| LIFE IN SOLERA | JUNE 2022 | 9
June is Safe Living Month
Solera CERT Cadre
What comes to mind when you think of June? You probably think
of Father's Day, the first day of summer, vacation, and other related
activities. Since June is considered "Safe Life Living" month by the
National Safety Council, Solera CERT wishes to encourage residents
to learn more about safety issues at home.
Below, you will find a weekly schedule of safety topics to review,
especially when it comes to older adults in a senior living community.
WEEK 1: STAND READY TO RESPOND
From a slip and fall at home to a natural disaster, anything can
happen at any time. The most important question to ask yourself is
if you will be ready? Preparation is the key, especially when you only
have only seconds to act.
Some important questions you want to be able to answer "yes" to
in the case of an emergency:
• Is anyone in your home trained in First Aid or CPR? Learn
"Hands-Only CPR" at: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-
prepare-for-emergencies/hands-only-cpr.html
• Does your family have an emergency plan at home? Learn to
create a plan at: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-
for-emergencies/older-adults.html
• Is your loved one's senior living community prepared for an
emergency?
WEEK 2: BE HEALTHY
Every day you make decisions that have a direct impact on your
health. From making smart food choices to exercising regularly,
these decisions can help you stay in good shape and avoid injuries.
When injuries do occur, you can still protect your health with
medications prescribed by your doctor. According to the U.S.
Food & Drug Administration, be aware of medication side effects,
especially as it pertains to interaction with other prescriptions or
herbal supplements. Even common foods and drinks can cause
serious interaction issues. One example is grapefruit juice, which
can affect how well some medicines work, and may cause dangerous
side effects.
WEEK 3: WATCH OUT FOR DANGERS
Falls are the leading cause of death for older adults. The National
Safety Council recommends the following tips to ensure their safety:
• Use non-skid mats in the bath and shower
• Install grab bars in the tub, shower and near the toilet, and
railings on the stairs
• Provide adequate lighting in every room or closet
• Place nightlights in the kitchen, bathroom, and hallways
• Keep often-used items like clothing and food easily accessible to
avoid using stools or ladders
Solera CERT is here to empower residents through education and
training. Our focus is making our community safer, stronger, and
prepared https://www.solera-cert.info
