are more likely to make a commitment to good fitness if you like what you’re doing and, if at all possible, you’re doing it with people you enjoy being with.  This can include using cardiovascular machines (e.g. treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent and upright stationary bikes, step machines), yoga and stretching classes, pilates, gardening, swimming, bicycling, walking, golf, bowling, tennis, dancing and/or martial arts like Tai Chi.

 

Aerobic exercise or cardiovascular conditioning is extremely beneficial for seniors.  This type of exercise allows the heart and lungs to work out at an elevated rate, supplies oxygen to the muscles, and improves the overall efficiency of the cardiovascular system.  For seniors who are frail or have balance problems, swimming and water aerobics may be safer and less jarring to the body.

 

Exercise physiologists like Sal Fichera, author of the book Stop Aging – Start Training, place an emphasis on weight or resistance training needs.  Such a program, of course, needs to be tailored to meet the medical concerns, overall physical condition and functional capacity of each individual.  Resistance can take the form of free weights, machines tubing, or Therabands (or more creative items like soup cans).  Form is important in order to prevent injuries, so it is important to start out with someone who can teach you the proper mechanics.  Begin with lighter and manageable weights and fewer repetitions, and increase over time.  Focus on exercising all six major muscle groups.

 

Studies have shown that even older and frailer people can greatly enhance the quality of their life through exercise.  One study by a state Department of Health and Senior Services found that those seniors who participated in an exercise program reported an overall improvement in their health and fewer sick days.

 

Many local YMCAs offer senior-focused fitness programs, which include swimming, cardio-vascular and weight lifting.  By exercising and maintaining a proper diet, your doctor maybe able to eliminate some of your medications and you should notice increased energy and feel better mentally.

 

The Serious Health Problems that Diabetic Seniors Face

The side effects from diabetes can be awful, but for older adults they can also be life-threatening.  Many seniors suffer from type 2 diabetes (which affects about 95% of those with diabetes) and battle daily to keep it under control.

In the senior community, diabetes has become rampant.  For example:

 

• The likelihood of acquiring diabetes increases with age.  More than half of all diabetes occur in people older than 55 and nearly 20 percent of Americans 65 and older, or seven million people, have the disease.

 

• It is estimated that about 65 percent of all people with diabetes will die of heart disease or stroke, and the odds are that those with diabetes will die at a younger age than those without the disease.

 

• It is the leading cause of blindness in adults

 

• Seniors with diabetes are twice as likely to be hospitalized for kidney infections.

 

• As many as 70 percent of those with the condition have severe forms of diabetic nerve damage which can lead to amputations of the lower extremities.

Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia (excess blood sugar) and insulin resistance (which prevents glucose from entering the cells and, instead, builds it up in the blood).  A diabetic may not show any symptoms for many years.  As a result, many overlook the most common initial symptoms – increased thirst and frequent urination. This a result of excess glucose in the bloodstream sucking water from tissues thus forcing the body to take in more liquid and, as a result, excrete more fluid.

Diabetes education becomes important because many of those at risk either misunderstand or ignore the disease and take action only when the situation worsens.

Early diagnosis is critical – particularly for those who are predisposed (either genetically or because of certain risk factors).  Once the disease has progressed, it often results in more obvious symptoms like:

 

• Feeling rundown and lethargic, like a car without any gas
• Weight loss or weight gain as the diabetic may eat more to make up for lost fluids, or lose weight because the muscles don’t receive enough glucose
• Blurred vision because excess levels of sugar pull fluid from the lenses of the eyes
• Slow healing sores or wounds or frequent urinary tract infections
• Numbness, tingling or a burning sensation in the arms and legs due to decreased circulation that can cause nerve damage
• Gum disease that puts the diabetic’s teeth at serious risk

What Can Be Done?

Seniors diagnosed with diabetes can fight back.  Many live normal and healthy lives with diabetes – but it often means a lifestyle change.  The single most effective treatment, as well as the best prevention, is gradual and permanent weight loss.  This involves decreasing caloric intake and, at the same time, increasing one’s level of exertion.  This means eating less and exercising more.

