Selecting an In Home Care-Giver

So the “Aha” moment arrives. Circumstances make you realize two things. 1) I’m not as young as I used to be, and 2.) “Old age ain’t for sissies” as the great Bette Davis once said.

Gradually, or sometimes suddenly, it happens… we can’t keep up with household chores, we can’t see the street signs to drive safely, we give up cooking or we can’t walk without holding on to the furniture. And it begins, a nagging fear that we’re losing our independence. In fact, loss of independence is the biggest fear among seniors. So what is the typical senior response? Pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and keep on going, of course! Call in the kids to help out! They’re supposed to take care of us in our old age, aren’t they? Unfortunately, the kids have spouses and children of their own. And they have full time jobs, not to mention they live out of town. It’s time for a new strategy.

Many seniors are finding the solution to remaining independent at home lies outside the family circle with paid caregivers. Gina Germany, of Touching Hearts Senior Care explains, “Most seniors find caregivers in two ways.
The old way is to run a classified ad or hire through a temporary service. The senior bears all the “employer” responsibility for this kind of caregiver.”

Germany recommends seniors ask the following questions of independent caregivers:

1. What client references can you provide?
2. What is your experience/background?
3. Do you have any certificates or training? Is it current?
4. Have you worked with ( Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, etc)?
5. What would you do if I had medical emergency?
6. How much notice would I have if you could not come in for a day?
Can you arrange your own substitutes?
7. How do I contact you?
8. Are you bonded? Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
9. Do you have liability insurance?

“These folks are usually less expensive but there’s a lot of risk involved in hiring them”, Germany says. She continues, “The downside is:

 It‘s difficult to find the right person.
 You are responsible for performing a criminal background check
 You are responsible for finding a replacement if the caregiver is absent
 You bear the burden for withholding payroll taxes, and providing state mandated worker’s compensation coverage.
 You bear the burden for liability problems like theft from or damage to your property. “


The new way is to contract with a Senior Care Agency. These private agencies provide “in-home, non-medical care”. The number of agencies is growing quickly to meet the demands of a fast-growing senior population. They provide a wide range of services including light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, transportation, shopping & errands, and in many states including Alabama, assistance with personal care. These one on one services can continue should the senior move into assisted living or even a nursing facility or hospital.”

Companion Care is usually available anywhere from a few hours up to 24 hours a day. Payment is private pay and may be covered by long term care insurance policies.

Some questions Germany suggests you ask a Companion Care agency:

1. Do they have references from other clients?
2. What services will they be providing?
3. What training/experience do the caregivers have?
4. How do they supervise their caregivers?
5. Are the caregivers bonded and covered by workers compensation insurance?
6. What is the schedule for service?
7. How do I change the schedule?
8. What if I have a problem with a caregiver?
9. Does the agency have an emergency or after-hours phone number?
10. What are the financial arrangements?
11. Who owns the agency? Is it part of a larger organization?
12. Are the caregivers employees held accountable by the agency or independent contractors accountable to no one?
13. Does the agency carry Professional Liability Insurance?

The Pros:

 Service is easily customized for each client’s needs
 Extensive hours available
 Staff is screened and supervised
 Agency is responsible for all employer tasks like payroll, taxes, liability insurance, workers compensation, bonding
 Agency is responsible for providing a replacement should the assigned caregiver fail to arrive or need a day off.

Germany says, “This service is more expensive than independent caregivers but the right agency will provide the most customizable, reliable, worry free, in- home service available.”

Veterans Benefits

If you are a Veterans or if you know of a Veteran, please read this important article about benefits that are available for those who qualify.



You cannot be charged for assistance with your VA application.

The applicant will only be paid back to the date that the application is TURNED IN.

It is not difficult to apply if you have trained advocates to assist you.

The Facts:
-VA Pensions are available for Veterans OR surviving spouses of Veterans.
-$22 Billion dollars is set aside each year for pension but very little is ever used.
-Millions of WWII and Korean War Veterans have no idea that it is even available.
-Surviving spouses of Veterans can qualify if they were married to the Veteran at his time of death, and have not remarried since (unless the most recent marriage was to a Veteran).


