My mom and dad were not supposed to get old, at least that’s what my mind said. But, as they both push past 80, I have a real concern for their safety. Not only from possible threats like burglaries, thefts, and fires, but from falls within their home, and even the obvious concerns with social isolation. As I began to put a plan in place to make them safer, healthier, and mentally sharp, I thought it might be helpful to get it out into a blog form to help others.

10. Tips You Can Do Right Now

1. Remove all potential tripping hazards within the home

2. Have a complete list of medications readily available and easy for emergency medical professionals to find.

3. Be sure that the house number is clearly visible from the street

4. Check all ground level windows, doors and access points to be sure they can and are locked securely.

5. Have an emergency call list easy to find within the home.

The most difficult thing to do to is process exactly what is happening to you or around you when mass chaos surrounds you.  As I began paying more and more attention to these types of incidents, I realized that I consciously had to remember that what I was seeing on the news was not known to the victims that were suffering. Think hard about this. One of the things that we talk about so often is how daily routine can be and often is your worst enemy.  You’re not watching, observing, you’re not looking for a threat, your not present. And why do you think that is? Because, “It can’t happen to me!”