How helpful is a salon chair footrest?

As people age, everyday tasks can become more challenging. This is especially true when it comes to getting a haircut. For older adults, getting their hair cut can be uncomfortable and even painful, due to the need to sit for extended periods of time. That’s where a salon chair footrest can make a big difference.

In this blog post, we will discuss how salon chair footrest can help older adults be more comfortable during a haircut and how it can also help with ADA compliance.

What is a Salon Chair Footrest?

A salon chair footrest is a small stool or platform that is attached to a barber chair. It provides a place for the customer to rest their feet while they are sitting in the chair. The footrest can be adjusted to the height of the customer’s feet, which can help to improve their posture and reduce the strain on their legs and back.

How Can a Salon Chair Footrest Help Older Adults?

For older adults, sitting for extended periods of time can be uncomfortable and even painful. This is especially true for those with arthritis or other mobility issues. A salon chair footrest can help to alleviate this discomfort by providing a place for the customer to rest their feet. This can help to improve their posture and reduce the strain on their legs and back, making the experience of getting a haircut much more comfortable.

In addition, a salon chair footrest can help to make older adults feel more secure and stable in the chair. This is especially important for those with mobility issues, who may feel unsteady or insecure when sitting for an extended period of time. By providing a stable platform for their feet, a footrest can help to increase their sense of security and reduce their risk of falling or losing their balance.

How Can a Salon Chair Footrest Help Older Adults?

In addition to providing a more comfortable experience for older adults, a barber chair footrest can also help with ADA compliance. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that businesses provide equal access to goods and services for people with disabilities. This includes making sure that their physical space is accessible and that they provide accommodations to customers with disabilities.

A salon chair footrest can help businesses to comply with the ADA by providing an accommodation for customers with mobility issues. By providing a footrest, businesses can ensure that customers with mobility issues are able to sit comfortably in the chair for an extended period of time, without experiencing pain or discomfort. This can help to make the business more accessible to a wider range of customers, including those with disabilities.

It’s worth noting that providing a footrest alone is not enough to make a business fully ADA compliant. The ADA requires a comprehensive approach to accessibility, which includes making sure that the physical space is accessible, that the business provides accommodations for customers with disabilities, and that their digital content is accessible to people with disabilities. However, providing a footrest is one important step that businesses can take to improve accessibility and comply with the ADA.

Conclusion

A salon chair footrest may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference for older adults who are getting their hair cut. By providing a comfortable place for them to rest their feet, businesses can help to alleviate discomfort and make the experience of getting a haircut much more enjoyable. In addition, providing a footrest can help businesses to comply with the ADA by providing an accommodation for customers with mobility issues. If you own a barbershop or hair salon, consider investing in a footrest to make your customers more comfortable and improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

Does My Small Business Need to be ADA compliant?

If you are a small business owner, you may be wondering if your business needs to be ADA compliant. The answer is yes, your business does need to be ADA compliant. In this blog post, we will discuss what ADA compliance is, why it is important, and what steps you can take to make your business ADA compliant.

What is ADA Compliance?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990. The law is designed to protect people with disabilities from discrimination in all areas of life, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, and telecommunications. The law has been amended several times since it was first enacted, but its goal remains the same: to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities and access as everyone else.

ADA compliance means that your business is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes physical access, such as wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms, as well as digital access, such as a website that can be easily navigated by people with disabilities. ADA compliance also means that your business does not discriminate against people with disabilities in any way.

Why is ADA Compliance Important?

There are several reasons why ADA compliance is important for small businesses. First and foremost, it is the law. Failing to comply with the ADA can result in legal action, which can be costly in terms of both time and money. Lawsuits can be brought against businesses that are not ADA compliant, and the penalties can be severe.

