Safety & Mental Health for Seniors

1. Stay social

2. Exercise 

3. Play games

4. Watch out for early signs

5. Talk to your doctor

• Tell your doctor if you have fallen, if you feel unsteady when standing or walking, or if you are afraid you might fall.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review the medicines you take. Some medicines might make you dizzy or sleepy which can increase your risk of falling.
• Have an eye doctor check your eyes at least once a year and update your eyeglasses as needed.
• Have your doctor check your feet at least once a year and discuss proper footwear to reduce your risk of falling.

•  Set a positive mood for interaction. 
•  State your message clearly. 
•  Ask simple, answerable questions.
•  Listen with your ears, eyes, and heart.
•  When the going gets tough, distract and redirect. 
•  Respond with affection and reassurance. 
•  Maintain your sense of humor. 

We won't be able to change the person. The person you're tending to has a brain disorder that has shaped his or her personality. You'll very certainly fail or face resistance if you try to control or influence his behavior. It's critical to:

• Try to accommodate rather than regulate the behavior. If the individual insists on sleeping on the floor, for example, make them more comfortable by placing a mattress on the floor.

• Make time for regular exercise to minimize restlessness.
• Add “child-safe” plastic covers to doorknobs.
•  Have your relative wear an ID bracelet and sew ID labels in their clothes. 
• Tell neighbors about your relative’s wandering behavior, and make sure they have your phone number.

•  Establish a routine for using the toilet. 
•  Schedule fluid intake to ensure the confused person does not become dehydrated. 
• Use signs (with illustrations) to indicate which door leads to the bathroom.
•  Incontinence pads and products can be purchased at the pharmacy or supermarket.