Preliminary Qualifications:
-90 days of active duty (anywhere in the world), with 1 day during wartime
-Honorably or Medically discharged
-Privately paying for Medical Expenses


Pension amounts:
-Married Veterans receive $1,949.00 per month / Both spouses Veterans $1,291 each
-Single Veterans receive $1,632.00 per month
-Widows of Veterans receive $1,055.00 per month

Department of Veterans Affairs pensions do not work like Medicaid. They are based upon the amount of medical expenses paid out of pocket for:
• Home Health Caregivers and Nursing Homes
• Assisted Living Communities and Alzheimer’s Communities
• Prescriptions and Medicare Supplement Insurance

There are other internet sources that may give out incomplete information to those who are asking for it. Please call even if you feel that you may not qualify.


Please call Gina Germany with Touching Hearts Senior Care at 251-445-4204
or visit our website at www.touchingheartsseniorcare.com

You cannot be charged for assistance with your VA application.

The applicant will only be paid back to the date that the application is TURNED IN.

It is not difficult to apply if you have trained advocates to assist you.

The Facts:
-VA Pensions are available for Veterans OR surviving spouses of Veterans.
-$22 Billion dollars is set aside each year for pension but very little is ever used.
-Millions of WWII and Korean War Veterans have no idea that it is even available.
-Surviving spouses of Veterans can qualify if they were married to the Veteran at his time of death, and have not remarried since (unless the most recent marriage was to a Veteran).


Preliminary Qualifications:
-90 days of active duty (anywhere in the world), with 1 day during wartime
-Honorably or Medically discharged
-Privately paying for Medical Expenses


Pension amounts:
-Married Veterans receive $1,949.00 per month / Both spouses Veterans $1,291 each
-Single Veterans receive $1,632.00 per month
-Widows of Veterans receive $1,055.00 per month

Department of Veterans Affairs pensions do not work like Medicaid. They are based upon the amount of medical expenses paid out of pocket for:
• Home Health Caregivers and Nursing Homes
• Assisted Living Communities and Alzheimer’s Communities
• Prescriptions and Medicare Supplement Insurance

There are other internet sources that may give out incomplete information to those who are asking for it. Please call even if you feel that you may not qualify.


Please call Gina Germany with Touching Hearts Senior Care at 251-445-4204
or visit our website at www.touchingheartsseniorcare.com

2010 Senior Fest

A fundraising event to honor our Senior population and raise money for the United Way of Southwest Alabama and the Area Agency on Aging

INTRODUCTION
Touching Hearts Senior Care (THSC) is proud to present the 2010 SENIOR FEST, October 23, 2010 from 9 am – 2 pm with Opening Ceremony beginning at 10 am. This event is created to be an annual event to honor our senior and veteran populations with entertainment, food, beverages, and education. All the proceeds raised will be divided equally between United Way of Southwest Alabama and the Area Agency on Aging in Mobile.

BACKGROUND
For over three years THSC has been helping the elderly in our community with activities of daily living, including transportation, personal care, light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, running errands, medical reminders, and performing other duties that will help our seniors stay safe and independent in their homes.

THSC realizes that there are many seniors and veterans that feel they have been forgotten and we want to show them they deserve to be honored for their lives and contributions to society. We also realize that our seniors’ and veterans’ families and friends need to have information available to them to help understand how the long term care process works, and how it is changing in order that they can successfully care for their loved ones.

You have been carefully selected to participate as a sponsor for this event because of your dedication to seniors in our community, and because of your ethical business practices. We are offering your company the Sponsorship opportunities in this proposal to seek maximum exposure for your Company by linking your organization with this wonderful event.