But beyond the legal implications, there are several other reasons why ADA compliance is important. For one, making your business accessible to people with disabilities is simply the right thing to do. It ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the same opportunities and access. It also helps to create a more inclusive and diverse community, which is important for building strong relationships with customers.
In addition, making your business ADA compliant can actually be good for your bottom line. By making your business more accessible, you are opening up your customer base to include people with disabilities. This is a large and growing market, with an estimated 61 million adults in the United States living with a disability. By making your business more accessible, you can tap into this market and potentially increase your revenue.

How Can I Make My Small Business ADA Compliant?

Making your small business ADA compliant may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually easier than you might think. Here are some steps you can take to make your business ADA compliant:

Conduct an Accessibility Audit

The first step in making your business ADA compliant is to conduct an accessibility audit. This involves assessing your physical space and identifying any barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from accessing your business. You should also assess your website and digital content to ensure that it is accessible to people with disabilities.

Make Necessary Changes

Once you have identified any barriers to accessibility, you can begin making the necessary changes. This may involve installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, and installing accessible restrooms. For your website, you may need to make changes to the design, layout, and content to ensure that it is accessible to people with disabilities.

Train Your Staff

Once you have identified any barriers to accessibility, you can begin making the necessary changes. This may involve installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, and installing accessible restrooms. For your website, you may need to make changes to the design, layout, and content to ensure that it is accessible to people with disabilities.

Stay Up-to-Date

The ADA is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date on any changes to the law. This can help ensure that your business remains in compliance with the ADA over time.
In conclusion, ADA compliance is not only required by law, but it is also the right thing to do for your customers and your business.

5 Tips To Age With Grace

Cindy L. asked a question about her mother and aging gracefully. Here is her question:

“My mom recently turned 80, and is now constantly saying that she is getting tons of wrinkles and that she looks her age or older, and not aging gracefully. I tell her that she hasn’t changed – that she still looks good! What else should I tell her so she feels better about how she looks now? Thanks!”

Answer from Mary Marymount

Worrying about age seems to be commonplace in our society. We spend billions upon billions of dollars on plastic surgery, creams and solvents here in the United States with the promise and hope of looking younger. Rather than looking at getting older as a positive or a “badge of honor and experience,” we look at the aging process as a negative.

Here are some positive things about aging to point out to your elder loved one or anyone else that needs encouragement about getting older:

• Age equals life experience. Have you heard the saying, “experience is the best teacher?” This is very true. There is no better teacher than experiencing life – the ups, the downs and the in-between times! If experience shows on your face through wrinkles – be proud of them!
• Age equals wisdom. The dictionary’s definition of wisdom is: “The quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as action, discernment or insight.” How wonderful to have wisdom! And, in order to have wisdom one must have age.
• Wrinkles are tiny badges! Yes, they are! If you have those lines around your mouth and eyes when you smile – well, those are called laugh lines, and you got them from laughing! Be proud of them because laughter is the best medicine that helps you stay young!
• Beauty is skin deep! This is absolutely true! Beauty is not just on the outside, but it is also a reflection of who you are inside. If you shine inside yourself, are happy and loving, it will show on the outside! And, it’s contagious – others will smile with you!
• Age is an attitude! There is a wise quote that says, “It’s not about age, it’s about attitude!” This is so true! If you have a positive attitude and feel happy, no one even thinks about how old you are! You will stay young as long as you have the attitude that you are young!

If you are feeling depressed about getting older, or if you have an elder loved one that feels down because of their age, look them in the eye and tell them that they are truly handsome/beautiful! Even though they may have wrinkles or their bodies are frail, they are beautiful, full of wisdom with tiny badges of life experience on their faces. Look beyond the wrinkles and frail body!

~By Joie Stapleton and Berry Sprague on June 7, 2013

Moving into an assisted living community is a sensitive and complicated decision. Many seniors are at a crossroads in life where assisted living is the next step. However, they have no idea what to expect when they arrive in their new home.

