Columbia Aged Care

With an increase in wet weather it is important to know how to take care of your home by preventing the growth of mould.

Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in rainy weather. It usually grows in wet or moist areas of your home that lack adequate ventilation. Mould can grow on walls, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets, insulation and wood.

If mould is present in your home it can cause a danger to your health. Mould produces spores that are carried in the air and can be inhaled unintentionally. Symptoms of inhaling excessive amounts of mould spores include a blocked nose, irritated eyes, wheezing and mould infections in severe cases.

People who suffer from asthma, a weakened immune system or severe allergies have a higher risk of developing a mould infection in their lungs.

NSW Government Health has provided some helpful advice on how to prevent mould growth in your home.

• Maintain proper ventilation
• Always turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom, kitchen or laundry
• Open windows in damp areas of your house to encourage air flow
• Control humidity by limiting the number of indoor plants in your house
• Repair plumbing problems and water leakages
• If an area of your house gets wet make sure you properly dry the area and throw away anything that cannot be dried
• Prevent rising damp by hiring a professional to install waterproof barriers in your walls
• Make sure air vents in your house remain uncovered
• Purchase damp-rid containers and place them in rooms susceptible to mould. These containers help to soak up extra moisture in the air and prevent the growth of mould.

The key to preventing mould is to reduce moisture in your home. If mould is present in your home you should remove it immediately by calling a professional mould removalist.

Read the full article here.

Home and personal security is an important part of creating a comfortable living situation and having peace of mind at any age. Many elderly people live alone or have limited mobility and can therefore be an easy target for burglaries.

However, most burglaries can be prevented by using a number of simple home and personal security measures.

The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing has some great tips on how to secure your home and reduce your risk of burglary:

• Use security deadlocks and grilles on doors and windows.
• Always lock all outside doors and windows when you go out, even if it’s for 5 minutes.
• Lock up parts of the house you can’t keep an eye on.
• Prune bushes and trees that hide your home’s windows and doors.
• Don’t hide extra keys in flowerpots or under mats.

Here are some basic safety tips for your personal security:

• Always be aware of other people and your immediate surroundings.
• Be aware of situations that could make you vulnerable to crime, such as laneways, back streets, and poorly lit parking lots.
• Don’t carry large sums of money. Pay your bills by cheque, credit card or over the phone.
• When you are banking always vary your routine.
• If you carry a handbag, hold it under your arm or in front of you and never leave it unattended.

You should always stay up to date on any security issues in your neighbourhood and if a crime does occur contact your local police station.

For more information on how to improve your home and personal safety contact your local Neighbourhood Watch or police station.

Read the full article here.

Bed sores can be a common problem in elderly people, which can lead to pain and discomfort for your loved one. Bed sores are the result of prolonged pressure to the skin, which prevents a sufficient amount of blood flow and nutrients to the skin tissue. Ulcerations or sores then develop on the skin, typically over bony prominences.

Bedsores can develop if your loved one is bedridden or sitting for a prolonged period of time without being properly repositioned. Common areas for bed sores to look out for are hipbones, lower back, tail-bone, knees and shoulders. 

www.bedsores.org has provided some useful information on the risk factors for developing bedsores.

Confinement to bed, chair or wheelchair
If your loved one is unable to move themselves then they can develop bedsores in as little as 1-2 hours if the pressure is not relieved.

Loss of bowel or bladder control
Moisture on your loved ones skin from urine or perspiration can irritate the skin.

Poor nutrition or dehydration
If your loved one’s skin is not properly nourished bed sores can develop.

Carers must be aware of these risk factors when caring for their loved ones in order to prevent the unnecessary development of bed sores. Bedsores can be prevented if your loved one is repositioned frequently, bathed appropriately and any incontinence problems assessed and treated.

Remember that everyone is different and may have different risk factors and treatment options.

Read the full article here.