OPPORTUNITY
• Premiere Sponsorship Package
• Presenting Sponsorship Package
• Platinum Sponsorship Package
• Premium Sponsorship Package
• T-shirt Sponsor
• Contributor


THSC 2010 SENIOR FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 23, 2010, 9 am – 2 pm, 1301 Azalea Rd, Mobile, AL

BENEFITING UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST ALABAMA AND THE AREA AGENCY ON AGING

EVENT SPONSORSHIP

PLEASE CONTACT TOUCHING HEARTS SENIOR CARE FOR A COMPLETE SPONSORSHIP PACKET:

Touching Hearts Senior Care, 1301 Azalea Rd. Mobile, AL 36693 Tel: 251-445-4204
Email: gina@touchingheartsseniorcare.com

Sponsorship Levels
Premiere Sponsors $5,000 - Three sponsorships available

• Our Premiere Sponsor’s Name will appear predominately on all media announcements, i.e., radio, television, and social media sites
• Our Premiere Sponsor’s Name will appear predominately on all printed material, including newspaper announcements, fliers, posters, programs, and T-shirts
• Premiere Sponsors will receive recognition at the beginning of the event and have the opportunity to provide a corporate banner on stage
• Premiere Sponsors will have the opportunity to be recognized and speak on the main stage during opening ceremonies in front of the attendees and throughout event
• Premiere booth location provided
• Web link to all social media sites and web site link
• Sponsor may provide a product sample, coupon, or literature for attendees

Presenting Sponsors $2,500 – Five sponsorships available

• Our Presenting Sponsor’s Name will appear on all media announcements, i.e., radio, television, and social media sites
• Our Presenting Sponsor’s Name will appear on all printed material, including newspaper announcements, fliers, posters, programs, and T-shirts
• Presenting Sponsors will receive recognition at the beginning of the event
• Booth provided
• Web link to all social media sites and web site link
• Sponsor may provide a product sample, coupon, or literature for attendees

Platinum Sponsor $1,000 – Five sponsorships available

• Our Platinum Sponsor’s Name will appear on all printed material, including newspaper announcements, fliers, posters, and programs
• Our Platinum Sponsor’s Name will appear on T-shirts
• Web link to all social media sites and web site link
• Sponsor may provide a product sample, coupon, or literature for attendees
• Booth location provided

Premium Sponsors $500 – Seven sponsorships available

• Our Premium Sponsor’s Name will appear on all T-shirts
• Recognition on fliers, posters, and programs
• Booth provided
• Web link to all web sites and all social media sites
• Sponsor may provide a product sample, coupon, or literature for attendees

T-shirt Sponsor $250 – Ten sponsorships available

• Our T-shirt Sponsor’s name will be appear on all attendee’s T-shirts

Contributions of $100 or more names will be listed in the program.

Event date: October 23, 2010
• Vendor exhibits – 9 am – 2 pm
• Opening Ceremony begins at 10 am

For more information or questions call: Gina Germany at 251-445-4204

Let's Talk About Elder Abuse

Elder abuse refers to any action or inaction that results in harm to a senior citizen or puts the senior at risk of harm. This may be physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. It may involve neglect or desertion of a senior citizen. Or, it may be the misuse or theft of an elderly person's property or money. A family member or friend may commit elder abuse. It may also be perpetrated by health care providers in the home or in a facility.

Elder abuse is a serious problem in the United States. Every year, there are hundreds of thousands of senior citizens who experience this type of abuse. Legislatures in all 50 states have passed laws preventing the abuse of senior citizens. Although these laws differ, Adult Protective Services (APS) agencies in each state investigate reports regarding elder abuse.

Types of Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse is a general term that refers to any deliberate or negligent act that puts a senior citizen in harms way. It may be committed in various ways, and they are listed below:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Psychological or emotional abuse
• Material and financial exploitation
• Neglect
• Self-neglect
• Abandonment

Signs of Elder Abuse

Although a single sign may not necessarily indicate abuse, there are some signs that are highly suggestive of elder abuse. These include:

• Bruises, burns, broken bones, or abrasions
• Withdrawal from normal activities without explanation
• Bruises around the breasts or genital area
• Sudden change in finances
• Unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, or unusual weight loss
• Verbal belittling or threats to the senior

Reporting Elder Abuse

In the case of an emergency, always call 9-1-1. If the elder abuse does not result in medical emergency or pose an immediate threat, one can contact Adult Protective Services (APS). In most cases, APS will conduct an investigation. Services for victims who may need crisis intervention are also available.

If you suspect a senior citizen you know is being abused, get help. If the person is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If not, call your state's APS agency. You will not need to give your name or provide proof. All reports are kept confidential.