Top three questions about moving into an assisted living community

1. Will I feel alienated from the outside world? Many seniors fear that once they commit to living in an assisted living community, that they have, in essence, built a wall between themselves and the outside world. These feelings, although very common, are a huge misconception. Seniors who move into assisted living communities find that they are more engaged than they have been in a very long time, which includes activities, outings to events such as concerts, lunch, and visits to museums. All of these trips come without anxiety and fear of safety. Many seniors, until this move, have been fearful of being active in outside events and activities due to a recent fall or scenario that left them feeling unsure of leaving home.

2. Will I lose my privacy? Preserving dignity is crucial in any successful group living environment and while assisted living does require safety measures, it should be handled with sensitivity to a resident’s privacy needs. A resident’s apartment is their home, therefore, something as simple as knocking before entry, or allowing a resident to nap without interruption can make an enormous difference. These measures allow the caregiver to be well-integrated into the resident’s life, while also providing safety and security for the resident.

3. Will I give up my favorite hobbies? Throughout our lives, the things that we enjoy tend to define our personality. Hobbies and where we spend our free time become part of how people recognize us. Seniors fear that they will be forced to stop doing the things that they love when moving into assisted living. The reality is that assisted living communities help to find what your interests are and offer many options to keep you doing what you love. Clubs such as gardening, knitting, music, sports and many more are offered so that seniors can not only keep up their interests, but share with other resident friends.

Although assisted living is a big step in life, it can offer many positive and enriching changes that seniors had not considered previously. Providing care while maintaining the life and legacy that a senior has built is not only a possibility, but a necessity.

For over 30 years I have been a barber. I have worked in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities. While working in a Nursing Home I saw how difficult it was for the residents to be able to get in and out of the styling chair. I was blessed with the image of how to change that.

That is how the Rose Pedal footrest began.

Now residents of Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities all across the country have our footrest on their styling chairs. Now residents can easily access and egress the chair withe ease. No more worries of tripping or falling while getting in or out of the styling chair.

It is exciting to hear how much the facilities are enjoying the new footrest. No need to purchase a new chair. Just upgrade the one that you have.

Our footrest fits MOST styles of salon styling chairs. We are now manufacturing another newer model footrest that will fit even more styles of salon chairs. Our latest footrest will fit the style that attaches in a bracket and tightened with a screw on the side. It is coming soon and we are very excited since it will also have the holes that will accommodate fitting UNDER the cushion as well.

It is exciting to hear from Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities as well as private salons as to how the Rose Pedal footrest has made a big difference for their clients. We are glad that we could be of service.

We want beauty to be accessible to everyone.

Are Your Customers Tripping Over the Footrest on Your Salon Chair?

• • Did they catch their foot on the rung and fall?
  • Do you have the insurance to cover their injuries?
  • Do they make something that will help my customers get in and out of the chair without falling?

Yes!

At SalonFootrest.com we sell a footrest for the handicap and the elderly that replaces the standard “U” shaped footrest that comes standard on most styling chairs. You don’t have to buy a new chair, just purchase a new footrest that allows for easy access and egress from the chair and eliminate the fear of your customers falling.

Why buy a new chair when you can upgrade the chair that you already own? It only takes about two minutes to remove the old footrest and attach the new footrest. Then you can breathe easy knowing that your customers can easily get in and out of your styling chair.

Originally Created for the Handicap and Elderly

This footrest was originally created for the handicap and the elderly but it has many more uses as well. For the short ladies in your salon who have a bit of trouble pushing back into the shampoo bowl there is a bar that they can put their feet on and push themselves back. Many of our customers are really enjoying this feature.

That is not all. Kids are having fun with it also. With the extra rung in the middle the children are able to easily climb into the chair like it is a ladder. They love it too.

Make Your Salon ADA Compliant

Open your salon to accommodate many more customers regardless of their disabilities, as well as children. No more lifting. Wheelchairs can easily come right up to the footrest with the pedals in the up position and just stand up and pivot to access the chair without any barriers. Again, no lifting. This alone should be worth having the new footrest. The footrest is reasonably priced. It only takes about 3-5 business days to arrive after placing your online order.

