Not every person struggling with dementia lives in a nursing home or assisted-living facility.

In fact, more than 15 million Americans - usually family members or friends - provide unpaid caregiving to people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, according to a 2014 report by the Alzheimer's Association.

Although it's wonderful so many are willing to assume that responsibility, it's also important they take steps to make sure the home is a safe place, says Kerry Mills, co-author with Jennifer Brush of the book "I Care: A Handbook for Care Partners of People With Dementia." (www.engagingalzheimers.com)

Part of that is to focus on potential hazards. The concept is not unlike new parents making a house "childproof." Many of the concerns are similar, such as stairs, electrical sockets, sharp objects and swimming pools.

At the same time, it's easy to go too far, Mills said. Ideally, the environment for the person with dementia should be as unrestricted as possible.

"For example, if your loved one enjoys cooking for a hobby and can safely cut and peel vegetables, then by all means, encourage it," Mills says.
Mills suggests several ways to make a home safer for someone with dementia.

•  For the front and back doors. Use bells on the doors, motion sensors that turn on lights or alerts, or other notifications that make the care partner aware when someone has gone out. Add lamps or motion-activated lighting so people can see where they are going when they are entering or leaving the house.

"Another way to discourage someone from wanting to leave the house is to make sure that he or she gets plenty of outside exercise whenever possible," Mills says.

•  For stairways and hallways. Add reflective tape strips to stair edges to make stairs more visible. Remove obstacles, such as mats and flowerpots, to minimize risks of falls on or by the stairs.

Also, install handrails in hallways and stairways to provide stability, and install a gate on the stairway to prevent falls. Improve the lighting around hallways and stairs by installing more ceiling fixtures or wall sconces.

•  For the bathroom. Install grab bars and a raised toilet seat to help both the individual with dementia and the care partners so they don't have to lift the person on and off the toilet.

Add grab bars inside and outside the tub, and a non-skid surface in the tub to reduce risks of falls. You can also add colored tape on the edge of the tub or shower curb to increase contrast and make the tub edge more visible.

Lower the water temperature or install an anti-scald valve to prevent burns, and remove drain plugs from sinks or tubs to avoid flooding.

•  For the possibility the person becomes lost. Provide your loved one with an identification or GPS bracelet in case he or she wanders. Label clothes with the person's name, and place an identification card in his or her wallet with a description of the person's condition. Notify police and neighbors of the person's dementia and tendency to wander.

About Kerry Mills

Kerry Mills, MPA, is an expert in best care practices for persons with dementia both in the home and in out-of-home health care residences and organizations. She is a consultant to numerous hospitals, assisted livings, hospice, home care agencies, senior day care centers and nursing homes. In her twelve-year career in health care, she has served as executive director and regional manager for numerous long-term dementia facilities. She is an outspoken advocate for persons with dementia, lecturing in Hong Kong, Canada, China, Europe and the United States. Her book, coauthored with Jennifer A. Brush, "I Care," (engagingalzheimers.com), is the 2014 Gold Award Winner of the National Mature Media Awards.

Davenport, Iowa - You'd think the title of this story didn't make sense.  That is until you realize the Leprechaun is back, a ghost has been added and the Quad Cities will come together for the 2015 CASI St. Patrick's Day Race on March 14, 2015 to benefit the Center For Active Seniors or CASI as it is known to so many.

In its 33^rd year, CASI's St. Patrick's Day race, presented by Russell Construction, is THE major fundraiser for the Center for Active Seniors.

"Led by a friendly Leprechaun, nearly 3000 runners and walkers race through downtown Davenport, to help raise funds to support CASI's mission of providing services to senior citizens in the Quad City Region," said Laura Kopp, President/CEO of CASI.  "More than $60,000 was raised in 2014 and with a leprechaun on our side, 2015 will be even bigger."

Programs available through CASI include senior advocacy services to more than 5,000 families annually in addition to daily activities, community forums, fitness and health initiatives, educational sessions and much more. All proceeds raised benefit CASI programs.

