The cancer society has several large bike rides, Alzheimer’s Association has the memory walk, Susan G. Komen has the Race For the Cure and the 3Day walk, and my favorite is the Livestrong Challenge which as both walking/jogging and bike riding. No matter which you choose, they promote great causes and get you to exercise. What could possibly be better.

While it would be a good idea for everyone to have a vial of life, it is critical for seniors. You can keep one in your wallet, in your glove compartment, and especially on your refrigerator door, and one in your child’s pocket.

When someone is in an emergency situation, it is often difficult to think straight. Obviously if you are unconscious, you can not speak for yourself at all. At these times, all emergency personnel who are trying to help you need to know many things about you.

Information that is important for them to know about you include:
• Who you are
• What medications you are using
• Any allergies you have
• What illness’s you have.
• Emergency contacts
• Your normal blood pressure
• Are you wearing hearing or seeing devices
• Do you have any implanted devices such as a pacemaker or defibrillator
• What language you speak.
• If possible a record of your last EKG looked
• When you get to the hospital they will want to know what insurance you have.

Planning for emergencies has proven to save lives and the vial of life is just the sort of planning that all seniors need to do. Take the time to have this information at hand. Emergency personnel are trained to check your wallet or look on your refrigerator door for this type of information. The Vial of Life speaks for you when you can’t.

As changes occur, it may become more difficult to make that long drive. Several things should be considered
1. Instead of making the long drive in just a few trips, consider stopping more often and shortening the total miles driven each day.
2. Drive with a partner in your car so that you can have someone to help keep you alert and possibly share the driving.
3. Consider shipping your car and either flying or taking other public transportation. A helpful website where you can get bids on shipping your car is http://www.123movers.com/

Not only should the senior themselves be aware of changes, but their children should also be aware. Ask your parent if there have been any changes since they were last in their home and make plans prior to them coming up.

If they are using home health care services in their winter home, have the agency they are currently getting service from communicate with the agency they will be using. If you do not have an agency already, they may be able to refer you to one.

There are several problems that consumers need to be aware of. First of all, in order for the bond to actually pay for damages, a person must be convicted of theft. That means the home owner must be willing to press charges and have the accused thief arrested. Many seniors are reluctant to do this as they are afraid of the repercussions.

It is often hard to prove that a person has stolen anything unless you actually catch them in the act.

Consumers need to see how much the bond that an agency purchases covers. Some bonds may only be for a few thousand dollars and not large enough to cover a major theft.

The best thing for consumers is to work with a reputable agency that does a very thorough screening. While there is no guarantee that even the most stringent screening process produces 100% honest people, it is certainly better than using a service that has a loose screening system. As the old saying goes “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”

Obviously hiring a person who is bonded does add an additional layer of security, but choosing a reputable service that has proven experience in screening candidates is the best insurance you can get.

CG - What is FOLO all about?

RC - FOLO - Families of Loved Ones is a magazine available as a hardcopy or online. The mission of FOLO is to bring strategies and resources to caregivers and those concerned with loved ones needing assistance.

CG - Who would benefit by reading FOLO?

RC - The magazine is designed to engage those family members who would be most likely to advocate for loved ones. Many readers are advocating and planning for themselves, others for spouses or parents.

CG - How does someone get a copy of FOLO?

RC - Subscriptions are free. Registration is available on the website at www.familiesoflovedones.com, or by mail to FOLO Subscription Offer, 310 Grant Ave, Dumont, NJ 07628.

CG - When is the next issue and what are the major topics?

RC - The Spring 2008 Issue is going to press as we speak. Mailing should occur by February 27th. This issue is covering stress, with articles on Laughter Therapy (Mirth Aid), Meditation and also covering the Influence of Cultural Diversity on decision making, the legal aspect of falling, and hospice.

If you have any funny senior moments, please contact us so we can post them.

This post was first seen on www.dullmen.com/senior_moments.htm

1) Seek help, either from professionals such as geriatric care managers, home health agencies, adult day care or any other service or seek help from family and friends. Don’t be ashamed to ask for it and when it is offered, do not be too proud to accept it. The county Office On Aging often offers free respite programs and advice.
2) Exercise regularly by walking, riding a bike or doing mind body exercises such as tai chi, yoga or Qi gong.
3) Eat well, you will feel better and have more energy.
4) Get enough rest and sleep

Most importantly, think of yourself and NEVER feel guilty for getting getting help or taking the time needed for yourself.

Jack. “Me and the Mrs. went to a good restaurant last night.”

Harry. “What was it called”

Jack was clearly struggling to recall the name. —What’s the name of that flower that women like to get”

“Carnation”

“No. It’s usually red with big petals”

“Poppy”

No. It has a thorny stem.

Do you mean a rose?

That’s it.

Jack picks up his cell phone and phones his wife. —Rose. What was the name of that restaurant we went to last night

Thanks to Peter Kilcoyne for this
This blog was originally found at dullmen.com

An elderly Florida lady did her shopping and, upon returning to her car, found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle.

She dropper her shopping bags and drew her handgun, proceeding to scream at the top of her lungs,“I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car!”

The four men didn’t wait for a second threat. They got out and ran like mad.

The lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to load her shopping bags into the back of the car and got into the driver’s seat. She was so shaken that she could not get her key into the ignition. She tried and tried, and then realized why. It was for the same reason she had wondered why there was a football, a Frisbee and two 12-packs of beer in the front seat.

A few minutes later, she found her own car parked four or five spaces farther down. She loaded her bags into the car and drove to the police station to report her mistake.

The sergeant to whom she told the story couldn’t stop laughing. He pointed to the other end of the counter, where four pale men were reporting a car jacking by a mad, elderly woman described as white, less than five feet tall, curly white hair and carrying a large handgun.

No charges were filed.

Morale of the story? If you’re going to have a senior moment…make it memorable.