Written by: The Caring Space

POP-IN SERVICE

This is how the Pop-In Service works:

Aunt Mary Lynn wants to stay in her home for as long as possible. She is a little unsteady on her feet, and sometimes doesn’t bother to make herself a hot meal because it is too much trouble and easier to eat cold cereal. A Touching Hearts Senior Care Caregiver will pop-in for 30 minutes in the morning to help her out of bed and get a hot meal for a fee of $15.00. Each Pop-In Service is customized to each individual’s needs. The service guidelines are as follows:

· Requires a consistent, week-to-week schedule
· Is offered Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM & 9:00 PM
· Is available in increments of 15, 30, 60, or 90 minutes per visit
· Is typically used by clients who only require a short visit in situations like those below:

§ Check on a loved one and make sure s/he is okay
§ Ensure that a loved one is taking medications
§ Help with quick dusting, vacuuming, or other light cleaning
§ Help with a quick trip to/from the grocery story or an appointment
§ Take out the garbage, get the mail, heat up a quick meal
§ Provide peace of mind that a loved one is cared for
§ Help with or monitor bathing/showering
§ Help getting in and out of bed
§ Help putting on / taking off support stockings

Pop-In Service
15 minutes: $11.00
30 minutes: $15.00
60 minutes: $22.00
90 minutes: $27.00

Warning Signs that a Senior Might Need Help Managing Finances

The following is Provided by CSA: http://www.csa.us/

Even though many seniors have planned for their retirement by investing in IRAs and 401(k)s, paying off large debts such as cars and homes, and reducing their discretionary expenses, there is one factor that people tend to overlook: planning for the day when they turn their money management over to someone else.

Because seniors are living longer than ever, thinking about the possibility of a time when they need help with financial matters is increasingly necessary. For many independent seniors, the idea of turning over their money management is frightening, but advance planning can make the transition easier both for seniors and their adult children.

Where to Start
It's best to discuss finances before a problem arises. Once the money is running out or a medical emergency arises, it might be too late for a financial plan to be effective.

Signs that a senior might need help in managing his or her finances include the following:
• bounced checks
• piled up mail
• unpaid bills
• mounting credit card debt
• calls from creditors
• forgetfulness

Financial Document Checklist
In organizing a senior's finances, the caregiver must obtain a variety of information. The following financial information and/or documents should be located (or created), then stored in a safe place.

• Bank account numbers/brokerage statements
• Names and contact information for lawyer, broker and insurance agents
• Social Security cards
• IRA/401(k)/pension statements
• Tax returns for the past 3-5 years
• Deed to the house
• A list of debts (loans, etc.)
• Copies of all insurance policies
• Copies of wills
• Copies of all power-of-attorney documents and trusts
• Prepaid funeral contract

Tread Lightly
Children and other caregivers should raise the subject of finances during a stress-free time, and in a non-threatening manner. It's often helpful to include an attorney or financial advisor in this discussion. Focus on planning for financial security rather than sharing opinions about financial priorities.

A good first step is to get a firm handle on the senior's income and expenses. Remember to approach this stage in a non-judgmental manner, simply gathering information. Determine the following:
• Monthly income
• Monthly expenses
• How bills are paid (by written check versus automatically)
• Medical and other extraordinary expenses
• Outstanding debt
• Investments

Be sure to over-estimate how long the senior will need to live on his or her fixed income.

Other Considerations
In addition to financial records, the caregiver should obtain information about the senior's:
• Will
• Living Will
• Power of Attorney
• Insurance: life, medical, long-term care, disability
• Estate planning

Seniors often delay writing wills or planning for the disposal of their estate in the event of their death. But the best time to address these topics is while the senior is still fully cognizant and able to make sound decisions.

Get More Involved
Once the caregiver has a full picture of the senior's finances, a collaborative financial plan can be created. In the short term, the caregiver should be added to all of the senior's accounts (financial accounts, as well as household-type accounts). Adult children might need to monitor their parents' finances periodically, perhaps simply by regularly reviewing financial statements.

Over time, the caregiver can take over managing the senior's finances. Because this is a delicate transition, it's helpful to follow some guidelines:

• Maintain complete and accurate records.
• Approach the task with a professional attitude, rather than personal.
• Keep the senior involved and aware of his or her finances as long as possible.

