Active Aging

Congratulations! Our community’s commitment to staying-at-home has been tough and successful. Authorities believe that we’re through the initial spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your dedication.
As businesses and services begin to re-open, there will be more opportunities for germs to spread. Staying attentive to the guidelines while we’re out and about will be a challenge, but essential. I’ve got some ideas to help keep you and your home safe.
Keep it clean:
• Handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying off with a clean towel is the best defense to the spread of all transferable germs. Washing as soon as you get home is the best preventative measure—stop germs at the door.
• Have a nice smelling soap to keep washing a pleasant task. Avoid dry and cracking skin by following up with a favorite hand cream.
• Cloth masks need to be washed regularly – daily if worn for over 6 hours.
• Disposable paper surgical masks are intended for one-time use.
• It’s best to have a couple of cloth masks in wash rotation.
• Wash hands before putting on and taking off masks. Try that nice smelling soap mentioned earlier.
• Keep hands off of the face to stay safe.
• Allergies are abundant this time of year causing runny noses and watery eyes. If needed, use a tissue, throw it away and wash hands.
• Try to keep allergens out of the house with regular cleaning.
• Clean your phone and phone case. Check with the manufacturer for their recommendation for approved cleaning methods.
• Clean regularly touched surfaces. Door knobs, refrigerator doors, keys, seatbelts, and steering wheels are places that are touched regularly and should be cleaned routinely.
• Houseplants help to clean indoor air. They’ve been proven to boost moods, reduce stress, fatigue, sore throats, and colds.

Thankfully the weather has been nice and we’ve been able to get outdoors. Most people seem to be adhering to the health authorities’ regulations that will keep the spread of this terrible virus to a minimum. It’s wonderful to know that someday soon we’ll be able to get back to the gym.
Take care, stay safe, and healthy.
Susie Landsem
Aging in Place by Design
Susie is a consultant for Aging in Place. Contact her if you have questions about adding safety and comfort solutions to your home.

When was the last time you showed your appliances a little love? With regular cleaning, filter replacements, and annual maintenance schedules, you’ll extend the life and efficiency of the machines you rely on. Here are a few machines that might need attention in your home.

First, read the owner’s manual. It will include maintenance schedules, recommended filters, and approved cleaning solutions. Don’t know where the manual is? Go to the manufacturer’s website.

Use the vacuum.  Dust and dirt reduce the efficiency of appliances. It’s a fairly easy process to remove grates of refrigerators and gas inserts for cleaning. A little dusting and vacuuming the coils and rocks will make them work better. Check with the manufacturer’s procedures for the best results. Make sure to turn off the gas and electricity before you begin. Remember to clean the vacuum filter when finished.

Clean the oven.  If you have a self-cleaning option, use it. Wipe away any loose debris first. The machine gets very hot and can be a 4+ hour process and smoky. You can take the door apart to clean the glass, but you run the risk of breaking a vital seal. I’ve read that it’s not a good idea, so I don’t.

Change the filters. Keep your appliances running smoothly by replacing or cleaning them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Check your water, furnace, air conditioner, and dryer filters regularly.

This is a short list of appliances that need regular maintenance to run well and for a long time. Remember to check the owner’s manual first, and then get out the rubber gloves. You’ll be glad you did.

 

Susie Landsem
Aging in Place by Design
Susie is a consultant for Aging in Place. Contact her if you have questions about adding safety and comfort solutions to your home.

February in the Northwest is a tough month. The days are short and it’s still cold and blustery. It’s a good time to concentrate on sparking energy into your day and creating an oasis in your home.

Head to the Bellingham Athletic Club

An important way to combat the doldrums of winter is to get to exercise. Working out is just as good for the soul as it is for the body. Get your sneakers on and head to the Club to unleash your endorphins, be social, and feel good about yourself. Bring a friend along for encouragement and accountability.

Lighten Your Home

Clear the clutter. Start with stowing away anything holiday-specific, such as red, green, and blue ornaments, ribbons, and dishware. Separate the items you need to have, want to have, from the rest of accumulated stuff laying around. Now is an excellent time to re-organize with baskets and storage boxes. Be discerning when choosing what to keep. Don’t store things that should be donated, up-cycled, or tossed out. Tip: check your closets and garage for empty storage boxes before buying more.

Refresh the Indoors

There are many season-neutral decorations and colors that reflect light in a room. I like to use white, silver, and gold tones to add brightness. Shimmering mercury votives, twinkle lights, and mirrors are some options.

Bring a little outdoors to the indoors. Greenery goes a long way to freshening an entry, fireplace, and coffee table. Put a branch or two of variegated holly leaves with red berries into a tall glass vase for a pretty pop of natural color. White baby’s breath adds a light and lacy look to a dark corner or shelf.

Refresh your framed photos. Print a few current favorite photos from the holidays or highlights from the past year. Replace the old with the new pictures in the same frame. They will add warmth and happy memories to your décor.

Use warm throw blankets to make a room feel cozy. Colorful pillows add attractive pops to neutral walls and furniture. Candlelight creates a pleasant ambiance during dark winter nights.

