LWers learn how to age successfully in the comfort of their home with Alzheimer’s OC

by Katya Lukina

LW staff katyal@lwsb.com

Aging healthy and enjoying life go hand in hand with the help of a few tips when living alone. On July 10, over 60 residents gathered in Clubhouse 3, Room 2 to learn more about aging successfully alone. Presented by the Memory Support Team and the Alzheimer’s OC social worker Tracy Bell, the following are 11 tips that Bell discussed in depth in an hourlong presentation.

Medical ID bracelet

The medical ID bracelet can include current medications, major medical diagnoses, allergies, implanted devices and an emergency contact. They can be found in pharmacies and online (Amazon; MedicAlert).

Refrigerator door signs

The refrigerator door sign is a low tech source of information that can be easily accessed by emergency personnel, neighbors or family members. They can include emergency contacts, healthcare provider’s contact information, instructions for pets in emergencies, poison control phone number: 1-800222-1222, Abrazar non-medical transportation phone number: 714-893-3581, and the phone numbers for Meals on Wheels OC: 714-220-0224 and Meals on Wheels LB: 562-439-5000, ext. 1. Emergency healthcare record

The emergency healthcare form lists the instructions in case of an emergency health visit and can include family names and phone numbers and instructions for pets’ care, and should be kept in a handy place.

Get personal records in order.

Personal records should be kept in one place such as a locked safe or cabinet. Exampler: insurance policies, updated will and estate plans, record of all accounts and their beneficiaries, funeral instructions, and important passwords list.

Duplicate keys

Duplicate keys can be used in an emergency to enter a locked unit to avoid breaking down a door and incurring expensive repairs. Create a “signal” with a neighbor

Neighbors can alert each other through mutually created signs for a welfare check such as porch lights (on/off), curtains (open/ closed), daily phone check-ins or texts and window signs.

Medical response systems

A medical response system can come in the form of a necklace, key chain, a pocket or a voice-activated device. The devices can be priced between $25-45 a month and provide peace of mind to family members and friends.

Durable power of attorney

People can establish their end-of-life wishes by filling out the Five Wishes form that is available at www.fivewishes.org/for-myself/ free of charge. A copy of this form needs to go to a primary care provider and an emergency contact.

Make your home fall safe

Removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars in a bathroom, avoiding step ladders, utilizing better lighting, removing clutter throughout the home and making safety modifications to a bathroom can reduce falls and associated injuries.

Annual mind check

Memory screenings are a wellness tool that help identify possible changes in cognition and thinking in a “first-step” approach. This wellness program creates a baseline for people and helps identify those at risk for cognitive impairment. The screenings are available by appointment through Zoom and in-person by calling 1-844-373-4400.

Don’t try to do everything yourself

It’s okay to need assistance from time to time even when living alone. People can contact the LW Member Resources Liaison Robann Arshat at 562-431-6586, ext. 317, to get connected with the resources and services available and get a home safety assessment.

Tracy Bell shared 11 tips to age successfully when living alone.