National Fire Prevention Week takes place October 9 through October 15, 2016. The National Fire Prevention Association chooses the week that includes October 9 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Unfortunately, fall is a time when too many fires occur. The management of Sunshine Retirement Living Communities work with each of its communities and their senior residents to develop an actionable fire plan. When communities plan in advance for fire, injuries and deaths are avoided. The management at Sunshine Retirement Living Communities have the education and experience needed to make each person’s experience in their active retirement community rewarding, interesting, and safe. Throughout the year there are several practice drills for dealing with fire and home evacuation. Each community works with local firefighters when designing the community fire plan. There are also periodic inspections of the community fire extinguishers and fire alarms. Residents are encouraged to check their smoke/fire detection equipment to be sure they are in good working condition.
Fires are among the worst disasters that older Americans face. The reason for this is that they may need assistance as their mobility may be limited. The management at each Sunshine Retirement Living Community works closely with their community to establish emergency plans in the event a fire breaks out. So, what are these essentials?
Prevention is the first step in a fire safety program. Sunshine Retirement Living Community managers will often help check out the residences for improper use of outlets and extension cords, and make sure that smoke alarms are working properly. Electrical fires are the single most common cause of fire fatalities with seniors. A close second is cooking fires, which may burst into flames when you fall asleep. Seniors, who are especially vulnerable to cooking fires need to make sure they never leave cooking unattended, keep their cooking areas clean, make sure that the oven they are using is clean and has no grease or debris within. Another tip when cooking is to roll up sleeves or wear short sleeves to avoid catching yourself on fire.
Fire alarm systems are an effective and important facet of a facility fire plan. If a blaze breaks out in a common area, residents count on the community fire alarm system to alert them.
Evacuation planning is another essential that the community management is involved in. A popular method for smoother evacuations is for every resident to have a “fire buddy.” While many community residents can find a buddy without help, for those who are less active, management can help to assign a buddy. Buddies will make sure that each other has heard the fire alarms and are evacuating. Folks confined to a wheelchair or limited mobility can count on their buddy to help get them out. If the community is a high-rise building residents need ongoing instruction that if a fire alarm sounds do not use the elevator.
Fire extinguishers can be an enormous help in preventing a fire from spreading. Residents who are fit enough to use an extinguisher must be reminded of their location and how to use them.
In addition, people with physical limitations should consider living on the 1st floor. Convenience to an exit is paramount. One recommendation is that no one should stay in his or her home when exiting is possible. Sunshine Retirement Communities have the ideal home layout for seniors both with and without disabilities; open, flowing floor plans that can accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
Don’t hesitate to call us–we’re here to help you feel comfortable and safe in your retirement living community. To speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members, simply click here today.
*This blog was first published here: Sunshine Retirement Living
As we age, we adjust a lot about our lifestyles. Those changes should include our nutrition, too.
Older adults have unique nutrition needs, and simple adjustments can go a long way toward building a healthier routine. It is important to have a variety of foods from each food group to support long-term health.
We build these recommendations into our culinary services for our residents:
- Adequate amounts of lean proteins to maintain muscle mass
- Limited high-sodium, high-fat, and high-sugar foods
- Lots of fresh produce and fiber-containing foods, like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
- We also encourage our residents to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and aid in the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.
To learn more about our 24/7 culinary services at our independent living and memory care communities, click here: ow.ly/tJlz50NshG0
#sunshineretirementliving #SRL #sunshineretirementcommunity #retirementcommunity #retirementplan #retirementliving #independentliving #seniorliving #assistedliving #memorycare
Music is a great outlet, whether you are listening to a song or playing an instrument. But did you know that music provides health benefits as we age?
If you want to keep your brain engaged, listen to or play a song. Music provides a total brain workout! Research has indicated that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.
Music is the gift that keeps on giving! Tell us your favorite songs to listen or play to!
#retirementliving #independentliving #seniorliving #assistedliving #memorycare