Security in the Golden Years
Discussing finances with an aging parent can be difficult for adult children. Seniors can be reluctant to give up their independence, so it's helpful to let them maintain a sense of control over their financial situation. A shared approach is best at first, with a gradual transition of financial responsibility to the caregiver. The ultimate goal is to ensure the senior's financial security, to make the "golden years" as comfortable as possible.

EIGHT AREAS OF AGING

1. Brain: Memory and Alzheimer's Disease
Many people become anxious about developing memory impairments as they transition into being senior citizens and begin to worry that forgetting details is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Confusion and loss of memory were thought to be inevitable parts of aging in the past, but we now know that people can still be able and alert despite aging. Senior citizens and those responsible for providing their elder care should be aware of these changes in memory and work to prevent, identify, and treat them.
Over the past several years, researchers have been looking at a type of cognitive change known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This is separate from cognitive changes related to aging and often progresses to AD over some years. Senior citizens with amnesic MCI have a specific memory difficulty and have ongoing problems with memory, but they do not develop other losses seen in AD like confusion, attention problems, and problems with language.
2. Bones and Joints
As we age, our bones and movable joints are subject to wear and tear. The most common conditions among senior citizens in this area of the body are as follows:
Osteoporosis. This is a disease that causes bones mainly in the hips, backbone, and wrists to weaken to the point of breaking easily. As people, especially women, age into their 40s and 50s, bones start to weaken, and the outer shell of the bone gets thinner.
Arthritis. This is not one type of disease; there are many types of arthritis, and each has different symptoms and treatments. In general, arthritis can become a problem in most any joint in the body. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type in senior citizens. It begins when cartilage begins to wear away, and at its worst, all the cartilage in a joint is worn away, causing bare bones to painfully rub against each other. Conversely, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. People with RA have immune systems that attack the lining of their joints as if it were an injury or disease. It leads to inflammation in the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness for hours.
Consuming enough calcium and vitamin D and including regular weight-bearing exercise in your lifestyle are extremely important in preventing weak bones in senior citizens. Methods of improving quality of life and reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis include weight loss and exercises in light resistance and flexibility. In rheumatoid arthritis, the most effective treatment is drug therapy to modify the immune system response and decrease joint damage.
3. Eyes and Ears: Eyesight and Hearing Changes with Age
Eyesight usually declines around age 40, and cataracts and macular degeneration may develop around age 60. Hearing weakens with age.
Sight:
Presbyopia. This is a gradual loss of ability to see objects close to you or read small print. This condition is normal in senior citizens, and a usual treatment is simply to get a pair of reading glasses.
Cataracts. These are areas of cloudiness in the lens of the eye that cause loss of sight. Generally, these form slowly without symptoms, and some remain small and do not interfere with vision. Others may grow large or dense, harming vision. Cataract surgery, which is very safe and common, can be very helpful.
Glaucoma. This is a result of fluid inside the eye causing too much pressure. Gradually, this pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to loss of vision and blindness. Often, senior citizens with glaucoma lack early symptoms of pain or pressure, but annual eye exams that include dilating your pupils can protect you from developing this disease.
Retinal disorders. These disorders are some of the most common causes of blindness in the United States. The most prevalent among senior citizens is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects the area of the retina that provides sharp central vision. Treatment of AMD includes photodynamic therapy, which uses a drug and a strong light to delay the progress of the disorder. Another common retinal disorder is a degenerative disease that affects vision and is called diabetic retinopathy. It is important that senior citizens seek appropriate medical care, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and have frequent follow-ups to help reduce its prevalence.
Two new drugs, ranibizumab (Lucentis) and bevacizumab (Avastin), are now being used to treat neovascular macular degeneration in senior citizens.
Hearing:
Presbycusis. This is slowly progressing hearing loss caused by aging.
Tinnitus. This is a ringing, roaring, or other noise that may come with hearing loss. It may be caused by loud noise, hearing loss, some medicines, and other health problems like allergies or problems in the heart and blood vessels.
4. Digestive and Metabolic