One can start by cutting out dessert and avoiding second portions.  Increase the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains that are high in complex carbohydrates, and decrease the amount of red meat and sugars.  Avoid alcoholic beverages.  Start exercising.

Medication may be necessary.  It is important to consult a physician about this, since there can be serious side effects and contraindications.   In addition, seniors with diabetes need to:

 

• Have regular blood tests to make sure the disease is under control.
• Have their eyes checked regularly to keep track of diabetic retinopathy that causes deterioration in the blood vessels of the retina.
• Monitor their weight and blood pressure and making changes if necessary
• Check the health of their feet for any signs of foot ulcers or infections
• Monitoring their levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (the types of fat found in the bloodstream)
• Conduct regular urine tests to look for any kidney problems
• Get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia as a precaution against additional infection
• Stop smoking
• Manage their level of stress

Seniors with diabetes have a tough road ahead.  But a diabetic can manage effectively by becoming educated on what they can and can’t do, and by making a life-long commitment to changing their lifestyle.

How the Elderly are Fighting Back Against Cancer

It was not so long ago that an elderly person suffering from cancer would have received limited treatment and been sent home to die.

“The common thoughts used to be that it wasn’t worth treating cancer in older patients; that they’d lived their lives; they might be dying anyway; they couldn’t tolerate the treatment; the treatment might adversely affect their quality of life; or that they didn’t want to live with the side effects of treatment,” said Gary Shapiro, MD, chairman of the department of oncology at Johns Hopkins Bayview and co-founder of its Geriatric Oncology program.

That would not have been particularly good news to people like Charlotte, an 83-year-old local woman who five years ago was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Today, after surgery and chemotherapy, Charlotte remains in remission and lives an active live that includes traveling, taking adult education classes, gardening and spending quality time with her children and grandchildren.

Nor, would it have been good news to a neighbor of Charlotte’s, 91-year-old Gordon, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer when he was 85.  In the past, the philosophy was that with a slow growing tumor like this, there would be no reason to intervene.   Gordon’s physician, however, convinced the tumor was aggressive, suggested an intensive protocol of radiation.  Six years later, he is still driving, playing an occasional round of golf and competing in bridge tournaments.

When Charlotte was first diagnosed with cancer, her children’s first thought was that they didn’t want to put their mother through any rigorous regimen that would affect her quality of life.  Only after the oncologist, who had considerable experience in working with geriatric patients, assured them that he thought Charlotte was healthy enough to cope with the treatment and had a good prognosis, did they feel comfortable with having her undergo treatment.  Gordon’s children were equally concerned about their dad having radiation.  He tolerated the treatments well and has not looked back since.

A Disease of Aging

Cancer can strike anyone at any age, but it is considered a disease of aging.  The average age of those diagnosed with all types of cancer is 70.  Certain cancers, such as breast, colon, prostate, pancreatic, lung, bladder and stomach cancer, are linked to aging.  For lung cancer, for example, the average age of onset is 72; for colon cancer it’s 71; breast cancer is 68.  These statistics notwithstanding, relatively little is known about how cancers develop and progress in older patients or how best to treat them.

What is known is that recent research has shown that many older cancer patients can tolerate more aggressive treatment than they have typically received.  Yet, this group of cancer patients has not been studied in proportion to its size so there is still a dearth of information in understanding the functional, physical, mental, pharma-therapeutic and socio-economic factors that affect the course of disease and outcome of treatment decisions.

In many cases, older people with cancer present with other medical conditions as well.  They may have heart disease or diabetes, for example, and the cancer may impact those problems, and conversely.

When it comes to treatment for cancer, older adults:

• May be less tolerant of certain cancer treatment
• Have a decreased reserve (i.e. a capacity to respond to disease and treatment
• Have other medical problems that also need to be treated
• Have functional problems, such as memory loss or an inability with the ADLs.
• May lack any support network

Additionally, medical professionals need to take into account an older patient’s susceptibility to falling and breaking a hip, which can greatly compromise cancer treatment.  This may mean the need to prescribe physical therapy to increase strength and reduce risks with a patient who may become weaker as a result of treatment.

