Adult Health Tips, Home Safety, Housing Security
To age well and live life to the fullest, it's important to prioritize health, housing safety and security, as well as prepare for the future
Senior Health Tips
Take care of your health as you age to enjoy a vibrant life—get regular exercise, maintain a balanced diet, stay socially active, and prioritize mental well-being. Get routine check ups and blood work. Dig deeper and read through our articles, learn about resources which may be available to you, and follow us on youtube to learn more. Consider joining senior sneakers healthcare programs, utilize recreation center programs, or access online workout classes to engage with.
Northern Nevada Community Resources
Food Assistance:
Washoe County senior services food distribution schedule can be found here.
Information regarding Meals on wheels can be found here
Transportation:
Washoe Senior Ride and RTC Washoe-UBER/LYFT Rides program are subsidized taxi programs which assists seniors (60 years and older), RTC access clients and Washoe County veterans by providing discounted. Follow the link or visit the appropriate RTC stations for further information
RTC Access provides prescheduled door to door transportation for people with disabilities. Visit the website to learn more and sign up.
Equipment Rental:
Care Chest of Northern Nevada. A great Non profit providing tremendous value to the community with a wide array of supportive services to seniors in need throughout Washoe County and Las Vegas. Programs include equipment loaning, prescription assistance, supplemental nutrition, diabetic supplies. For lower income adults in need of assistance, apply here. They also take donations of lightly used equipment. Visit their website, give them a call or visit to learn more.
Housing Needs:
Whether you need to rent a room in your house, find new housing or sell a home, The internet alongside the private sector can assist you in whatever path you need to take. Additionally, your county and state have resources to assist those who may need extra assistance. If you are at risk of losing your home to foreclosure, please visit this website and input your information to speak to a representative.
Nevada Housing Division allows you to search through available rental properties or list rentals you have available.
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada has an array of programs to assist low income people with shelter, benefits, nutrition/food, etc.
Washoe County adult services has programs including extended care facility assistance to help seniors who receive assistance from the county offset living costs if they need to move into supportive living arrangements. Visit the adult services website linked above to find more information.
For veterans of the armed services, thank you for your service. Check out the Nevada Department of Veterans Services to learn more about different programs which may be available to help you with your specific housing needs. Additionally, if you are having safety concerns at home or need additional caregiving, request a home health assessment/evaluation from your Veterans Administration Doctor.
LIcensed Assisted Living and Group Home Facilities can be found through the state directory here. Additionally, if you would rather see reviews or rated assisted living facilities you can view them here or with an online search.
Caregiving assistance:
The internet is making it easier to find caregivers and caregiving services. We do have a preferred caregiving company, however your financial situation and preference will ultimately determine your best fit. Many companies exist which provide trained caregivers to assist you with your daily needs. Additionally, lower cost options can be found on websites such as care.com
Leisure/Recreation/Community Activities
Having a strong social network positively impacts senior mental and emotional well-being. Stay connected with friends, family, and the wider community through social events at your local community center, online platforms/social media, and local organizations. Pursue your hobbies and new interests by utilizing platforms such as meetup.com
Washoe County Senior Services has links to direct you to your closest Recreation center and find activities and calendars geared towards older adults.
Meetup.com can help you find new things to do and people to do them with.
Eventbrite.com will help you find events including theater, music, select discussions and presentations and other events nearby.
Prepare your estate
Consider completing a trust to identify and direct end of life planning. At the very least drafting a will and advanced directive. Save your loved ones from the added stress and costs of having to deal with assets after your departure. This can be difficult for many but this will prevent a lot of issues for your family and loved ones. Reach out if you need a referral for estate planning
Relevant News and articles for older adults:
Home Safety Checklist
General Safety
Equip your home with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors (regularly inspect the batteries), fire extinguishers, and an escape plan to ensure everyone's safety. Keep a cell phone with you or consider purchasing fall alert devices such as the Apple watch (for Iphone users) with emergency contact outreach. Install low cost motion sensor lighting on the interior and exterior of the home.
Fall Prevention Principles
Maximize lighting and contrast in the home. Clear out clutter and create open spaces free of barriers, Secure rugs or install low threshold carpeting, install grab bars or transfer poles in bathrooms, and improve lighting to minimize fall risks. Add non slip stripping to the inside of your shower and on exterior walkways/stairs. Learn more about specific recommended devices which have been useful to our clients.
Medication Management
Create a system to organize and track medications to avoid errors and potential side effects. Consider use of medication pack delivery systems or set up regular assistance to aid you with your medication routine. Review your medications with your doctor and nurses to reduce your risk of falls and serious side effects which can be caused by medication interactions. Request help from your care provider or family to prevent any complications.
Emergency Preparedness
Stock up on essential supplies such as dried foods and clean water, create an emergency kit, and have a plan with your loved ones with important phone numbers saved in your phone and visible in a common area. Setup autopay for important bills. Setup an advanced directive and/or living will, as well as a trust if applicable. Consider long term care insurance to cover costs.
Housing and Financial Security
Reconsider your current living arrangements if worried about finances
Moving closer to family or with friends is often a great option. Downsizing helps reduce costs and may allow you to put the equity from your home into a bank account to be used for living expenses.
Living with a roommate can allow you to share costs of housekeeping, utilities as well as be a great strategy to have more dispensable income while reducing isolation/loneliness.
Co-living arrangements, group homes, assisted living and independent living are just a handful of ways to offset the burden of living alone
Neighborhood Watch Programs/Home Security
Join or start a neighborhood watch program to keep your community safe. Install home alarms and/or cameras and give access to trusted family members/friends. There are online forums such as nextdoor.com which may help with this.
Personal Safety Measures
Stay vigilant, lock doors and windows, and never share personal information with strangers. Keep exterior lights on. Check in with family or friends daily.
Consider the use of smart technology such as smart watches with flal detection and emergency contact alert systems.
Designate a personal representative to assist you with decision making and get family involved to help you make any big decisions.
Resources and Support for Seniors
- Connect with local senior centers that offer recreational activities, educational programs, and healthcare services. Senior centers and community centers often have courses to learn more about technology
- Explore volunteer opportunities to stay active and contribute to the community.
- Reach out to support groups for emotional guidance and shared experiences.
- Learn more about resources available in Northern Nevada (Care Chest, Catholic Charities, HousingNV, Nevada Homeowner Assistance Fund, Washoe County Senior Services, Medicaid, etc.)
Stay Active and Engaged
Engaging in physical and mental activities helps seniors stay healthy and connected to the world around them. Find hobbies, join clubs, and learn new skills to foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Utilize your health insurance to access outpatient or home health occupational therapy and physical therapy to improve specific abilities/develop a personalized treatment plan, request an order for these services from your doctor and feel free. Some Medicare advantage and other insurance plans include Silver sneakers or gym membership benefits which can be applied towards gym memberships.
Additionally, Community centers are a great way to connect with others and strengthen the body. Communal living in Independent living facilities or senior communities can help keep your mind and body active and engaged.
Financial Security in Retirement
Ensure a secure financial future by wisely managing your retirement savings, exploring investment options, and consulting with attorneys and financial advisors to maximize your income, protect your assets, cover emergency costs, and minimize financial stress. If you are looking to sell a home, need help finding a roommate or place to live