Gastrointestinal problems are more common in senior citizens. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close properly, causing the contents of the stomach to leak back-or reflux-into the esophagus. If this sensation of heartburn happens more than two times per week, it may be considered to be GERD, which can lead to more serious health risks.
Many senior citizens are pre-diabetic, which raises their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
5. Urogenital
Incontinence. This is the term for loss of bladder control, from mild leaking to uncontrollable wetting, that is very common in senior citizens. It is not caused by aging alone; factors causing it may be urinary tract infections, vaginal infection or irritation, constipation, or certain medicines. Many cases of incontinence can be controlled or cured with treatment, so it is important to talk to a doctor or another involved in your elder care about this.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The urethra, which passes urine, is surrounded by the prostate gland. Since the prostate gland grows with age, it may begin to squeeze the urethra. Tumors in the prostate may also contribute to this problem. This growth or unrelated infections may cause problems with passing urine. Some men experience this symptom in their 30s or 40s, whereas others do not notice this until a later age.
Prostate cancer. This is the second most common type of cancer in men in the United States. Frequent check-ups are important in identifying and treating this disease.
6. Dental: gingivitis, periodontitis, loss of teeth
Tooth decay can occur regardless of age as long as you have natural teeth. It ruins the enamel that covers and protects the teeth. Plaque forms when you neglect your teeth and bacteria clings to them, forming a sticky, colorless film that can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Another factor in causing tooth decay is gum disease. Using a fluoride toothpaste can help protect your teeth, as it is just as helpful for senior citizens as it is for children.
Gum diseases. These are sometimes called periodontal or gingival diseases, and they are infections that harm the gum and bone holding the teeth in place. If plaque stays on the teeth for too long, it forms tartar, which brushing doesn't clean and which continues to damage the teeth. When plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, gingivitis is formed. Gingivitis can form areas in which your gums lift away from your teeth, forming easily infected pockets. This is called periodontitis, which, if not properly treated, can ruin the bones, gums, and tissue supporting the teeth. It could even loosen your teeth in time, warranting removal of those teeth.
7. Skin Care for the Elderly
Staying out of the sun is the easiest and least expensive way of avoiding skin damage. Sunlight is the main cause of our changing appearance as we age-including wrinkles, age spots, and dryness. Smoking can also increase the number of visible wrinkles because the chemicals in cigarettes damage elastin proteins in the skin. Skin changes with age; for example, you sweat less as you get older, leading to more dryness. Skin also loses fat, causing it to appear less smooth. Still, senior citizens can take steps to protect themselves from the sun's harmful effects.
Dry skin. This appears mainly on the lower legs, elbows, and forearms and affects many senior citizens. Skin may feel rough, scaly, and itchy. This could be aggravated by low humidity, which can be worsened by overheating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. Dryness is also caused by the loss of sweat and oil glands that accompanies aging. Other things that may lead to dry skin are overusing soaps, antiperspirants, perfumes, and hot baths or dehydration, sun exposure, smoking, and stress.
Skin cancer. This is the most common kind of cancer in the United States. Three types of skin cancer are the most prevalent. These include basal cell carcinomas, the most common, which grow slowly and rarely spread; squamous cell carcinomas, which seldom spread but do so more often than basal cell carcinomas; and the most dangerous common skin cancer, melanoma, which can (often fatally) spread to other organs.
Shingles. This affects nerves, causing pain and blisters in senior citizens. It is caused by the same virus that afflicts people with chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains in some of your nerve cells and, for reasons unknown, can become active again rather than remaining inactive. This regained activity produces shingles.
Senior citizens with shingles feel sick with a rash on their body or face. Shingles targets older people rather than children, and about 20 percent of people who have had chickenpox as children will develop shingles after the age of 50.
8. Functional Abilities
Senior citizens often suffer from injuries caused by falling. This may be caused by other changes, including loss of sight, hearing, muscle strength, coordination, or reflexes. Diabetes, heart disease, or complications with your circulation or nervous system may negatively affect balance, and some medicines can cause dizziness. Any of these could cause a senior citizen to be more prone to falling.
As with most problems experienced by senior citizens, the better you take care of yourself, the less prone you will be to falling. A test called a bone mineral density test can tell you how strong your bones are. If necessary, your doctor can use the results of this test to prescribe medications that will make your bones stronger and less likely to break.