| HEALTH OBJECTIVES |
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
INFORMATION
and ASSISTANCE |
| MAINTAINING INDEPENDENCE |
Try some of the suggestions below to assist you with your day to day
healthy lifestyle
Contact local support groups for information and advice on services
available throughout your region. |
Age Concern
Citizen’s Advice Bureaux
|
| REDUCE YOUR CHANCES
OF A FALL |
Also try these simple measures at home to improve your safety
- Remove or secure mats and rugs and tape loose cords out of the way
or use a multi-plug
- Keep busy traffic areas free of clutter
- Try non-slip mats or surfaces in wet areas
eg: shower or bath
- Install grab rails to help you in shower or toilet
- Wear non-slip well fitting shoes
- Store often used items between eye level and hip level
- Ensure plenty of lighting to see your way
- Ensure you have an easy to reach telephone should you fall
- Keep up-to-date emergency numbers by phone
- Be aware of pets getting in the way
- When outside, be aware of uneven pathways, cracks and
cobbled or tiled areas, keep pathways clear
- Get a Life Tube (from Age Concern) or try a personal alarm
|
Age Concern
- Home Safe Home
- Positive Steps Programme
- Skills Bank
- Personal Alarm Information |
| LIGHTING
YOUR
WAY |
Install outside security lights
Use brighter light bulbs
Use a hallway ‘night light’
Have a torch next to your bed for nocturnal navigation
Highlight step edges in white paint, this can also have
sand or other such material sprinkled on it to reduce
slipperyness. |
You can install yourself or
contact your
local Age Concern |
PHYSICAL WELLBEING |
Muscle strengthening and weight-bearing exercises are
helpful to reduce the chances of a fall and increase your balance.
Physical activity, even household
chores can be beneficial
Join a walking group/swimming group
Try Line Dancing, Tai Chi, Seated Exercise
Gardening,
relaxation techniques, yoga
Family activity
|
Many organisations have gardening, walking and exercise
groups, contact Age Concern
Sport New Zealand
YMCA
never2old
Local swimming pool
Visit our Physical Activity and Exercise page |
| MAINTAIN JOINT MOBILITY |
Daily exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial for you.
- Try walking, gardening,
- Muscle strengthening and toning exercises
- Tai chi
- Yoga
|
Age Concern
Arthritis Foundation
Sport New Zealand
Fall Prevention Noticeboard
|
| Circulation |
See your doctor if you have a skin tear/puncture or leg ulcer
Wear protective clothing and gloves if gardening
Take care of your feet especially if you are a diabetic, dry between
toes and keep nails trimmed. For safety you may wish to get your
toenails done by a podiatrist.
Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes
Daily exercise and healthy eating and maintain a healthy weight
Try to stop smoking |
See your doctor
or
local Community Health Service
Podiatrist
Diabetes New
Zealand
Sports New Zealand
YMCA
Quitline 0800 778 778 |
| respiratory
health |
Ensure you have the free annual flu vaccination
Try to maintain a healthy weight
Keep physically active, (see Physical
Wellbeing)
Seek support from appropriate support group
Consider stopping smoking
Breathing exercises, Yoga |
See your doctor
Asthma and
Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand or try the Everybody
Website
Quitline 0800 778 778 |
| REMAINING WELL |
See your doctor for an annual medical check up including hearing and
vision, and women's and men's health checks
Ensure medication is regularly reviewed
A daily pill organiser may help you
Write down your medication regime and keep in a prominent place
Join relevant community groups for support and assistance |
Alzheimers NZ
Arthritis Foundation
Diabetes New
Zealand
Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind
Hearing Association
Parkinson’s Society
Stroke
Foundation |
| Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being |
Try to keep active and involved with family, friends and local
community
Volunteering can be rewarding
Get to know your neighbours
The Mental Health Foundation have great resources and information
Become involved in sports, church or social groups
Become politically involved
Challenge yourself and learn a new skill
Balance rest and activity periods
Consider a pet for company and exercise |
Age Concern Accredited Visiting Service
Neighbourhood Support Groups
Mental Health Foundation
Contact Age Concern for the following phone numbers in your area -Senior Citizens, and 60’s Up Movement
Greypower
SeniorNet, University of the 3rd Age
SPCA 09 256 7300 |
| POTENTIAL FIRE RISKS |
Ensure electrical applicances are in safe working order – especially
electric blankets
Use a multi-plug and do not overload a power point
Install smoke detectors and change the battery at daylight saving time
Have an escape plan in case of fire
Do not smoke in bed
Purchase a fire extinguisher especially for the kitchen |
Contact your
local Fire Service for assistance with your escape plan
and fire safety in general
They can also help install your smoke detector and do a fire safety
check.
|
| HOME SECURITY |
Consider installing
- Security screens
- Security chains
- Wide angle door viewer
- Security window latches
Plan an alternative exit for emergencies
Join a Neighbourhood Watch Group |
Contact your local community constable or Neighbourhood Watch
Co-ordinator
Age Concern
|
| IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD |
Get to know your
neighbours.
Join a Neighbourhood Support Group for your street, join neighbourly to stay connected.
Arrange a system with a neighbour to let them know you are up and
about - be alert and aware of happenings in your area. |
Contact your local community constable or Neighbourhood Support
Co-ordinator
Neighbourly |
