Home Safety For The Holidays
Seminar for Caregivers
Third annual home safety seminar gives family caregivers the tools they need to keep loved ones safe during this holiday season.
12.6.07

Ruskin, FL – The Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, in partnership with the Hillsborough County Department of Aging Services, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and Arden Courts assisted living facility is hosting the third annual home safety seminar for caregivers.

The seminar will take place Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Ruskin Senior Center (901 6th St. S.E.) from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Respite daycare will be provided at no cost for loved ones during the workshop and RSVP is required.

“The holiday season can present many challenges for caregivers and their loved ones,” says Melanie Meyer, chief of external affairs, Byrd Institute. “The home safety seminar is designed to address these challenges in the home and prepare caregivers to protect themselves and keep their loved ones safe during the holiday season.”

Special guest speaker Dr. Ann Louise Barrick, a Clinical Professor at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Department of Psychology and Director of Psychology at John Umstead Hospital, will talk about the difficulty of bathing persons with dementia and tips on caregiver safety. Barrick has helped produce two training films on methods for bathing. The training video will be a part of the seminar.

Representatives from Arden Courts assisted living facility will speak on their Montessori program and how to incorporate it into the home. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office will discuss tips on keeping the home safe and caring for loved ones with disabilities and other challenges including Alzheimer’s and Dementia during the holidays.

The Home Safety for the Holidays Seminar is a great way to get tips and answers to questions about safety and how to handle caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s and other challenges. In addition to the noted guest speakers, there will be give-aways, drawings, and food. Attendees must call to reserve a seat, 813-319-4115.

Home Safety Tips:

• Think prevention.
• Adapt the environment.
• Minimize danger.
• Display emergency numbers and home address near telephones.
• Install smoke alarms.
• Install secure locks on doors and windows.
• Avoid extension cords.
• Cover plugs.
• Keep medications locked.
• Avoid clutter.
• Keep plastic bags out of reach.
• Lock all power tools and machinery in garage or basement.
• Keep steps sturdy and textured to prevent falls.
• Remove throw rugs and use textured strips on hardwood floors to prevent slipping.
• Remove knobs from stove or install automatic shut-off switch.
• Adjust water heater to 120 degrees to avoid scalding tap water.
• Use night-lights.

*Provided by National Institutes of Health, NIH

For more information and to reserve a seat for the seminar please call 813-319-4115.

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