Invented by a Hair Stylist

The owner of the company is a stylist herself and has been in business for over 30 years and has designed this footrest for the convenience and comfort of her customers. Now she shares it with everyone. Try it. Stop lifting. Stop worrying that your customer may trip getting into or out of your chair. Make styling hair ADA compliant in just a few minutes. It is tax deductible and simple to install. It comes all assembled, just replace the existing footrest and add on the new footrest. You will be pleasantly surprised.

You customers will thank you for it too!

Are your styling chairs safe?

If your salon chairs are not currently easily accessible, we have the solution. We have designed a safe footrest for salon styling chairs that replaces the standard “U” shaped footrest. Simply remove the existing footrest and attach the Rose Pedal footrest in it’s place. Now your clients/residents can easily get into and exit the styling chair with ease.

Our footrest fits MOST styling chairs that are attached at the base of the UNDERSIDE of the seat. Allow your styling chair to be ADA compliant in just minutes. Our footrest is tax deductible. You will be glad that you made the decision to help your customers to be safe.

Many salon chairs made within the last 10 years are compatible to our footrest.There is a newer model that has a side cylinder area where the footrest slides into, also under the seat but to the side of the chair. We have developed a footrest for that style of chair also.We are accepting early orders of that style as well.

Become ADA Compliant in Minutes!

Allow your styling chair to be ADA compliant in just minutes.Our footrest is in use all across the country. You have now found an easy and economical solution to the problem of your clients tripping or just not being able to get into the salon chair easily. Let’s not forget the aids and stylists who try everyday to help their customers to get in and out of the chair. After years of this the stylist and aids develop problems themselves by trying to hold onto or even lift clients into these chairs. So stop all of that and make life easy for all of you, customer and operator and health aides.

Once you receive your footrest we would love to hear from you about how it has improved your salon. We would like to feature some of our customers on our site. Would like to be featured? Send us a short note and pictures would be great too. Just be sure to get written releases from anyone shown in the photos.

We look forward to doing business with you.

Early Detection Alzheimer’s Tests: What’s New Jan 26, 2013 by Sarah Stevenson

There is a growing arsenal of Alzheimer’s disease tests, from simple memory testing for mild cognitive impairment to brand new brain imaging applications. Learn more about these early detection Alzheimer’s tests and how they could change the future of the disease. Alzheimer’s Tests

When it comes to diagnosing Alzheimer’s, “the earlier the better.” The problem is, of course, that there are many potential causes for dementia and by the time doctors are able to detect mental decline, Alzheimer’s has already begun to irreversibly damage the brain. However, cutting-edge research in the field of Alzheimer’s testing promises to change the way we diagnose the disease, and that’s encouraging news.

With a new battery of tests in the arsenal, doctors are hoping to begin pinpointing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s before patients start to show symptoms. Common Tests for Alzheimer’s Focus on Symptoms and Risk Factors.

If you’re worried about cognitive changes or memory loss in an elderly loved one, a good first step is an interview with your family doctor or general practitioner. He or she will probably ask a variety of questions about their memory difficulties as well as their general health, medical history, and whether or not anyone else in the family has ever been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.

If your loved one is at risk for Alzheimer’s, the doctor may refer you to a specialist for further testing — usually a psychiatrist and/or a neurologist. The specialist will look for particular patterns that tend to distinguish Alzheimer’s and dementia symptoms from other types of memory loss.

Standard tests include:

Physical and neurological test
Measures reflexes, balance, even vision and hearing, according to the Mayo Clinic. Something as simple as looking at how a patient walks can point to problems with their cognitive faculties. Blood or urine tests may be suggested in order to rule out other possible causes of cognitive problems such as anemia or malnutrition.

Cognitive test
Measures the ability to solve simple problems as well as long-term and short-term memory testing. The results may help a doctor determine if more testing is needed.

Neuropsychological test
Time-intensive assessment of thinking and memory performed by a psychologist or psychiatrist, usually conducted if a physician thinks early-stage dementia is present. The Latest News on Early Detection Right now there is no single test that can indicate Alzheimer’s early enough for truly effective treatment. However, cutting-edge research is pointing to some promising avenues of detection in the area of bio-markers, which are biological indicators that reliably predict disease.