Similarly, nutrition may pose a problem when it comes to tolerating certain types of treatment.  A dietitian may need to create a nutrition program to boost the patient’s health status prior to any intervention.  A home care professional may be needed to take care of the patient until treatment is completed, particularly for those without any family caregivers living nearby.

Yet, all this notwithstanding, cancer survivors like Charlotte and Gordon, who are both living full lives, are testaments to the need not to write off geriatric cancer patients, but rather to make sure they receive comprehensive assessments in developing the right care plan once they’ve been diagnosed.

 

How to Pay for Long Term Care

Finding a way to pay for long term care is a major concern because it can be expensive, particularly nursing home care. Many people prefer alternatives to nursing home care, such as assisted living arrangements or home health care and other community services.

Unfortunately, many individuals operate under the assumption that they will never go into a nursing home or they incorrectly believe that Medicare or their secondary health insurance policy will pay for skilled nursing care  and so they often fail to pre-plan financially for this astronomical expense that HHS estimates will impact 12 million individuals by the year 2020.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates that at least 70% of people over age 65 will need long-term care services at some point in their lives – and over 40% will need care in a nursing home for some period of time.

Paying for Long-Term Care
Public programs cover only so much of the cost. A great majority of individuals must rely on personal income and resources to pay for long term care. To start determining your long term care plan, explore different options:

Family Provided Care
If family members are willing and able to devote the time and energy required for care, their help can greatly reduce costs. But keep in mind, an untrained family member may not be able to provide the level or type of care that is needed.

Medicare/Health Insurance
While Medicare and other health insurance policies may cover medically necessary care provided in a skilled nursing facility or in the home after a major medical condition or event requiring a hospital stay, neither method covers ongoing personal or custodial care, including help with essential daily activities.

Long Term Care Insurance
Long term care insurance may provide a high level of coverage depending upon the policy benefits but it can get expensive particularly for older adults. As a general rule, the sooner you enroll, the lower your premiums will be.

Reverse Mortgages
For homeowners over 62 years old who are reluctant to sell, a reverse mortgage is a type of loan that gradually converts the built-up equity in their home into money. The payments are tax-free, there are no health requirements, and the loan doesn’t have to be repaid until the owner moves or dies. Heirs can then sell or refinance the property

Paying for long term care calls for financial planning for your health needs, especially as you
approach retirement. The cost of care can range from $17,000 to $79,000 per year depending on the type of care needed and where the care is provided. Therefore, it’s important to plan for long term care costs.

Talking with Parents about Difficult Issues

Talking with parents about issues involving their health and finances, their feelings about remaining independence, or their thoughts about their final wishes, can be every bit as difficult as that talk you had years ago about the birds and the bees.

Family conversations on such topics make all generations uncomfortable.  Yet, they need to occur and often the sooner they do the better.  In fact, these talks should take place when things are going well, before there is a crisis and decisions need to be made hastily.  Adult children need to listen uncritically and treat their parents with the respect and dignity they deserve.

A recent AARP study found that most elderly parents actually feel better about having these kinds of discussions as part of their planning for the future.  Such discussions, they say, help them live life the way they wish.

Here are suggestions on ways for children to handle such conversations:

• Approach the subject indirectly.  For example, “I know you’re taking lots of pills.  How do you keep track of them?  Would a pill organizer from the drug store help you?”
• Be direct, but non-confrontational.  “You know, Mom, I’m worried that you seem to be unsteady on your feet.  I’m wondering how we can help protect you from falls.”
• Watch for openings.  “Dad, you mentioned having problems with your eyesight.  Have you seen the eye doctor lately?  Does it seem to affect your driving?”
• Share your feelings.  “You’ve always been so independent, Mom.  I imagine it’s hard to ask for help.  You know you can always ask us for help if you need to, or we can find someone who can.”

