A little holiday peace of mind

Just when you think there couldn’t possibly be anything else to put under the tree for your older loved one, I have a few more ideas.

While cold weather and snow may warm our hearts and put us in the spirit of the season, the dipping temperatures certainly do nothing to keep the rest of us warm. With heating prices the way they are, “cozy” is the word of the day for Amy Cotton, program director at Rosscare’s Center for Healthy Aging.

“I see many seniors who enjoy wraps and shawls to snuggle in this time of year,” she said. “Let’s face it, people are turning the thermostats down as much as possible due to the cost of heating their homes. Another good thought is an electric blanket, as sleep is interrupted when you are chilly, no matter what your age.”

Peace of mind also helps you sleep better, so knowing that your senior loved one is well taken care of and safe keeps a restless night at bay.

Here are a few items you probably know about by now, but they bear mentioning again as holiday shopping occupies our lives:

. The File of Life. This 4-inch-by-3-inch plastic pocket contains a senior’s pertinent medical information, such as medications and doses, doctors’ names, emergency contacts and medical conditions. It is held in place on the refrigerator by a magnetic strip on the back, and comes with a red “File of Life” sticker for the front door, which will alert responding emergency personnel to look on the refrigerator. The File of Life is a great stocking stuffer and is free through Eastern Agency on Aging.

. Highly reflective house numbering signs. This is a $10 gift that could potentially be a life saver.

“Penobscot County jail inmates make the 6-inch-by-8-inch house number signs of highly reflective materials which meet the 911 standards,” said Glenn Ross, Penobscot County sheriff and Penobscot County Area Triad member. “The signs have a strong aluminum backing and can be placed on the house itself or on a steel stake which will be positioned at the end of the driveway. These signs are very visible at night.”

The deluxe package, which includes two single-sided signs, one to face each way, a post and an attachment bolt, is $10, as is the one single-sided sign which would face toward the street. The third option is just the single-sided sign for $4, which can be bolted directly to the house.

For more information on the 9-1-1 House Numbering Project, contact your town office or the sheriff’s office at 947-4585, or Eastern Agency on Aging at 941-2865.

And now that your house can be seen in the dark, how about you? Are you visible when venturing out after dark?

. Vest Dressed for Safety reflective vests. EAA and Triad are encouraging seniors to wear reflective clothing at night. Even walking through a parking lot after shopping or attending an evening movie or concert can be hazardous. While basic black is very fashionable, it is dangerous to wear outside at night.

These vests can be had for a $10 donation to Eastern Agency on Aging, which will help us cover our cost.

Think about it. Twenty dollars for the sign and the vest. The piece of mind is free.

And don’t forget your loved one’s pets. Treats and toys show you care. Often the best way to a person’s heart is through his or her pet.

All of us at Eastern Agency on Aging wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org, or log on www.eaaa.org. TTY 992-0150.