Research includes:
1. Brain imaging as a way to look for brain changes caused by Alzheimer’s, such as shrinkage in brain volume, reductions in brain activity, or the presence of telltale beta-amyloid, would be useful markers for early diagnosis. Research suggests that brain imaging technologies such as MRI, CT, and PET scans may help doctors with early detection. There’s even a new PET scan test for amyloid plaques that uses a radioactive dye, or tracer, to show deposits of beta-amyloid.

2. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein levels may show changes in the early stages of Alzheimer’s — researchers are still gathering information on this possibility, but the test would potentially be a simple spinal tap.

3. Proteins in the blood or other areas of the body may provide helpful clues to early-stage Alzheimer’s. Scientists are investigating biomarkers in blood, urine, and even the lens of the eye.

4. Genetic markers are genes that indicate increased risk for Alzheimer’s, and many of these genes have already been identified.

There are even a few rare genes that directly cause Alzheimer’s. However, genetic testing is limited largely to the research setting. A recent article on the use of PET scans to detect amyloid plaques emphasizes that brain imaging and other methods are just one tool used by doctors to diagnose Alzheimer’s. The presence of amyloid on its own does not necessarily mean you have the disease. When properly used, the PET scan is the second step in a process that starts with full evaluation of the patient’s memory and cognitive difficulties. A dementia expert will then assess the need for brain imaging or further tests in those who show a specific pattern of symptoms. All of the available information, including PET scan results, will be used in diagnosis.

~By Tony Revere

Most seniors these days are living on limited incomes from sources that may include Social Security, a small pension or maybe some other form of government assistance. With few resources at their disposal, finding services for free or discounted prices is vital.

There are likely many of these types of services available through your local Office for the Aging (the name of this government agency may be different in your local area, i.e. Division of Senior Services) or local charities such as Lions Club or Meals-on-Wheels, or on the Internet through sites like ElderCare.gov.

However, in my opinion, the most rewarding of these freebies for seniors and their caregivers – things like free hearing aids and free dentures – will be more difficult to come by. From my experiences as a caregiver, I have compiled a list of these types of services and provided a roadmap and examples for how to find them.

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1. Your State Dental Association: here you will be able to access free or low-cost dental programs. As an example, one of my customers contacted the Ohio Dental Association and was then directed to Dental Options (in Ohio). She discovered her mother was eligible and will soon be getting the help she needs. While these services will vary based on your location, the place to start is with your state dental association.
2. Dental Colleges: while not free, if there is a local dental college in your area you could get a substantial discount on dental care.

• Elderly Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (EPIC)

EPIC is the name of the State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program in New York. New York is one of the 23 states that have such a program (the other 27 canceled their programs after the Federal government instituted Medicare Part D). If you live in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, Vermont, Washington State or Wisconsin, you have access to another means of assistance to obtain your prescription medications.

Income requirements vary from state to state, so you will have to check with your state administrators to determine your level of eligibility, but this can be a great way for seniors to save on their prescription drug costs.

• Low Cost Prescription Drugs

Despite the advent of Medicare Part D, and certain state run assistance programs such as EPIC (outlined above), there are still many seniors that cannot afford their medications.

This is why most manufacturers of prescription drugs provide assistance for those who cannot afford their medications. A comprehensive list of these programs is provide by the Partnership for Prescription Assistance as well as the steps to follow to apply for assistance.

Another cost saving strategy is to make the switch to generic drugs.

As the Food and Drug Administration says: “Generic drugs are important options that allow greater access to health care for all Americans. They are copies of brand-name drugs and are the same as those brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.”

Generic drugs cost about 50%-80% less than their brand name equivalents, so it makes all the sense in the world to speak with your doctor about making the switch.

