Age Safe® America thanks all the EMS teams, nurses, doctors, support staff and caregivers working tirelessly on the front lines. We send prayers to all those in recovery and those who have lost a family member or loved one. We sincerely hope that your own social distancing or self/government mandated isolation is going as well as can be expected. How we choose to spend our time now will impact those around us, our families and our future, so let’s make the best of it. During times of adversity and change we all have an opportunity to learn, improve and grow stronger. Life is a one-time offer, use it well.
We are here to help you make a difference.
Age Safe® America is a diverse membership of service providers, organizations, corporations and non-profits all committed to providing quality services to our aging demographic. We, in the Age Safe® community, have an opportunity to promote best practices and provide peace of mind (or at least less stress) for our clients, their families and caregivers. Our members, partners and certification graduates serve the most vulnerable population, in their homes and in care settings. This is a time when we must all respond, do things in ways we may not be used to, and lead by example.
On the bright side, there are many good things that could come from this massive social experiment, with personal and social hygiene possibly being one of the most important. Yes, washing your hands really can reduce the spread of not just this coronavirus, but influenza as well. Telehealth products and solutions will begin to take a bigger role in healthcare. Businesses and individuals might even get comfortable with video conferencing in ways that permanently reduce business travel, and perhaps some of these new hygiene habits will make us all a bit healthier in the long run. I am confident after this is over we will find new and creative ways to work, study, train, and live fully.
It’s often said, “change is the only constant”.
And this current situation won’t last forever.
Well known thought leader and best selling author and trainer Brendon Burchard, says, “Use this time to prepare yourself. Learn a new skill, position yourself for all the demand that will need to be filled when we get through this period. I don’t know what your goals are for the future, but please start learning right now. Go get online courses. Research, get books, mentors, new tools to win. Don’t mess around right now. What you do now will set you up for the long, long, long road ahead.” Now is the time to gain momentum both in your mission to serve others, and with gaining the knowledge and tools to grow.
Even as this pandemic is unprecedented in many of our lives, we are coming into a senior population explosion that is unprecedented in ALL of human history. The longevity economy, which serves the needs of Americans over 50, is currently a $7.1 trillion market and composes 46% of the U.S. economy, according to Oxford Economics. As Baby Boomers age, the niche is forecasted to grow to more than $13.5 trillion by 2032.
If you are currently a senior services provider; consider taking 5-hours to better position yourself, earn a valuable certification and develop an additional business builder? The Senior Home Safety Specialist™ certification empowers professionals with actionable ways to better help educate clients, older adults and their family members on the serious issues of home safety, fall prevention, financial exploitation and personal safety. …use Code: “SAVE100” to Save $100
If you are an entrepreneur wishing to engage this burgeoning market, the full Advisor Member Training and Coaching Program has been our premier training since 2015. This comprehensive package is designed for those looking to build and/or scale a business around Home Safety Assessments and Aging in Place Home Modifications. Targeted coaching offers the real life; best practices marketing strategies and client messaging many are looking for to effectively engage this growing market. …ask about available scholarships.
It is not a question of “if” we will have problems in life, that’s a given, we will. What stands us apart is how we work together to solve them. History shows we will find a solution and ultimately come out stronger, together.
We greatly appreciate your continued trust during this challenging time, and thank you sincerely for your efforts to keep our most vulnerable people safe and healthy. Let us know how we can help you and your team make a difference.
From our family to yours,
Age Safe® Live Well.
We are all in this together…please be kind to one another!
Since 2015 Age Safe® America has trained professionals throughout North America, Europe and the Middle East. We have positioned ourselves as a training and consulting leader in the Aging in Place space with our Senior Home Safety Specialist™ certification. We have trained OT’s, PT’s, MD’s, RN’s, CNA’s, CSA’s, Family Caregivers, Care Managers, Social Workers, First Responders, College Professors, Entrepreneurs, Industry Executives, Home Care Agencies, Assisted Living Communities, Healthcare Networks, Realtors, Contractors, Remodelers, Home Inspectors, Handyman Services, Non-Profit and Fortune 100 Companies.
