The ADRC of Dane County provides information about resources and support on all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability and is a one-stop shop for older adults, people with disabilities and their families. ADRC staff are unbiased and knowledgeable professionals who listen to your concerns, help clarify your options and direct you to appropriate resources. The ADRC is also the access point for information about long-term care options and applying for public benefits. Services provided by the ADRC are free and available to all Dane County residents regardless of income or assets.

September is Fall Prevention Month!

We cannot stop ourselves or our loved ones from getting older but we can prevent dangerous falls that seem to accompany aging. Falling, however, is not a natural part of aging and with a few simple strategies most of us can stay healthy and independent in our community. Here are four things you can do this month (or help your loved ones do) to stay safe from falls:

• Begin a regular exercise program. Exercises that improve balance and coordination, like Tai Chi, are the most helpful. Be sure to ask your doctor about the best type of exercise program for you before getting started.
• Have a doctor or pharmacist review all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines. Combinations of medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause a fall.
• Have your vision checked by an eye doctor at least once a year.
• Older adults can be much more susceptible to disease and find it harder to recover.
• Make your home safer by:
  • Removing things you can trip over including small throw rugs
  • Keeping items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without a step stool
  • Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on the shower floors
  • Improve the lighting in your home especially at the top and bottom of stairs, inside and out.
  • Have handrails on all staircases, inside and outside
  • Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.

We encourage everyone to participate in a falls prevention activity. On Tuesday, September 20 from 10:30am – 2:00pm, adults 60+ can attend “Only Leaves Should Fall”, a half-day falls prevention event. Participants will learn about local falls-prevention programs/classes, receive screenings and reviews for blood pressure, cognitive function, medication, balance, home safety, and urinary incontinence; and participate in program demonstrations, such as Tai Chi and Stepping On. Participants leave with community resources and information about how to best prevent a fall. Lunch is provided. Transportation from specific pick-up locations is available as requested. There is a $10 registration fee, but scholarships are available as needed. Please call Safe Communities at 608-441-3060 by Monday, September 12 to register. Online registration is also available at http://www.safercommunity.net/falls_prevention.php

A diagnosis of dementia can come as a shock. Even if you have been half expecting it, this will be a worrying and upsetting time. It can also be hard for those close to you. You will all need a great deal of reassurance and support. However, there is much that you can do in the early stages that can help to make life easier and more enjoyable, both now and in the future.

Article: Am I losing it? Or is this normal?
We all know the phrase, “use it or lose it.” Many of us begin to worry as we get older that we might be losing it. We forget names, lose things and have trouble keeping up with constantly-changing technology. Sometimes we go into another room in our house and forget why we are there. As we get older , we may worry about our memory, especially when we hear stories in the news about Alzheimer’s disease numbers rising. You may ask yourself it is something to be concerned about. Often times the answer is no. It may very well be normal for your age.
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