Year: 2022
Humble
“A mistake which makes you humble is much better than an achievement that makes you arrogant.” — Unknown
Success can be an excuse for continued bad behavior because we may not feel the immediate repercussions of our negative actions. We learn faster and grow more from our mistakes, as long as we are willing to pivot. Don’t let a speed bump become a stop sign, keep driving forward!! Embrace your mistakes and fail forward.
Calm Seas
“Calm seas never made a good sailor.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
Calm seas don’t test a sailor’s skills, knowledge, or perseverance. The same is true in our personal and professional lives. We learn more in rough waters because we are forced to make crucial decisions- without the luxury of added time or resources. We must rely on the knowledge available, and our ability to find that extra bit of energy and grit. For me, the past months have included: sending my oldest to college, my husband’s cancer, and a business pivoting post covid. After the storm, you know where you fell short, where you succeeded, and what you learned. I am still learning!
Print Guide – Portland/Vancouver – January 2021
How to Reduce Fall Risks
In 2019, there were 3 million emergency visits for older adults who had fallen. Falls among adults 65 and older resulted in 34,000 deaths that same year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Thankfully, falls are not an inevitable part of aging. There are things you can do to reduce the risk of falls and remain independent.
Why Do Falls Happen?
Those who are younger or living independently are at a lower risk of
injury from a fall than those who are older, more frail or institutionalized and require assistance or support. Frail adults are the most likely to experience a serious injury, fracture, traumatic brain injury or death from a fall than any other age group.
What Can Older Adults Do to Reduce Their Fall Risks?
Understand the Reality of Falls
It is important that older adults accept that falls are not a normal part of aging and if they are falling, there is almost always a reason why. Discussing noticeable changes with a physician can identify underlying causes.
Become a Fall Risk Manager
The primary role of a fall risk manager is to pay attention every day. Regularly screening for risk factors will allow for early identification and intervention.
Manage Medications
Older adults and their families need to know that many medications can lead to an increased risk of falls and other problems. Be aware of medications that cause confusion or sleepiness.
Manage Nutritional Status
Older adults’ nutritional needs change. The better they eat, the more energy they’ll have to engage in the activities that keep them strong and steady on their feet.
Increase Activity
Most older adults lead sedentary lives. The more we sit, the weaker our legs become and the more likely we are to experience a fall due to lack of strength and poor balance.
Consider Home Safety
Home is one of the safest places to be, but it is important to educate older adults to continually monitor for fall risk factors and modify as needed. Place daily items within reach. Ensure clear pathways and ample light throughout the home. Install grab bars in bathrooms and inside showers.
Aging can impact our balance and other risk factors associated with falls. However, understanding what can lead to a fall is the f rst step in reducing your risk of falling along with managing risk factors which lead to improved outcomes. Request a fall screening, look
at ways to make your home safer and don’t accept that falls are a normal part of aging.
Article Provided by:
ComForCare
503-400-6637
Free Time
“Some talk to you in their free time, and some free time to talk to you.” — Unknown
I’m busy, you’re busy, we are all busy! I hear about “time management” strategies all the time, but we all have 24 hours in the day- no more no less. So, we really are not managing “time”. But we can manage our priorities. We can make people our priority. I want to be the person who makes time for others, and I want to surround myself with those that make time for me.
Print Guide – Mid-Willamette Valley – October 2022
Teamwork
“In teamwork, silence isn’t golden. It’s deadly.” — Mark Sanborn
Teamwork isn’t just part of a business, it also exists in families and friendships as well. When we don’t communicate our concerns, feelings, or hopes we leave a void for others to fill in the gaps. Unfortunately, what they create to fill in the gaps, may not be what we intended. Use your words!
When is it Time for Assisted Living?
It isn’t always easy to pinpoint when staying at home is no longer the best option. Here are a few factors to consider that it’s time for a more supportive environment for yourself or a loved one:
- Social Isolation – Withdrawing from friends and regular activities because of declining health, embarrassment over memory or personal care issues, or lack of mobility can lead to isolation, loneliness, and even depression in seniors.
- Physical Limitations – Problems with movement and balance can lead to a fall, which can have additional health consequences. If your loved one expresses a fear of falling or has a history of physical issues, you may want to begin exploring assisted living options.
- Personal Care – Difficulty or lack of interest in bathing, grooming, or dressing can signal the need for personal care assistance. Seniors often have difficulty admitting this or asking for help, so talk to your loved one and watch out for any visible changes.
- Health Risks – Difficulty caring for medical conditions and maintaining overall wellness—including poor nutrition, taking the wrong dose of medications, or improper wound care—can turn a manageable condition into a critical one. Health risks can also arise when a loved one has recently suffered a crisis, such as a heart attack or stroke. Keep an eye out for signs of a gradual decline and talk to a health professional about risks of leaving your loved one at home alone.
- Memory Loss – Leaving a burner on after cooking, not taking necessary medication, or getting lost on a trip to the store can indicate cognitive decline. When a loved one’s memory is affecting the ability to perform daily tasks, you may want to explore memory care at an assisted living community.
- Caregiving Issues – Being the primary caregiver for a loved one can take its toll physically, psychologically, and financially. Taking time away from work, hiring an elder-care sitter, and transportation costs all add up. They can also create an unhealthy amount of stress. In the end, assisted living may not only be more cost effective but also healthier for everyone.
If you see any of these warning signs, it may be time to start the conversation. Assisted living can provide a robust social life and activity calendar, increased physical activity, improved nutrition, and daily living assistance like housekeeping, laundry, medication management, and more, resulting in less stress and more peace of mind.
Article Provided by:
Rogue River Place
541-205-4718
Teamwork
“In teamwork, silence isn’t golden. It’s deadly.” — Mark Sanborn
Teamwork isn’t just part of a business, it also exists in families and friendships as well. When we don’t communicate our concerns, feelings, or hopes we leave a void for others to fill in the gaps. Unfortunately, what they create to fill in the gaps, may not be what we intended. Use your words!