We solve one of the most difficult challenges facing families today...caring for loved ones requiring in-home companion care and personal assistance.
Senior Home Care by Angels

The Benefits & Dangers of Sunlight for Seniors 

When it comes to seniors' health, we all want easy answers: A is good, B is bad, take C every morning to help condition D. But sometimes, senior health can be complicated for seniors and senior care providers alike.  

Take sunshine, for instance. One day you might read that sunlight's beneficial for seniors, providing a range of benefits to their physical and mental health. On another day, you might read that sunlight is harmful to the elderly, putting seniors at risk for a range of conditions.   

The fact is that there are both benefits and dangers to sunlight for seniors. If you provide senior care to an elderly loved one, it's important that you understand these benefits and dangers, and that you know how to keep your loved one safe in the sun.

Learn how to achieve a healthy balance between the
benefits and dangers of sunlight for seniors 
 

Visiting Angels of Pikesville is participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® because we're committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support, and research. We're leading the way to Alzheimer's first survivor - but we need your help!

Will you join us in the fight by walking with us? As a team, we can be an unstoppable force against the nation's sixth-leading cause of death. Registration is easy; simply visit our Walk to End Alzheimer's team page  and join our team.  
If you're unable to walk with us, we hope you will help us reach our fundraising goal of $300.00 by making a donation today. Visit our personal fundraising page to make a secure, tax-deductible donation or download and print the paper form on our page to mail in with a check. All donations benefit the Alzheimer's Association - and every dollar makes a difference in this fight.

Together, we can end Alzheimer's disease! Thank you for your support.

 

Safety Check: Stand Up To Falls  

Home is the place where we feel most safe, so it may come as a surprise to hear that falls in the home are one of the leading causes of injury-related death in the U.S., second only to poisoning. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, including concussions.

Eliminating tripping hazards
Prevent falls at home-and at work-by removing the sources of tripping:
* Secure electrical and phone cords away from walking areas, such as hallways or in front of your desk
* Use non-skid rugs and be sure to tape them down to prevent rolling
* Keep drawers and cabinets closed when you're not using them
* Wear proper footwear, paying special attention to outdoor conditions
* Clean up any spills immediately and include warning signage if necessary
* Refrain from walking while distracted - stay focused on your surroundings
* Ensure there is adequate lighting in your work space
* Don't carry more than you can handle-large loads can obstruct your vision and affect your balance

Preventing falls in your bathroom
Falls can happen anywhere, but in your home, the bathroom is one of the most dangerous places. According to the CDC, about 235,000 people over age 15 visit the emergency room each year due to a bathroom related-injury. Older adults are especially susceptible. According to the National Institute on Aging, 80 percent of senior falls happen in the bathroom due to slippery floors and surfaces. Keep loved ones of every age safe:
* Place a non-slip mat both inside and outside of the tub
* Plug in nightlights in and around the bathroom for increased visibility
* Clean up any condensation or puddles on the floor
* Place nonslip decals on the bottom of your shower or tub
* Keep shampoo, soap and other bath products higher up to avoid bending
* Install grab bars by the toilet and in or near the shower and tub to assist older adults
* Make sure the bathroom door swings outward in case of a fall

Make your home safer by starting at the source. Remove tripping hazards around your home and ensure your bathroom is slip-free to eliminate the risk of falling.

900010355 0217 © 2017 National Safety Council 

During National Safety Month, Visiting Angels of Pikesville is working to raise awareness and help reduce the risk of injuries. This June, we encourage you to learn more about important safety issues like prescription painkiller abuse, transportation safety, and slips, trips, and falls. Did you know: 
  • Prescription painkiller overdoses are a growing problem in the United States, especially among women. About 18 women die every day from a prescription painkiller overdose-more than 4 times as many as back in 1999.
  • Doing other activities while driving -like texting or eating - distracts you and increases your chance of crashing. Almost 1 in 5 crashes (17%) that injured someone involved distracted driving.
  • One in 4 older adults falls each year. Many falls lead to broken bones and other health problems.

Need more information about home care for your loved one? Please call us at 410.218.9506 with any questions about the home care services we provide or to begin care for your loved one.