Tips to Remember

Fire Safety Tips of Older Adults

* If you have to smoke, have a designated area, such as your kitchen table or in a smoking room.
*Never smoke in bed while reading, it is too easy to fall asleep. Newspapers and print material are highly flammable.
*Keep space heaters well-ventilated and at least three feet away from flammable material. If you feel cold, it is better to put on a sweater or cover yourself with a blanket.
*Extension cords are for temporary use only.
*Never run electrical cords under a carpet or rug, and avoid using an extension cord with a space heater or electric blanket.
*Do not use dish towels as pot holders. They will ignite easily if they come in contact with a hot burner.
*When you are cooking, remember to wear tight-fitting or sleeveless clothing. Burn injuries happen when clothing comes in contact with hot burners or catches on pot handles which causes spills that scald.
*Sleep with your bedroom door closed. If fire occurs, this may give you time to escape.
*A working smoke alarm could be the difference between life or death in a fire, but only if they are properly installed and maintained.
*If you require assistance with the location or installation of your smoke alarm, call your local fire department.
*You should have a working smoke alarm on every floor in your home and outside your sleeping area.
*It is very important to test your smoke alarm while you are asleep: have a relative or friend perform this test for you. If you can't hear the smoke alarm, it isn't much good to you!
*Once a month test the battery by pushing the test button or directing smoke from a snuffed out candle into the alarm.
*Once a year change the battery and replace your smoke alarm if it is more than 10 years old.

Elder Abuse Resource Guide

The South Westman Regional Health Authority Elder Abuse Task Force was created in response to an incident involving abuse of an elderly person. The following information has been taken from the "Assiniboine Regional Health Authority" Elder Abuse Resource Guide. This guide is available at any SIS office upon request.

Rights of the Individual

*Older individuals have the right to privacy.
*Older individuals have the right to make decisions and live their lives as they wish provided they do not infringe on the rights or safety of others.
*This includes the right to refuse assistance an intervention.
*Older individuals have the right to live in safety and without fear. This includes the right to be free from physical, emotional, and financial abuse as well as from neglect.
*Older individuals have the right to information required to make meaningful and informed choices. This includes information about their legal and civil rights, resources and the range of service options available to them to address their needs.
*Older individuals have the right to basic requirements of life: food, clothing, shelter, etc.

Definitions and Types of Abuse

Definition of Elder Abuse: Is any action/inaction by a person in a position of trust that results in harm to or jeopardizes the well-being or safety of an older person.

No one Characteristic automatically points to abuse or neglect of the older adult. One should look for multiple factors that might indicate mistreatment. Some adults may have severe physical or emotional problems resulting from disease or the aging process. Indicators that trigger further investigation may include the following:

1. Physical: any unwanted physical and/or sexual contact. Any act of violence or rough treatment.
2. Financial Abuse: Any situation involving the dishonest or illegal use of an adult's personal money or property and/or possessions. This includes: fraud, force, misrepresentation, theft, "conning", extortion, withholding, forcing changes of will or property titles, misuse of power of attorney.
3. Emotional Abuse: Any behaviour which provokes fear of violence or isolation, emotional stress or mental anguish. Any behaviour which diminishes a person's sense of identity, dignity, or self-worth. This includes: threatening, name calling, humiliation, withholding affection, social isolation, removal of decision making rights, insulting, harassment, intimidation, coercion.
4. Neglect: Withholding any basic needs of life. This includes abandonment, confinement, lack of attention, withholding food, hygiene or medical care, denial of clothing, heat and shelter.

Intervention

There may be opportunities for you to assist individuals in accessing available community services. If you suspect abuse contact the appropriate community resources.

1. Develop a trusting relationship: You can be supportive when talking to the abused person by reminding them they are not alone, it's not their fault, they don't have to put up with it, something can be done, help is available.
2. Emotional Support: Maintaining contact with the individual provides emotional support to the individual even if it is not outwardly shown to be appreciated - don't give up! Practice active listening, reflect and clarify what you hear, ask, discuss, give options. Allow time for the person to decide what they want.
3. Develop a safety plan: The older individual will require assistance to develop a safety plan. This can either be done by yourself or by referring the individual to an appropriate resource.
4. Documentation: Later in privacy, write down everything that was said and note how the individual looked, reacted, and the tone of voice. Document the facts of the situation: who, what, when, where, why.
5. Reporting/Not Reporting: To date there is no mandatory legislation for the reporting of elder abuse in community settings as there is for the abuse of children. For more information about elder abuse call 1-888-896-7183. Please note that if your concern relates to a person in an institutional setting there is mandatory reporting as set out in the Protection of persons in Care Act call #1-866-440-6366.

Glenboro, South Cypress, Wawanesa Handi Transit has bus passes available through our office any time. A pass is $45.00 ( a $48.00 transportation value)

Send comments to webmaster. Last modified Wednesday, March 12, 2008 7:37 PM
Copyright 2008 by Betty Taras

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