Welcome to the 
October issue of the
We Care
Newsletter





Falls Can be Costly 
for Older Adults

From a broken hip to a head injury, falling can be very serious for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the number one cause of death from an injury. 

For elderly folks, the most common fall occurs while standing. Research from the University of Mississippi found that the risk for death from a fall for people over 70 is three times greater than a fall for someone 69 years of age or younger. 

The sedation required for surgery from broken bones is especially risky. Older adults also have a longer period of recovery, which can increase pneumonia and other health risks.

A person who has fallen in the past may be fearful of falling. This will impact their overall health and the ability to remain independent. 

Caregivers can help prevent falls from occurring with the following tips:
  • Encourage your loved one to exercise to prevent weakness in the legs.
  • Have regular eye examinations to keep vision sharp.
  • Review medications with the physician and be aware of medications that cause drowsiness or dizziness.
  • Remove things from the home that someone could trip over. This includes rugs, books, papers, clothing, etc.
  • Wearing shoes while in the house, rather than soft soled slippers, is a preventative.
  • Place grab bars in the tub or shower.
  • Improve the lighting in the home.
  • Install handrails and be sure stairways and entry ways are well lighted. 
Click here for more information on falls from the Center for Disease Control.
The Care Connection 
at
Shepherd's Center Central
 promotes and supports the advancement of skills, good 
health, and resilience of caregivers for older adults.
   
Shepherd's Center Central 

is a not-for-profit community-based organization that empowers mid-life and older adults to live healthy, engaged and 

independent lives.

   

www.sccentral.org

816-444-1122
  
  
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We have More Info to Share 

Remember...The Care Connection at Shepherd's Center Central is here to help anyone who is concerned about an aging parent, loved one, neighbor, or friend who needs referrals to resources, care planning, practical advice, guidance in balancing work and family, or stress relief. 
 
The Kansas City Caregiver Support Line provides resources and referrals for caregivers of older adults. Call 816-444-1122
 
Click for info on: 
 
This Month's Tip

Just Breathe

Teepa Snow is well known in the field of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. She is an educator with 30 plus years of experience as an Occupational Therapist. She offers some practical caregiving tips that apply to most caregiving situations. 

Some tips include: 
  • Learn what resources are available before you need them
  • Develop a plan, but be flexible.
  • Accept help, support and resources.
  • Think of yourself as a partner in your loved ones care, rather than their caregiver.
  • Breathe and let go of what you cannot control. The situation is what it is.
  • Respond, don't react to someone with Alzheimer's or Dementia.                                                                     Click here to visit her website 


Crime Prevention Tips for Seniors

 

Seniors and those with chronic health conditions can be especially vulnerable to crime. The Neighborhood and Community Services Department of Kansas City Missouri offers several tips to help you avoid being a target and remain safe in your home. 

 

First, be sure the locking hardware on your home is sufficient and works properly. You may want to consider asking a professional what type of lock is most appropriate for your home and your garage. 

  

If you have a security system, make sure it works and use it. Additionally, don't leave valuables in plain sight or in easily predictable locations such as the top of a dresser, a jewelry box, the underwear or sock drawer.

 

Proper lighting is a deterrent for night time crime. Use exterior lighting over all entrances, and mount them high enough to prevent tampering. Also use timers and light sensors so your home looks occupied.

Carry your cell phone at all times and be sure it's charged and turned on. Turn your location to "on" so the phone could be used to locate you. Otherwise, consider an emergency medical alert system. 

When you are out and about be aware of your surroundings. Lock your home when you leave, including your garage. Lock your car, even when it's in your own driveway.

Partner with a friend for a daily wellness check-in. Remember stranger safety still applies no matter ones age. Do not allow strangers to talk their way into your home or draw you out of your home and always ask utility workers for credentials.


 


 
Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events 
   

WHAT WILL I DO WITH ALL THIS STUFF?
Like it or not, we all have to deal with "stuff" and we can't take it with us. Join this session to learn WHY now is the time to downsize or declutter and look at options for how.
Wednesday, October 7, 12 Noon - 1 PM
Landon Center on Aging, 3599 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS
To register or for more information call 913.588.3094
SEXUAL HEALTH IN AGING
Some older adults find that their health, medications or physical condition limit their ability to explore their sexuality and sexual function. Doctors can help by adjusting medications and treating illness and other limitations that can affect sexuality. 
Wednesday, October 14, 12 Noon - 1 PM
Landon Center on Aging, 3599 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS
To register or for more information call 913.588.3094

NEW DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP 
Find comfort and understanding by speaking with others dealing with this disease. Dementia education, various activities, and support networking will take place during this casual group meeting.
Every 3rd Thursday of the month, 6 PM
Benton House Blue Springs, 1701 NW Jefferson St, Blue Springs, MO
For additional information call 816-224-2727

SMART SPENDING FOR LATER LIVING
Join us to learn simple tips and tricks for funding needed care later in life. Planning options we will discuss include Long Term Care insurance, VA, Life Insurance options, loan programs and Medicaid, among others. 
Wednesday, October 28, 12 Noon - 1 PM
Landon Center on Aging, 3599 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS
To register or for more information call 913.588.3094

  
     Consider a Planned Gift. Please donate. 


 

Please consider making a charitable bequest to Shepherd's Center of Kansas City Central in your will. Legacy gifts provide future support for charity. Any individual, at any time, can create a legacy gift. It can be as easy as naming a charity on the beneficiary form of a savings, checking or pension account, or through a more complex instrument such as a trust. 


To make a bequest to SCC, simply include these words in your will:
"I give to Shepherd Center of Kansas City Central, a
non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, located in Kansas City,
MO, __% of my estate for general purposes."

To create a residual charitable bequest, use these words:
"All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, both
real and personal, I give to Shepherd Center of Kansas
City Central, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, located
in Kansas City, MO, for its general purposes."    

 

Visit us at www.sccentral.org. Call us at 816-444-1121.