And the ghost? New for 2015 is "Ghost" race registration allowing everyone to help support seniors.  As a ghost, you don't actually participate in the race. Instead, your $30 registration is a donation which includes a t-shirt available during packet pickup and the peace of mind knowing you, too, are helping Quad City seniors.

Packet Pick-up is Friday, March 13, 2015, at the Figge Art Museum in downtown Davenport on 2^nd Street between Harrison & Main Friday, March 13, 2015 from Noon- 6:30 pm and Race Day, Saturday morning, March 14^th from 7:00 am- 10:00 am.

So become a ghost, see the leprechaun and help support seniors in the Quad Cities by Join in the fun on March 14^th at CASI's 33^rd Annual St. Patricks Day Race. Learn more at www.CASIseniors.org and click on the Get Me Registered Icon.

The Center For Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) was established in 1972 and serves the needs of older adults by providing a variety of events and activities focused on health and wellness, social engagement, lifelong learning, and community involvement. CASI also provides a senior advocacy program to assist older adults, their families, and caregivers in needs assessment and referral for services. Jane's Place at CASI is the only adult day services center in Eastern Iowa serving adults with Alzheimer's and dementia. For more information about the programs and services offered through CASI, visit www.CASISeniors.org or call (563) 386-7477.

(URBANDALE, Iowa) - "We've Got the Power", the Iowa Communications Alliance (the Alliance) 2^nd Annual Meeting and Expo, is scheduled for March 3-5, 2015 at Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Des Moines.

The Annual Meeting and Expo will feature more than 110 strategic partners who provide products, services and expertise to Iowa's 130 rural communications companies.  Nearly 1,000 communications industry professionals from across the region will attend the event.  Participants will learn about current trends in the communications industry ranging from regulatory and legislative issues to emerging technologies, consumer preferences and effective marketing and training techniques.

In addition to a number of expert speakers on a variety of communications industry-related topics, 3-time NFL Pro-Bowler and former Denver Bronco Karl Mecklenburg will address the attendees about the "6 Keys to Success" through his humorous and motivational story-telling style of delivery.

"We are excited to convene this, the second annual gathering of so many communications industry representatives from around our state and across the country.  This event will allow attendees to share best practices, learn about new opportunities, and focus on the ever-changing consumer demands for communications services," said Dave Duncan, chief executive officer of the Alliance. "As Iowans, regardless of zip code, participate and contribute to the global economy our members recognize their responsibility to provide the highest level of connectivity possible to whichever marketplace their customers seek," continued Duncan.

About the Iowa Communications Alliance:

The Alliance was established in 2014 as the voice of Iowa's rural communications industry. Comprised of more than 130 community-based telecommunications providers who offer broadband, telephone and digital television service to rural Iowans; we are the premier leader in education, advocacy and training for our members and we promote economic growth and stability of members and the communities they serve. We believe that all Iowans should have access to affordable and robust broadband connections. 

ALLEN, Texas (February 16, 2015) - Kevin Baker broke 1-1 tie at 5:51 of the third period and the Quad City Mallards (25-18-6) went on to defeat the host Allen Americans (34-9-5) 2-1 Monday night.  With their victory over the league leaders, the Mallards opened up a three point lead in the race for second place in the ECHL's Central Division.

Baker buried a cross-ice pass from Justin Fox- who had scored the first Mallard goal- for the game winner

Fox opened the scoring from the right wing circle at 18:07 of the first period.

Spencer Asuchak deadlocked the game at one with a point blank backhander at 6:06 of the second period, but the Americans could not produce another reply after Baker put the Mallards back on top in the third.

The Mallards return to action Friday night on the road against the Brampton Beast.  The Mallards next play at home next Wednesday evening, February 25 at 7:05 p.m. against the Americans.  Fans can purchase four tickets to each Mallards Wednesday home game this season for just $20.  In addition, after each Wednesday home contest, fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's on River Drive in Moline- adjacent to the iWireless Center- for a postgame party.