Here are some other recommendations for children of elderly parents to consider:

• Make a list for your parents with questions or concerns they can prepare prior to the conversation.
• Expect some resistance.  Above all:

-Respect your parents’ feelings if they make it clear they want to avoid the subject.  Try again at a later time.

-Push the issue if health or safety is at risk, while recognizing your parents’ right to be in charge of their lives.

-Act firmly, but with compassion.  For example, “Dad, we need to deal with this now.”

-Hold a family meeting where everyone discusses concerns and together develops a mutually agreeable plan – giving your parents a sense of involvement and control over their lives.

-Involve other people your parents respect.  This may include a member of the clergy, an attorney, or a close family friend.

-Look for community resources that can help a parent remain independent, including home care, meal delivery or transportation.  For example, most people refer to remain in their current home and today there are options that bridge the spectrum from living totally independently to being in long-term care.  Many elderly people, even those with early-stage Alzheimer’s, manage to live within the comfort and familiarity of their homes because of the various community services that now exist.  Many, for example, prefer live-in care, with a trusted caregiver, over being moved to a nursing home.  Senior only independent housing, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and assisted living all offer housing options.

 

• Focus on key points and ask your parents for their own thoughts regarding their current needs and concerns and their worries about the future – rather than guessing, which can lead to bad mistakes and hard feelings.  Ask about the location of such important documents as insurance policies, wills, health care proxies, living wills, trust documents, tax returns, and investment and banking records.

 

• Keep it positive and treat them as equals.  Even if they make what you consider an unsafe choice, it doesn’t necessary mean they are no longer capable of living independently.

 

• Expect that the discussion will be ongoing rather than a “one shot” deal.  Each time the topic is revisited, it should become more comfortable.

 

• Step back and evaluate.  This might include suggesting that your parents talk with a third party – an estate planner, financial expert or attorney – if you think they could use some expert advice.

 

Physicians and geriatric social workers warn that there are a number of danger signs that indicate that an elderly person needs extra help or an immediate change in their living arrangement.  As a result, note any marked change in personality or behavior.  However, no major lifestyle changes should be made without discussions with the elderly loved one, other family members, and health professionals.

Once the ice is broken, it will become easier for parent and child to hold discussions. Initiating that talk is often the most difficult part.  Don’t put it off any longer.

 

Managing Senior’s Medication

Many seniors buy into these common myths about medication usage:

• If one drug makes me feel good, a larger dose will make me feel better.
• If one drug does not work, I should take two or three.
• If I can buy it over the counter, it must be safe.
• If my physician has not stopped the medication, I can still use it.
• If it helped my friend, it will help me.
• If my friend has some extra medication that I have been taking, I can use it too.

In order to ensure a healthy well being, medication management is an important step. Here are some protocols seniors and their family caregivers should follow when it comes to managing their medications:

• Toss out any expired or discontinued prescription medication.

• Only use medication that has been prescribed for you.

• Drink a full glass of water and do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking medication.

• Have prescriptions filled in the same pharmacy.

• Check the label of your prescription to verify that it’s the right medication.

• When possible, keep all medications in their original container.

• Know what to do if you miss a dose.

• Do not share or take any one else’s medication.

• Tell your health care provider if you are taking any dietary supplements or over-the-counter medications.

• Prepare a list of all medications and give copies to family members and bring them to all health care appointments.

Having control over your medication can ensure you and your loved ones will continue to live a happy and healthy life.

Bone Density Loss in Seniors

According to Wikipedia, bone density is a medical term referring to the amount of matter per cubic centimeter of bones. It is often used in medicine as an indirect indicator of osteoporosis and fracture risk.

