Improving home life of seniors

by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
   One of the hardest things for anyone caring for an elderly loved one is knowing when it is no longer safe for that person to remain in their own home.
   While there are many facilities that provide excellent care, most people prefer to stay at home as long as possible. On Saturday the South Brunswick Senior Center will host its first Aging in Place Fair to educate seniors on services and products that can increase their safety and quality of life at home.
   ”It’s really hard for seniors and families to know if they should be in assisted living or if they should be at home,” social worker Caryl Greenberg said. “We’ve had health fairs and other open houses at the Senior Center before, but this is the first time we’ve done something targeting keeping people in their homes.”
   Ms. Greenberg organized the event, which will feature lectures, question and answer sessions and exhibits from doctors, lawyers and other professionals. The mobile diagnostic unit from St. Peter’s University Hospital will also be on hand to perform free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings.
   ”We will have speakers for a wide range of topics,” Ms. Greenberg said. “The main idea is to keep safe, healthy and educated. There are things people should learn about before there is a crisis.”
   Lectures will include “Aging and the Law” from attorney Anne Zaun, and “Ramifications of Lack of Sleep and Ways to Intervene” by Ryan Barna. There will also be presentations on safety tips for the home, what a geriatric case manager does and writing a family love letter. Those who attend will be able to talk one on one with a doctor, a pharmacist and a lawyer, and there will be exhibits from various businesses that provide home safety products.
   ”There is a lot that people can learn. There are push button response systems that seniors can keep on themselves to call for help, and home modifications,” Ms. Greenberg said.
   Councilwoman Carol Barrett will be attending the event and said she hopes seniors will pay special attention to the lecture on writing a family love letter. Ms. Barrett said she has been planning a trip to Italy to trace some of her roots, but has had a difficult time tracking down family history.
   ”I wish I had thought to have my parents write some of it down,” Ms. Barrett said. “It would have saved a lot of leg work.”
   The fair will begin at 10 a.m. and will run through 3 p.m. at the Senior Center. It is open to the public, and there will be activities for children and food for sale. For more information, contact the senior center at 732-329-4000 ext. 7670.