Home Safety: 
Fresno Yosemite Health Care is always  happy to do a free safety assessment for your loved ones. We are contacted by insurance companies, hospitals, Dr. offices, and family members to do safety assessments for their patients. Some of these assessments are very involved but here is a list of things that our nurses would check. This is so you can check these things for yourself and your loved ones.

Things to watch for: 
Clutter

• Clear a path to get in and out of the house from the different areas that the patient will be in and make sure that the pathways that will be used are appropriate to be used based on the patients abilities. 
•  Make sure all walkways clear in the house with sufficient lighting and place safety lighting in all bathrooms for ease of use at night.
• Properly secure all extension cords and phone wires so they are clear of any pathway the patient might use.
• Remove all throw rugs and area rugs so the patient will not trip or slide on them 

Water Temperature

•  Place visual guide on all faucets handles or install safety valves to avoid burns especially in the kitchen and bathroom

Communication

• Set up phones in various rooms of the house so that they can easily call for help in an emergency and depending on patients abilities a call button for their person might be an option that should be considered

Medication

• Set up an area specifically for the patients medication and develop a system so that they can take them on their own  if it is within their capability to do so safely.

End Tables

• Place end tables near beds and toilet areas if necessary

Emergency Flashlights

• Should be placed throughout the house and batteries should be checked regularly

Fire Alarms

• Make sure batteries are checked regularly and make sure they are placed in all sleeping areas, hallways, and the living room.  Since smoke alarms respond to airborne particles other than smoke, it is better not to install them in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and garages. If possible, avoid areas with strong drafts. Note: If a garage etc is a separate level a smoke alarm must be installed. Take care with installation in these areas.

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Safe Driving Tips
1. Use a seat belt at all times - driver and passenger(s).
2. Be Well-rested before driving.
3. Avoid taking medications that make you drowsy.
4. Set a realistic goal for the number of miles that you can drive safely each day.
5. If you are impaired by alcohol or any drug, do not drive.
6. Avoid distractions, such as adjusting the radio or other controls, eating or drinking, and talking on the phone.
7. Continually search the roadway to be alert to situations requiring quick actions.
8. Stop about every 2 hours for a break. Get out of the vehicle to stretch, take a walk, and get refreshed.
9. Avoid aggressive driving by keeping your cool in traffic.  Be paitent and courteous to other drivers.  Do not take other drivers' actions personally.
10. Reduce your stress by planning your route ahead of time, allowing plenty of travel time, and avoiding crowded roadways and busy driving times.
and always remember to make sure your insurance is current before you hit the road!

View this video below for a visual of the 7 deadly distractions!

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Know your signs!
Here at Fresno Yosemite Healthcare the safety and well being of the elderly is our main concern and we feel it is of the utmost importance that everyone knows the signs and symptoms of the following life threatening conditions as they are some of the leading causes of death for our elderly loved ones. When these conditions present themselves time is precious and knowing what to look for is key.

This is a quick reference guide for your information and anyone having these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention from their MD or Medical Practitioner.

Symptoms of Heart Attack in Women

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain in your arm(s), back, neck, or jaw 
• Stomach pain
• Shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness 
• Sweating
• Fatigue

Symptoms of Heart Attack in Men

• Chest pain
• Chest discomfort
• Chest pressure
• Discomfort or pain in other areas, such as one or both arms, the neck, jaw, back, or stomach
• Shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, or sweating
• Abdominal discomfort that may feel like heartburn

Symptoms of Stroke

• Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body.
• Abrupt loss of vision, strength, coordination, sensation, speech, or the ability to understand speech. These symptoms may become worse over time
• Sudden dimness of vision, especially in one eye
• Sudden loss of balance, possibly accompanied by vomiting, nausea, fever, hiccups, or trouble with swallowing.
• Sudden and severe headache with no other cause followed rapidly by loss of consciousness -- indications of a stroke due to bleeding.
• Brief loss of consciousness.
• Unexplained dizziness or sudden falls.

WHEN SOMEONE IS SUFFERING A STROKE IT IS KEY THAT THEY RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION WITHIN 3 HOURS!
Act F.A.S.T.

FACE - Has their face fallen on  one side? Can they smile?

ARMS - Can they raise both arms and keep them there?

SPEECH - Is their speech slurred?

TIME - Time to call 911 if you see any single one of these signs

Symptoms of Shock

• decrease in blood pressure
• rapid, weak, or absent pulse
•  irregular heart rate
• confusion
• cool, clammy skin
• rapid and shallow breathing
• anxiety
• lightheadedness
• decrease in urine
• chest pain
• nausea
• thirst and dry mouth
• low blood sugar
• dilated pupils or lackluster eyes
• fever (septic shock only)
• hives and swelling of the face and throat (anaphylactic shock only)

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

• A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
• A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss