Seminar to focus on safety of seniors in their homes
As the number of senior citizens who live independently increases, so does the need to make sure they remain safe in their homes.
The Taylor County Health Department along with Taylor County Commission on Aging and other members of the Supporting Healthy Aging Coalition are working together to promote a series of seminars for Home Safety for Seniors.
The first seminar will be held on Nov. 28 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Northcentral Technical College Campus located on Progressive Ave. in Medford. Light refreshments will be available at the seminar and people are asked to RSVP by calling 715-748-1420.
The 90-minute session will include tips to keep you and your loved ones safe around the house and help prepare you for emergencies. The program will also include information about reducing the risk of injuries from falls, carbon monoxide poisoning and other dangers.
All attendees will receive two free battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors and be entered for a chance to win a free fire extinguisher. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is a by-product of the combustion of fossil fuels such as natural gas and oil.
Most carbon monoxide exposures happen in the winter with unvented or improperly vented space heaters that use combustible fuel such as kerosene or gas being the biggest cause nationwide. While newer model heaters include oxygen sensor shut-offs, older models often do not have these which can lead to issues.
Other common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning include Malfunctioning cooking appliances; Tobacco smoke; Clogged chimneys; Auto exhaust or idling vehicles; Malfunctioning water heater; Malfunctioning oil, wood, gas, or coal furnaces; Malfunctioning gas clothes dryer; Gas or fuel-burning appliances in cabins or campers, barbecue grills, pool or spa heaters, or ceilingmounted heating units and fires. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: Headache; Dizziness; Weakness; Nausea and vomiting; Shortness of breath; Blurry vision; Disorientation and Respiratory failure. If untreated, it can lead to death.
According to the 2023 County Environmental Health Profile for Taylor County, prepared by the Wisconsin Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, the county’s rates for hospital visits due to carbon monoxide poisoning are double that of the rest of Wisconsin making this an important area of concern.
The effects of carbon monoxide poison are cumulative, meaning they get worse the longer someone is exposed. Because the symptoms mirror other illnesses, people may not be aware they are in danger. Carbon monoxide detectors are an important line of defense for all households and especially for independent senior citizens to alert them if there is a danger.
Carbon monoxide is just one of the dangers that people can face in their homes.
Other dangers that will be highlighted in the seminar include fall prevention; protecting against fires; avoiding bathroom hazards; poisoning concerns; and steps to prevent being a victim of abuse or other criminal behavior.
Jenn Viergutz of the Taylor County Commission on Aging noted that fall prevention is an especially important topic for many independent seniors. At her office at the Aging and Disability Resource Center, there are many resources about how to reduce the risk of falls in homes including the removal of throw rugs and other potential tripping hazards, installation of grab bars, especially near steps and in bathrooms, and of habit changes, such as not rushing to answer a phone, which can lead to fall risk.
The planned Home Safety and Seniors session on November 28 will include these topics and more and is open to seniors and family members to learn more about ways to stay safe while living at home.
