<previous  |  browse  | next>

By Danny Cain 

They gave us life. Over the years they were there to nurse us and to provide us with the necessary tools to properly develop. Their love and compassion for our well being never stopped. They cleaned our messes and healed our many wounds. They gave us those encouraging words and uplifting support when our lives seemed to be falling apart. Their words of wisdom and moral direction ultimately shaped our character and personalities. Through the various developmental stages our relationship with them transformed from guardian to friend. Our parents did much for us over the years. How can we ever return the love and appreciation that they have extended to us?

Many of our parents have aged with grace and dignity. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case with everyone. Others have suffered from the effects of aging, illnesses and debilitating ailments. Possibly they have suffered from the crippling effects of Arthritis or have been cognitively impaired by a devastating disease such as Alzheimer's.

This Holiday season provides an incredible opportunity for all of us to extend the true love and appreciation for what they have meant to us over the years. Why not consider purchasing something this year that can truly have a positive impact on their quality of life and can make their life more bearable in the days ahead?

This article will address some of the more common ailments that our aging parents are dealing with along with some ideas that you may want to consider this shopping season. Isn't it time to quit buying them ties, home gadgetry items and other miscellaneous items that they will never use? How about considering something that can truly make a difference!

Emergency Preparedness Needs

One of the biggest concerns that we often have for our aging parents and one that threatens their independence is the potential threat of a household fire or accident. Many home fire injuries and deaths are caused by smoke and toxic gases rather than by the fire itself. Proper planning and emergency preparedness can allow our loved ones the opportunity to escape quickly during a real emergency.

One of the most important elements critical in escaping these tragedies is response time. Time is of the essence during an emergency. Properly installed and maintained smoke detectors can mean the difference between life and death. If you're wondering what to purchase for your parents this Holiday season, why not consider any number of fire and emergency evacuation products? There are likely two different types of detectors that would be very useful in their home. The traditional smoke detectors and also the use of carbon monoxide detectors. Both of these products can be very helpful in alerting your parents to potential problems should they arise.

Special smoke detectors are available with strobe lights for those individuals who are hearing impaired. The latest types of detectors come with longer life batteries that require less maintenance and battery replacement.

Many household fires involving seniors take place in the kitchen area. Another excellent gift idea this Holiday season is the purchase of Fire Extinguishers. These portable canisters are very manageable and can be properly stored throughout the household. Be sure that you properly select the right type of extinguisher before purchasing as they come in different types. The best purchase for extinguishers are those that are rated for multiple types of fires.

Also, you may want to select other helpful items that can prevent fires from spreading. The Flameout Kitchen Towel is a specially treated towel that can stop kitchen fires before serious damage occurs. There are no pins to pull and you simply cover the fire and then discard the towel after use. One of my favorite fire related products for the kitchen area is the Stove Top Fire Stopper. Unlike conventional fire extinguishers this unit puts out fires automatically. You simply install this unit above the cooktop portion of the vent hood and it's ready to put out accidental stove fires. This is a great product for those individuals who may be showing signs of confusion and forgetfulness and accidental leave the stove on or unattended.

<Page 1  2  3>