Health Chats
Keeping Seniors Safe and Independent
Tuesday Apr 20, 2010, 05:00PM - 06:00PM (EST)
If you are elderly or disabled, have health concerns, or live alone, how do you maintain your independence and live in your own home safely? If you have a loved one who falls into this category, how do you make sure that they are safe and receive help in an emergency if you're not there 24/7? In this hour-long health chat, learn how to make your home safer and get medical care when you need it if you live alone. Take steps now to ensure that you are prepared in case of a medical emergency. Get tips on how to set up an environment that addresses your health needs. For children of elderly parents, learn how to recognize the signs that indicate that your parents may need help. Determine if living alone at home is the correct choice for your parents and what to consider when discussing alternatives. Get tips on how to deal with parents who aren't ready to leave their home.
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
Many doctor offices can work with you on payment or give discounts for patients without insurance who are paying out of pocket.  
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
Also, you could try getting his wife to speak with him- he may take advice better from her.  
Donname888:
I have some oozing from my right breast. Is this something I need to worry about. I am 63 and have had a hysterectomy.
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
You may want to have this checked out.  Occassional oozing happens and sometimes is just hormonal, but always worth checking out.
TXfrank:
What can I do to make my Aunts home safer? She is 81 and  is on her own? She loves her independence but I want to make sure she lives in a safe environment for someone that age. Her kids live far away and do not seem to check in on her much. Thanks!
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
A personal emergency response device, such as ADT's, could help you keep an eye on your aunt 24 hours/day without infringing on her independence
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
This allows her to have help at the touch of a button.
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
These devices can be worn at all times, they are even waterproof!
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
This type of device gives people like your aunt, who are independent, but living alone access to help 24/7.
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
It also gives you the peace of mind to know that help is just a button away for her.
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
There would be no reason to take off the device,
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
It can be worn as a necklace or wristband
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
and there is a button to call for help on the actual system itself.
Camanoe:
Hi- My mother is 91 and lives alone in the house she grew up in. She loves to garden and refuses to use a cell phone. I am nervous that if she has an accident in the backyard that she will not be able to get help. This is the one thing she loves. Any suggestions?
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
The emergency response system from ADT that we just discussed is a great option.
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
It works from up to 300 feet away and your mother could have help by just pressing the  button.
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
Again, the system works with either a necklace or a wristband and never needs to be taken off.
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
Your mom could wear it outside gardening and be "hands free" to tend to her flowers!
Bridget A Hewitt, RN:
If your mom has any trouble she can press the button and have help on the way.
MedHelp:
Thank you ADT for sponsoring this chat and if you would more information visit www.adtmedicalalerts.com.
MedHelp:
Thank you Bridget Hewitt, RN for answering our questions and all the members who participated!
Dalubaba:
I am 79. I have had a sensation of tightness in my feet for the last 4 yrs. The etiology is not known. No apparent disorder is found. Is it normal for this age?