• Family Caregiver Support Programs

These programs are often offered through the government, or volunteer organizations. Either way, as a caregiver, you can be provided with respite care by volunteers, as well as counseling and support groups to ensure your physical and emotional wellbeing. These services are designed to supplement, not replace, the efforts of the family in caring for a loved one.

• Free Cell Phones or Discounted Phone Service

LifeLine is a federal government program for qualifying low-income consumers designed “to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services.”

LifeLine assistance provides one free or discounted phone (either landline or wireless cell phone) per household. To qualify, seniors will likely have to be on some form of government assistance, such as:

• Medicaid
• Food Stamps
• Supplemental Social Security
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Visit LifelineSupport.org to see if you qualify and to find participating companies in your state.

I was able to get my mother a free cell phone within five days of her being approved for Medicaid, after providing a picture of my mother’s Medicaid award letter (yes, I know it is shocking for the government to move that quickly). The only drawback to the program is the type of phone that you are sent. My mother can use it but it has smaller buttons that can make it confusing. I would prefer for her to have a larger handset with larger buttons, but this is working for the moment.

• Free Phone for Hearing Impaired

A new service that is (at least temporarily) being funded by the FCC, called CaptionCall, provides free phones to those with medically recognized hearing loss.

The way that this phone works is simple. A screen on the phone instantly takes the words being spoken and puts them onto a screen on the phone so that hearing impaired individuals can read what is being said.

You can learn more at CaptionCall.com/Caregiver (and click on Promotions) for more information.

• Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)

This used to be called Food Stamps, but is now known as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). You can apply through your state Office for the Aging, or Elder Affairs Department.

Each state has slightly different requirements based upon income, but what I have found is that most states have a website (www.mybenefits.ny.gov in my home state of New York) where you can set up an online account and, based upon your age, zip code, income and residence status, you are then directed to all of the benefits that you are eligible for.

Once you are approved, the maximum monthly benefit depends upon the size of your family, from $200 all the way up to $1,500.

• Other Free Food Services

In addition to programs such as SNAP, there are many nutrition programs, offered either by local charities or local governments that can provide seniors with a nutritious meal (typically lunch) and the opportunity to socialize.

Check with your local Office for the Aging to see what programs are available in your area. In my county, there are 33 such nutrition sites that seniors can attend and, in some cases, transportation is provided.

There are also websites that have listings of local food banks where qualifying individuals can receive free food. The best food bank search engine is at FeedingAmerica.org. Simply plug in your state and a listing of locations and the types of services offered at each food bank will pop up.

• Free Hearing Aids

Buying a new hearing aid can run into the thousands of dollars, so it’s no wonder that seniors are hard pressed to pay for these devices. But I have found that there are a few ways to obtain free hearing aids. Some will be new, and others may be used, but they will all be free.

First, try your local Lion’s Club. Most chapters either operate or know of a local hearing aid bank that can match needy seniors with recycled hearing aids.

Another approach is to seek out clinical trials of new hearing aids. Contact hearing aid manufacturers and see if you can volunteer for a trial. When the trial is over, you typically get to keep the hearing aid. I recently saw a commercial from one hearing aid manufacturer that was advertising for people to participate in trials, so they are open to this idea.

You will have to medically qualify for the trial and you may have to contact several manufacturers until you find one that works for you. You may also get put on a waiting list. Regardless, this can be a powerful way for very low income seniors to receive a free hearing aid.

• Free Legal Help

When my mother had her heart attack and I started the Medicaid application process, I quickly realized that there would not be any money to pay our mounting bills. So I called my local Office for the Aging and they put me in touch with a local law school that operated a Senior Law Center for low income seniors like Mom.

They wrote a letter to the creditors on my behalf asking for the debts to be forgiven. With this letter I attached a letter from the nursing home detailing Mom’s prognosis. That was 14 months ago, and I haven’t heard from the creditors since, so I guess that ‘no news is good news.’ I did receive one confirmation letter, from Wal-Mart, that the debts were forgiven. The others have not contacted me yet, so I am hopeful that they’ve written the debts off as bad debt.