Embrace February. The days are getting longer and lighter, the birds are singing, and little buds of crocuses are starting to pop. Spring is right around the corner—hang in there!

Susie Landsem
Aging in Place by Design
Susie is a consultant for Aging in Place. Contact her if you have questions about adding safety and comfort solutions to your home.

Holidays are a special time for friends and family getting together. However, they are also an excellent time for accidents in the home to happen. Taking family members to the ER has become something of a tradition in my house.

Make your home safe for all ages ~

The Kitchen

•   Use a timer when cooking; fires can start from burning foods

•   Don’t leave cooking food unattended

•   Keep oven mitts, towels, and aprons away from heat sources

•   Consider making a 3 ft. kid and pet-free zone to prevent accidental burns

•   If you’ve got young children visiting, consider placemats in place of tablecloths that might get yanked, breaking china or worse, tipping over lit candles

•   Provide a highchair for young visitors, and make sure that it is properly secured

The Tree

Fresh trees

•   Check for brown needles; a dry tree can be a fire hazard

•   Check for spiders and other pests before bringing the tree indoors

•   Secure the tree to prevent it from tipping over

Artificial trees

•   Make sure it is fire-resistant and lead-free

•   Keep the tree away from the fireplace and candles

•   If an artificial tree comes with lights installed, look for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal of approval.

Decorations

•   Keep glass ball and other breakable ornaments on higher branches, away from a child’s reach

•   Before using, check lights for frayed cord and damaged sockets

•   Indoor lights stay indoors

•   Use a step ladder, not a chair, to get to the high spots

•   One and Done extension cords – don’t plug two extension cords together

•   Keep the tree skirt close to the tree to avoid tripping opportunities or skip it altogether

•   Make sure the furniture is well spaced out to reduce tripping accidents

Wrapping Paper and Packages

•   Pick up clutter; wrapping paper can hide tripping hazards

•   Packaging popcorn and plastic can be choking hazards

•   Don’t put wrapping paper in the fireplace; sudden fire flashes can be dangerous

•   Small toys and lithium batteries can be choking hazards, make sure they are out of small children’s reach

Other Rooms

•   Small rugs can cause tripping; best to avoid altogether, but if you must, use grip tape

•   Add slip-resistant treads or decals to the tub and shower floors for overnight guests

•   Provide plenty of lighting. Night lights are helpful

•   Check to make sure you have anti-scald fixtures on faucets, 120° is the hottest the water should be

•   Add handrails in halls and grab bars in the bathroom to help older visitors

Be Prepared

•   Check that smoke alarms are working, and fire extinguishers are fresh

•   A complete first aid kit should be easily accessible

•   Keep a few flashlights with new batteries available

•   Keep front walks and entries clear of tripping hazards or ice

•   Make sure that your house numbers can be seen easily from the street in case the Fire Department needs to find you (as if the billowing smoke isn’t enough)

Making your home safe for visitors isn’t difficult. It just takes a little planning ahead and paying attention to the possible trouble spots.

Susie Landsem
Aging in Place by Design
Susie is a consultant for Aging in Place. Contact her if you have questions about adding safety and comfort solutions to your home.

The beautiful colors of October have passed into the windy month of November. Here are some winter safety recommendations for you and your family living in homes and apartments.

Everyday Life

Are you an evening or morning walker? Wear something reflective or carry a flashlight. This goes for bike riders, skateboarders and strollers. My husband and I wear headlamps because we have a dog and need to see where he’s left his packages. Stay on sidewalks whenever possible.

Morning drivers – clear your windows (all of them) before pulling out into traffic. I know it can take a few more minutes but it will also save you from accidents. Buy a window scraper to make it easy. However, if you find yourself in a pinch, using the edge of an old debit/credit card can be an effective way to scrape frost off of your windshield.

Keep the front entry of your home clear. Rain, leaves and the dark can make entries hazardous. Be sure potential obstacles are removed or easily seen. While you’re at it, check the outdoor lights to make sure they’re working and powerful enough to be useful.

Consider a landline. November is infamous for power outages and you don’t want to be caught without a phone in case of emergencies. Generally, landlines work even if the power is out. Contact your service provider to confirm that this is true for you. Extra battery packs for your cell phones are good to have on hand. External battery packs can charge a phone up to 2 – 4 times, depending on the battery and your particular phone.

Visiting Family and Friends for the Holidays

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, especially the event hosts. Keep your home safe for all ages with these tips:
Look for tripping hazards. Here’s what to look for:

• Newspapers, books and toys might be left at the end of a favorite couch and can be dangerous.
• Small rugs in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms are opportunities for slipping and falling. Remove them if possible. If not, use grip tape which can be found at any hardware store.
• Make sure there is plenty of light in hallways and bathrooms. Plug-in night lights are easy solutions.
• Provide a stool at the sink and toilet for little ones so they don’t have to reach too far.

Daylight savings time is my reminder to prepare our home for winter. Use these to improve the safety of your home. Remember, safety is no accident.

Susie Landsem
Aging in Place by Design
Susie is a consultant for Aging in Place. Contact her if you have questions about adding safety and comfort solutions to your home.