National Safety Month
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This month, we want to stress the importance of safety in the workplace as related to proper attire. Per our employee handbook, closed-toed sneakers or non-slip shoes should be worn while on a shift. Personal care attendants are to wear scrubs; homemakers and companions are to wear khaki or dark colored pants and appropriate tops (no tank tops). Caregivers also should wear their name tags. Proper shoes will help prevent injury; proper attire and wearing name badges will identify you as professionals. We appreciate all your hard work and dedication to our clients and our elders. 

Preventing Falls
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According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of injury and death to people over age 65. Anyone can fall, but older adults are more prone. How do we prevent these falls? Start with awareness - as we age, we lose flexibility and balance, our vision may decline, medications we take can have side effects, and we may have chronic conditions like diabetes or stroke, which can affect our functions and faculties. Preventing falls starts with including the older adult in the process - help them see their own fall risk, encourage them to take steps to prevent it. Discuss their health, vision, and medications with them. Observe them. Are they leaning on furniture or stairs to help themselves up? Do they have trouble getting out of chairs? Do a home walkthrough, checking for grab bars in bathrooms, secure railings for stairs, and ensure lighting is bright enough. These may help prevent falls.
Sources: www.nsc.org, www.ncoa.org
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