These types of law centers won’t represent you in a large scale, but they can be invaluable in drafting a simple will, certifying a POA or health care proxy, or drafting a letter to creditors.

If your Office for the Aging is unaware of a local resource for such help, another place to look would be the Lion’s Club. Many of the members of the Lion’s are attorneys and local business leaders who may be able to help you find a pro-bono attorney to handle something like this.

• Free Medical Alert System

We have all seen the television commercial with the elderly woman in the bathroom saying, “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” That’s what a medic alert system is for. It is a waterproof pendant that is worn around the neck or wrist, that works in conjunction with a wireless phone attachment. In an emergency, the wearer presses the button to be connected with the monitoring service and speaks into the pendant.

The actual system is totally free, even the shipping. The monitoring service does have to be paid for, but that is normally around $30 a month.

One thing I would advise you to consider when choosing a medic alert company. Make sure that the company you choose does NOT outsource its central station monitoring service. When your loved one hits that button, you want a trained, competent professional who can calmly contact emergency services and stay on the line with your parent until help arrives.

There are many medical alert products out there, such as, LifeStation and Rescue Alert, that offer this type of service.

• Free Walkers or Rollators

A walker will run you around $40 (rollators are a little more expensive). That can be a lot of money for a cash-strapped senior. If you are looking for a discounted or free walker, here are places you should start your search:

1. Thrift stores such as Goodwill, which operates outlet stores throughout the country and has very reasonable prices
2. Hospitals and nursing homes may periodically dispose of reliable, used equipment that may be ideal for you.

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Through your local or state Office for the Aging, you can apply for assistance either in the form of weather upgrades to your residence – such as added insulation in the attic to improve the energy efficiency of your home (this is known as the Weatherization Assistance Program) – as well as direct cash assistance based upon your income level.

One not widely known fact about HEAP is that it is available to both homeowners and renters, making it more widely accessible for low-income seniors.

• Ombudsman Services

For caregivers of nursing home patients, the state ombudsman’s office is there to address issues with the care of their loved ones. You can think of the ombudsman as similar to a union rep. They will investigate complaints on your behalf to insure that nursing home residents are being treated fairly.

I previously wrote about my own experience with nursing home neglect against my mother and how I brought in the state ombudsman to investigate the issue.

If you feel there is an issue of neglect or abuse of a nursing home resident, getting the contact information is easy. This information must be prominently displayed in the lobby of all nursing homes, along with the website and phone number to call for help.

• Residential Repair Services

Need some minor work done around the house, but can’t afford the labor? Many Offices of the Aging run a residential repair service where seniors can have minor work done to their home or rental at no labor cost.

NOTE: You will have to pay for supplies, but the labor is free from the volunteers.

• Silver Alert Program

Caregivers of seniors with dementia are often concerned about a loved one getting lost while wandering – especially if they are driving with dementia. There are many ways to combat this. One way is through a Silver Alert program, which (as defined on Wikipedia) “is a public notification system in the United States to broadcast information about missing persons – especially seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, or other mental disabilities – in order to aid in their return.”

Silver Alert and similar programs vary greatly by state. The way the Silver Alert program works in my local area is as follows:

The caregiver will contact the local police department and fill out a form identifying the senior, giving a physical description, as well as any medical information you wish to disclose.

Your parent will then be issued a Silver Alert bracelet that will have a unique ID number and instructions for anyone who locates them to call a police non-emergency number. This way they can be safely returned home without compromising any personal information on the part of the senior or caregiver.

Check with your local Police Department for more information.

I have used many of these services to assist me in my role as a caregiver and hope that this list of free or discounted services is useful to you and your family as well.

Do you know of other free services for seniors that we can add to the list?

Tony Rovere became involved with seniors and caregiving after his mother’s heart attack forced him to navigate the government bureaucracy that comes with caregiving. His website, StuffSeniorsNeed.com, is a resource for seniors and caregivers who can benefit from his personal experience as a caregiver.

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