Coronavirus Concerns: Get 24/7 Chronic Care and Monitoring System
This is truly proving to be a once in a lifetime reaction to an illness! Worldwide we are witnessing quarantines, social distancing, food and supply shortages at grocery, overworked medical staff, shortages of medical supplies, and closed restaurants and shops. The physical, mental, emotional and economic impact of coronavirus concerns on all consumers and businesses will prove trying in the coming weeks. The most vulnerable group of people are seniors. Seniors in Nursing homes are not allowed to discharge. Visitation is significantly restricted. It is advised to not visit them at their homes if you are potentially exposed to the virus. Homecare agencies are being tasked with increasing their caregiving needs, however, they already have a shortage of staff before this! Visiting nursing agencies, who are attempting to provide that bridge of medical care to recently returning ill and seniors are being told to hold their visits for several weeks, or to discharge their customers entirely by family members.
This lack of monitoring for our most vulnerable is deeply concerning to professionals and to our loved ones! Remote monitoring of people is an option. Please consider the Electronic Caregiver’s Pro Health system. Pro Health is a comprehensive public health and safety monitoring system. Some of the reassuring features are:
-24/7 powering by Amazon Web Services and AT&T Wireless -24/7 Health Emergency Wearable Pendant -Monitored body temperature vital device and daily reminder -Voice controlled virtual health assessment -Monitored medication reminders -24/7 physician on demand service-PocketMD -Remote monitoring app for loved ones and professionals
Telemedicine such as Pro Health isn’t just a wonderfully convenient way to get the care needed, it’s also a way to slow or prevent the spread of COVID-19. Seniors don’t have to go wait for hours in clinics and ERs that are increasingly crowded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They don’t risk catching COVID-19 from others – or spreading it. Pro Health helps them take care of their health. Electronic Caregiver® is right there with you, night and day. Those who need to know will be notified, and you will receive the excellent and professional monitoring that will give you true peace of mind.
This system is able to replace worry with care and is very low cost for the peace of mind offered.
Trying to contribute in small ways to keep our most vulnerable safe we have arranged a substantial savings on this system with Electronic Caregiver®. Age Safe® America is able to offer an additional 25% off this product for all individuals or businesses who obtain this system through the process below.
Age Safe® offers an additional 25% OFF the regular price above.
With all the other news, we seem to have missed the switch back to daylight savings time.
You may be at home more in the next two weeks so here are some action items to stay busy and stave off boredom! You can even get the kids involved, if they are home from school!
Check and replace batteries in the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If the devices are more than 10 years old, simply replace them.
Check all the light bulbs (inside and outside). Replace with LED bulbs if possible.
Check your flashlight batteries and replace, if needed.
Check your first aid kit and your emergency kit for expired items and replace.
Replace your furnace filter and schedule seasonal service.
Clean the oven and stove.
Re-organize the pantry and discard expired items.
Re-caulk the shower or tub.
Clean out the dryer filter vent.
Check out the following items in your car:
Lights
Windshield wipers
Fluids
Tire pressure
Emergency kit
Update your computer virus scanner.
Review your homeowner’s insurance.
Update the family emergency plan.
Let’s make the best use of our time around our homes with positive steps toward safety!
If emergency officials in your community issued a mandatory evacuation order to get out of the path of a wildfire, hurricane or other natural disaster, are you prepared for an emergency; would you know what to take with you, the evacuation route you would take and where you would go until it was safe to return home?
Do you have a personal evacuation plan in place?
If you answered “yes,” you’re like 49% of the 1,795 respondents Mercury Insurance recently surveyed for its emergency preparedness quiz. However, if the question was rephrased to inquire about “having an evacuation plan and practicing it at least once a year,” the results show only 23% meet this criteria.
“Safety should be your first priority in any situation involving a possible disaster or emergency event, and you should respond to mandatory evacuation orders immediately,” said Christopher O’Rourke, vice president of property claims at Mercury Insurance. “Your first instinct might be to panic, so having an evacuation plan in place and practicing it regularly will help ensure you and your family are ready to go at a moment’s notice. And it will also help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that will undoubtedly be a part of such a nerve-wracking situation.”
The survey also revealed that 39% of homeowners were unsure if they have enough coverage to rebuild if their home is damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster, and 34% don’t have a home inventory they could provide to their insurance company to help get these items replaced. “Homeowners and renters should make a point of touching base with their insurance agents at least once a year to reassess coverage needs,” said O’Rourke. “It’s a good idea to make sure you have enough coverage as you accumulate more belongings, make changes to your home or your family expands – these details may affect your policy limits, as well as create a need for endorsements you might want to consider adding to your policy.”
