Releases from April 14, 2009

Be prepared for an emergency

By Kansas Senior Press Service
           
An emergency or disaster can happen at any time. Do you have a plan that would help you keep in touch with family and friends in the event of an emergency? What about the essentials, such as food, water, electricity or even telephones? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene quickly, but they cannot reach everyone immediately.

The best option is to prepare an emergency plan. Begin by thinking about these questions:

• Do you have a disaster kit?
• What would you do if members of your family were separated?
• What would you do if water service were cut off for several days?
• What equipment do you have that runs on electricity, and how would you operate it if the electricity were disrupted?
• Who would get groceries, medications and medical supplies?
• How would this be accomplished if the roads were blocked because of the disaster?
• Do you have fire extinguishers and know how to use them?
• What is the floor plan of your house?
• Do you have a household evacuation plan?
• Do you know how to disconnect your utilities?
• If you have pets, would you be prepared to meet their needs?
• Do you know what an emergency kit should contain?

For help in developing a preparedness plan, visit www.preparemetrokc.org or check with your local emergency preparedness office.

Source: “Prepare Metro KC,” a service of the Greater Kansas City region’s Metropolitan Emergency Managers Committee.

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For seniors, hip fracture can equal loss of independence

By Kansas Senior Press Service

Hip fracture is one the most serious injuries seniors can sustain.

Did you know that about one in five hip fracture patients die within a year of the injury? Hip fracture is also a leading reason seniors must move into a nursing home — and many are never able to return home.

Unintentional falls are a threat to the lives, independence and health of adults ages 65 and older. Every 18 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency department for a fall, and every 35 minutes someone in this population dies as a result of those injuries.

Although one in three older adults falls each year in the United States, falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Proven strategies can reduce falls and help older adults live better and longer.

Prevention is key. Although more than 90 percent of hip fractures are caused by falls, older adults can take several steps to protect their independence and reduce their risk of falling:

• Exercise regularly. Exercise programs like t’ai chi that increase strength and improve balance are especially good.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) to reduce side effects and interactions.
• Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year.
• Improve the lighting in your home.

For more information about fall prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, www.cdc.gov.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Revised Mental Health Guide available

By Kansas Senior Press Service
           
The Kansas Department on Aging has published a revised edition of “A Mental Health Guide for Older Kansans and Their Families.” The 87-page publication provides a practical, easy-to-use resource about mental health problems and mental health services for use by older Kansans, their families and non-mental health service providers.

The comprehensive publication explains why some people have mental health problems, describes the symptoms and treatments for common mental health disorders experienced by older adults, and defines when someone should seek treatment. It also outlines the kinds of mental health services available in Kansas, how to gain access to them, how to help someone who is experiencing a mental health problem, and medications that treat mental disorders.

The guide is helpful if you are concerned that you, an older relative or someone you know might be experiencing a mental health problem and you need assistance in finding help. The booklet also discusses the Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance funding that might be available to help with the costs of obtaining mental health services.

This publication is available online at www.agingkansas.org on “Publications” in the search area on the left side of the screen. The first section that will appear is a listing of “On-line Publications.” This publication is the second listing (simply click to download). For a printed copy, call 800-432-3535.

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Self-help networks can provide valuable support

By Kansas Senior Press Service
           
Support groups and self-help groups are usually small groups of people who have something in common, such as caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or caring for someone who is recovering from a stroke. Participants get together, usually once a month, to discuss their situations and concerns. A professional social worker or nurse coordinates some groups, while others operate on their own.

Support groups are usually free of charge, although some that have a professional coordinator may ask for a small donation (which can usually be waived if necessary) to cover the cost of the professional’s time.

For information about support and self-help groups in your area, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the Self-Help Network, a nonprofit, statewide information center than can provide information about support groups in your area. The network gives referrals to more than 3,000 Kansas and national support groups, organizations and help lines. Call the Self-Help Network toll free at 800-445-0116.

Source: The Kansas Department on Aging

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These articles are also available electronically at the Center on Aging Website: http://www2.kumc.edu/coa/Senior_Press_Article/Topic_Index.htm