Bones naturally become thinner as people grow older because, beginning in middle age, existing bone cells are reabsorbed by the body faster than new bone is made. As this occurs, the bones lose minerals, heaviness (mass), and structure, making them weaker and increasing their risk of breaking. All people begin losing bone mass after they reach peak BMD or Bone Mass Density at about 30 years of age. The thicker your bones are at about age 30, the longer it takes to develop osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Common Causes:

• Genetics and age can cause Osteopenia (bone loss).
• Sedentary life style.
• Stess
• Alcohol Use.
• Excessive Caffeine
• Sodium
• Tobacco Use.
• Eating Patterns

Exercise & Diet

Research programs have shown that daily exercise will help to decrease your risk of osteoporosis. It will also help you maintain proper balance as the body is stronger and healthier. The joints are also stronger and these small exercise steps can help to prevent falls which could lead to broken legs, hips, and other bones.

You need to participate in strength training exercises at least 2 days a week in order to strengthen your bone density. Strength training exercises will not only strengthen your bone density, they will help to improve your muscles as well.

Increase your intake of vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits contain several nutrients that are necessary for the body to function properly. Deep green vegetables and brightly colored fruits contain vitamins that can prevent you from getting ill. When elderly patients become ill, many of them do not continue to exercise, and over time they stop exercising altogether, thereby reducing their quality of life.

Dealing with your parents moving in

Frontline Geriatric Care MAnagement posted this great article that we would like to share with you. Having a parent move in can be difficult for many. Often, there are role reversals and  parents are resistant to the change. There are many choices that will have to be made which will be important to get your home and your family ready for this new live-in situation. With a little bit of planning and some hard work, you can create a livable situation for everyone. Here are several ways to cope with the change.

First you have to start with the right room choice. Here are some things to consider when choosing the room:

• Close enough to the bathroom
• Easy access to shared spaces like the living room, kitchen, etc.
• Proper furniture for physical abilities
• Sufficient and accessible storage space for needed items
• Safety & Home Modifications

The next task is to reduce the clutter. The elderly need sufficient space to maneuver around in the room. By putting belongings into categories and deciding before-hand what will be done with items in the categories, can make this task much easier. Lighting and lever style handles are also things that should be taken into consideration. Depending upon the situation, safety rails on the bed and hand rails on the walls may be necessary.

As you are choosing what belongings need to be kept or stored, make sure you keep in mind the emotional and mental state of your loved one. Having their things rummaged through may be difficult for them. Be as sensitive as you can.

Dealing With the Impact on Your Family
Taking in a new person to live with your family will disrupt the normal flow of daily life. This is especially true as the person requires more care. Meet as a family before your loved on moves in. Discuss what impact it may have and how best to deal with it. This is a great opportunity to get ideas for dealing with some of the other decisions you need to make as new caregivers.

Most importantly, especially in families with children, take care to monitor the ongoing effects through this transition. You’re going to be pulled in lots of new directions by taking this step, but you’ll need to make sure your spouse and children adjust well to the new situation.

Medicaid Cuts and How they Affect you and your Loved Ones

Always There wanted to share an article with you that we found interesting. FrontLine Care Management wrote this article discussing how Medicaid cuts will affect seniors. Read below to learn more.

“Federal and state governments are struggling to address their severe budget shortfalls. This has sparked a very heated debate over the fate of Medicaid for Seniors and others with disabilities. Unfortunately, the assistance for people with disabilities and long-term healthcare services will most likely be cut in the near future. The questions to ask are, by how much and how will our society deliver care to those who need it but do not have the income to pay for these services?

As government’s role shrinks, community groups and nonprofits will have to take on more responsibility as well as the families of the loved ones in need. But some care requires skills beyond the ability of relatives and neighbors. How will it be funded in an era of budget constraints?Medicaid was created mostly to provide medical care to low-income moms and their kids, two out of every three Medicaid dollars is spent on the elderly and disabled. Last year, the program spent one-third of its budget — more than $100 billion federal dollars — on long-term care, either in nursing facilities or in the community. States, which share the program’s cost, spent tens of billions more.

Overall, Medicaid pays more than 40 percent of all long-term care costs. The advocacy group Families USA estimates that more than 6 million seniors and nearly 10 million younger people with disabilities rely on the program for assistance.

