Best Gift For Elderly: Safety

Published in the New York Daily News December 16, 1999

     THE CHRISTMAS season is a perfect time to start a new tradition for our older relatives and friends. Instead of buying the usual gifts, you can help give them the peace of mind that comes from living in a safe, secure home.

     The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control estimates that each year in the U.S. one in three people older than 65 suffers a significant fall. But many falls and injuries can be prevented by creating a safe environment. The ancient adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is especially true for older people.

     It’s often possible to increase the safety of a home without any cost except time. For example, remove hazards, such as small stepstools, loose rugs, electrical cords and other potential dangers.

     Recently, while visiting an elderly friend, my wife, Lee, noticed a slight tear in the living room carpet. For a healthy person, this might not pose a threat, but for a 91-year-old who has failing eyesight and uses a walker, it posed a real danger. The rug was repaired immediately.

     Another useful contribution is helping remove and dispose of expired medications.

     Many gifts increase safety and security. Some are as simple as brighter lights to compensate for failing eyesight or night-lights to mark a clear path to the bathroom.

     Another important gift is putting smoke detectors throughout the home, especially in the kitchen.

     Installing a burglar alarm system can add to safety, especially if it includes a medical alert feature that can be activated with a remote control.

     Cordless and cellular phones are invaluable for emergency calls, not to mention making it easier for an older person to keep in touch with family and friends.

     Another great gift idea: Add bathroom safety features like handrails, grab bars, nonslip floors, or mats in tubs or shower stalls.

     While you are helping to create a safe environment, it may be a good time to take inventory of household valuables. Remember, during the course of the year there may be many repair people, delivery people or home care workers who will have unsupervised access to the home.

     All cash, jewelry, credit cards, financial records and checkbooks should be placed in a protected location, such as a safe or safe-deposit box. Social Security, pension and investment checks should be direct-deposited to forestall theft and forgery.

     Remind your elders to monitor their mail to make certain they receive all routine monthly financial statements. These documents should be checked carefully for unusual or unauthorized activity.

     Long-distance elder care is a difficult challenge. But government programs at all levels can provide valuable assistance.

     In New York City, the Department for Aging is an excellent resource. The federal government provides assistance for relatives and friends who want to help older people living in different parts of the country through the Elder Care Locator. It puts families in touch with state and local departments for the aging anywhere in the U.S. and is available Monday through Friday at (800) 677-1116.

     The best way for all of us to make the most of our older years is to take control before we become frail or sick. It is of utmost importance to learn as much as possible about safety and security while time is still on our side.

     Those who help their elders help themselves. For baby-boomers like me, it is not too soon to start thinking about the not-so-distant future.

Thomas M. Cassidy is a senior fellow at the Institute for SocioEconomic Studies in White Plains, NY