Spring has sprung! Flowers are starting to bloom and the days are getting longer and sunnier. Warmer days and sunny skies also mean it is time to start some spring cleaning.

Spring cleaning can uplift your mood and offer a fresh start; it can also help ensure your health, safety and independence. 

Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested often to ensure that they are functioning properly. Even if the detector operates fine, it is recommended that batteries be replaced annually to ensure continued reliability. What better time than spring to replace the batteries? 

Clean out the medicine cabinet. Expired and un-needed medications should be disposed of properly. Leaving medications that are expired or unmarked can create confusion and you may accidentally take the wrong drug. There are many safe drop-off locations for old medications and even used needles and lancets. To find the location nearest you, please call Council on Aging Silicon Valley.

Clean out the refrigerator and pantry. A pantry or fridge can easily become overcrowded, making it difficult to notice expired foods. Spring is the perfect time to go through what you have and throw away spoiled food. Keeping your food organized will also help prevent future spoilage and undesirable smells, as well as save you money because you can see the food you already have.

Clean up clutter. Clutter in cabinets and drawers can be bothersome and now is a good time to get rid of unneeded paperwork. Remember to shred or tear in to small pieces any paperwork that contains personal information. It’s also a good time to eliminate clutter that obstructs walkways or frequently accessed areas. Cleaning up clutter can help improve safety and eliminate tripping hazards. 

If you have more questions on how to keep your home safe and tools and services that meet your needs, call Council on Aging Silicon Valley at (408) 350-3200, option 1.

One out of every ten hospital admissions involving seniors is the result of medication mismanagement. While you may want to be there to help manage your loved one’s medications in person, being present several times a day to ensure proper timing and dosage is not realistic for many caregivers. However, with the advent of new technologies, being present for each dose may not be necessary.

New medication management technology products are available that can help seniors age well at home, including advanced prescription monitoring equipment. Several companies offer various models of prescription monitoring products that alert seniors when it is time to take their pills and remind them until the pills are taken. Some models even offer caregivers and family members peace of mind by alerting them if the medications are not taken. 

Equipment varies among large tabletop devices, to smaller pillboxes with alarms, and watches or bracelets worn by the senior. No matter what you or your loved one’s needs, there may be a technological solution or assistive device that is just right for your unique situation. 

New advances have also been made to personal emergency response systems. Emergency buttons give seniors and family members peace of mind in case of falls or other medical concerns. Council on Aging Silicon Valley offers Lifeline with the auto-alert option, alerting family and medical professionals even when the senior is unable to push a button. 

For more information on equipment and services, including Lifeline auto-alert, call Council on Aging Silicon Valley at (408) 350-3200, option 1 to speak with Information & Assistance.

With a treatment plan in place, returning to good mental health is a real possibility, empowering people to handle life’s challenges and live life to the fullest.

Depression is of particular concern as we age, and is not a normal part of the aging process. Depression often accompanies major illness and injuries and can also be brought on by major life changes, the loss of a loved one, or an inability to engage in favorite activities. Depression and other mental health conditions can also affect caregivers. Regardless how old you are, your health, both mental and physical, is important. 

Taking the first step can be difficult but there are services and programs to assist you. Getting help from a health care or mental health professional is often necessary. 

Council on Aging Silicon Valley can connect you and your loved ones with the numerous resources available within Santa Clara County. Existing organizations that focus on services to assist those with a wide variety of mental health concerns are available. In addition, there are numerous free or low-cost clinics.

For more information on these and other resources for mental health, contact Information & Assistance at (408) 350-3200, option 1.

With a treatment plan in place, returning to good mental health is a real possibility, empowering people to handle life’s challenges and live life to the fullest.

Depression is of particular concern as we age, and is not a normal part of the aging process. Depression often accompanies major illness and injuries and can also be brought on by major life changes, the loss of a loved one, or an inability to engage in favorite activities. Depression and other mental health conditions can also affect caregivers. Regardless how old you are, your health, both mental and physical, is important. 

Taking the first step can be difficult but there are services and programs to assist you. Getting help from a health care or mental health professional is often necessary. 

Council on Aging Silicon Valley can connect you and your loved ones with the numerous resources available within Santa Clara County. Existing organizations that focus on services to assist those with a wide variety of mental health concerns are available. In addition, there are numerous free or low-cost clinics.

For more information on these and other resources for mental health, contact Information & Assistance at (408) 350-3200, option 1.