The proposed House-passed 2012 budget would cut the projected federal share of Medicaid by nearly $800 billion over the next decade — mostly by turning the program into a block grant. In April, the President suggested cutting planned Medicaid spending by $100 billion. And lawmakers of both parties are considering a blanket cap on all federal spending — a scheme that also would lead to deep reductions in elder and disability care under Medicaid.

More immediately, cash-strapped states are urging Congress to give them new flexibility in how they manage the program. Currently, federal “maintenance of effort” rules curb a state’s ability to limit enrollment. House Republicans would eliminate those restrictions, a move supported by at least 28 governors.

Medicaid is financed jointly by the federal government and the states. More than 16 million Americans — 6.3 million seniors and 9.8 million people with disabilities — are covered by Medicaid.”

For more information on Medicaid: http://www.cms.gov/home/medicaid.asp

Talking About Alzheimer’s

What Is Alzheimerís Disease?

Alzheimerís disease is a progressive, irreversible disease that affects brain cells and produces memory loss and intellectual impairment in as many as 4 million American adults. This disease affects people of all racial, economic, and educational backgrounds.

AD is the most common cause of dementia in adults. Dementia is defined as loss of memory and intellect that interferes with routine personal, social, or occupational activities. Dementia is not a disease; rather, it is a group of symptoms that may accompany certain diseases or conditions. Other symptoms include changes in personality, mood, or behavior.

Although AD primarily affects people age 65 or older, it also may affect people in their 50s and, although rarely, even younger. Other causes of irreversible dementia include multi-infarct dementia (a series of minor strokes resulting in widespread death of brain tissue), Pickís disease, Binswangerís disease, Parkinsonís disease, Huntingtonís disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrigís disease), multiple sclerosis, and alcohol abuse. The recommendations in this booklet deal primarily with common problems in AD, but they also may apply to any of the related dementing disorders.

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What are the Symptoms of AD?

There is no ìtypicalî person with Alzheimerís. There is tremendous variability among people with AD in their behaviors and symptoms. At present, there is no way to predict how quickly the disease will progress in any one person, nor to predict the exact changes that will occur. We do know, however, that many of these changes will present problems for caregivers. Therefore, knowledge and prevention are critical to safety.

People with AD have memory problems and cognitive impairment (difficulties with thinking and reasoning), and eventually they will not be able to care for themselves. They may experience confusion, loss of judgment, and difficulty finding words, finishing thoughts, or following directions. They also may experience personality and behavior changes. For example, they may become agitated, irritable, or very passive. Some may wander from home and become lost. They may not be able to tell the difference between day and night, and they may wake up, get dressed, and start to leave the house in the middle of the night thinking that the day has just started. They may suffer from losses that affect vision, smell, or taste.

These disabilities are very difficult, not only for the person with AD, but for the caregiver, family, and other loved ones as well. Caregivers need resources and reassurance to know that while the challenges are great, there are specific actions to take to reduce some of the safety concerns that accompany Alzheimerís disease.

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Home Safety for People with Alzheimerís Disease

General Safety Concerns

People with AD become increasingly unable to take care of themselves. However, individuals will move through the disease in their own unique manner. As a caregiver, you face the ongoing challenge of adapting to each change in the personís behavior and functioning. The following general principles may be helpful.

1. Think prevention. It is very difficult to predict what a person with AD might do. Just because something has not yet occurred, does not mean it should not be cause for concern. Even with the best-laid plans, accidents can happen. Therefore, checking the safety of your home will help you take control of some of the potential problems that may create hazardous situations.

2. Adapt the environment. It is more effective to change the environment than to change most behaviors. While some AD behaviors can be managed with special medications prescribed by a doctor, many cannot. You can make changes in an environment to decrease the hazards and stressors that accompany these behavioral and functional changes.

3. Minimize danger. By minimizing danger, you can maximize independence. A safe environment can be a less restrictive environment where the person with AD can experience increased security and more mobility.