There is some good news, however, as 88% of respondents said they have an in-home emergency kit stocked with essential items they will need if disaster strikes. If you don’t have a kit, here is a list of the items you may want to include in your kit:
* A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person), non-perishable food items and pet food, if applicable;
* A battery-powered or hand-crank radio (and extra batteries);
* A flashlight;
* A first aid kit;
* A whistle to signal for help;
* A can opener;
* Blankets;
* Tools to turn off utilities;
* $200 in cash in small bills, as power may be out, making ATMs, debit and credit cards unusable;
* Fully charged battery packs so you can recharge your cell phone; and
* Prescriptions for you and your pets.
The bottom line is that extreme weather events are anticipated to increase, and you can never be too cautious or over-prepared to protect against Mother Nature. “It’s a bit alarming to discover that, although natural disasters are in the news on a seemingly regular basis, many Americans still aren’t properly preparing themselves if one happens in their neighborhood or city,” said O’Rourke. “These events can have serious repercussions and adopting a wait-and-see attitude is not an option.”
Fritzi Gros-Daillon, Director of Education for Age Safe® America traveled to Las Vegas this week to receive the NAHB 2019 Educator of the Year award at the 2020 NAHB International Builders Show®. During the Designation Reception Fritzi said, “Having taught CAPS and Universal Design courses to 300 students from 22 states in the last four years; it has been a privilege to have this platform to share vital information that changes lives for professionals and the myriad of clients and families they will serve.”
As part of the Pre-Show Education, Fritzi had the opportunity to teach the first course in the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation training series on Saturday, January 18th. The course was “Marketing and Communicating with the Aging in Place Client” and the students were professionals from many sectors within the construction, building and service industries looking to make a mark in the Longevity Economy.
International Builders Show 2020
The NAHB International Builders Show® (IBS) is the largest annual light construction show in the world. IBS 2020 is taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The 2020 Builders’ Show will bring together more than 1,400 top manufacturers and suppliers from around the globe in 600,000 net square feet of exhibit space, showcasing the latest and most in-demand products and services.
IBS 2020 offers the most up-to-date and innovative education the building industry has to offer. It features sessions in seven tracks, taught by renowned building industry experts from across the country. Be prepared to learn, connect and grow with these incredible educational offerings: Project Management, Design & Community Planning, Business Management, Sales & Marketing, Industry Trends & Emerging Issues, Custom Building & Remodeling, Multifamily Housing.
With topics including, expanding your business into the aging-in-place market, the latest trends in universal design, to solutions for livable homes and technology, there is literally something for everyone.
Many falls are preventable, but prevention is contingent upon your understanding of the factors placing an individual at risk of falling.
Factors contributing to the risk of falling are internal (physical and medical) as well as external (environmental) factors that could cause an older adult to fall.
Internal Factors – Many older adults experience:
– changes in their muscles and bones, weakness or loss of strength;
– vision changes, such as adjusting to lightness and darkness, sensitivity to glare, and/or decreasing depth perception;
– balance problems, automatic reflexes weakening;
– cardiovascular (heart) difficulties, which can often lead to numbness in the limbs, or loss of blood to the brain, which can cause fainting;
– medications that can affect their judgment and coordination;
– chronic and acute diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, arthritis), which a fall can reveal;
– depression and/or sleep deprivation, making them less alert.
External Factors – An older adult’s environment or circumstances can also increase the likelihood of falling, including:
– clutter, unclear walkways, or lack of support systems, such as railings;
– slippery floor surfaces;
– lack of proper lighting;
Transitioning from another setting (such as their home, independent living apartment, or from the hospital) can also be stressful, especially for those living with dementia, as older adults figure out their new surroundings and daily routines.
Some risk factors considered to have a high association with falls, which are also modifiable, include:
the fear of falling
limitations in mobility and undertaking the activities of daily living
impaired walking patterns (gait)
impaired balance
visual impairment
reduced muscle strength
poor reaction times
use of multiple medications specifically benzodiazepines, antidepressants, anti-psychotics and psychoactive medications
Need Help to ensure your safety or the safety of a family member?
If you are a senior or caregiver please use the form to the right>>>
Check “Need Services Referral” and be very specific as to what services you or your loved one needs, and where exactly you or they currently live (city, state, zip code). We will attempt to match you with a qualified professional.
