By Cassandra Lucas-Moore, Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, CareWell Services Southwest
It can be hard to change your way of thinking, especially if you have been following the same thought patterns your whole life! How can we change the way that we think about problems? How do we investigate concerns? Where do we start to ask questions?
To “think outside of the box” means to look for solutions that are different from the usual thought process. It is a valuable type of creative thinking that takes practice. A few ways to trigger a different thought pattern can be to move to a different location, brainstorm or “word dump”, draw a picture, or talk to a child. Children have a very different thought process because they haven’t been given certain solutions. They can think very creatively.
Once you have possible solutions, you can role-play or talk to someone outside of the subject matter or mind map. Sometimes you have to start with a clean slate and try to forget all assumptions. You may need to question why things have been done in a certain way and break down those steps. Re-explore old resources, as funding and services change all the time.
If access to emergency services in the event of a fall is a problem you are facing, CareWell Services Southwest is here to help! CareWell, together with the Calhoun County Senior Millage, offers the Personal Emergency Response System buttons for those who may need a “Help, I’ve fallen” button. Certain qualifications must be met to get one of these provided at no cost.
You need to provide proof of residency, proof of income and insurance coverage, plus proof of medical need or frailty. Some insurance companies do pay for them; this is why we ask for insurance coverage. However, if you don’t meet the requirements and can’t afford to pay for one out of your pocket, we can assist you in getting this set up with your insurance.
With outside of the box thinking in mind, what other devices might be available that can help if you have a fall? If you have a cell phone, you could you get a neck lanyard, runner’s armband, or fanny pack to wear to ensure that you always have your phone on you. Do you have an Alexa or Google Home device? If so, you can holler to Alexa to “call 9-1-1” or “call my daughter” in an emergency. Other devices such as doorbell cameras or baby monitors can be used to signal for assistance or monitor a loved one if needed. In addition to devices, learn what exercises can help you rebuild your balance skills. Many of these options are discussed in A Matter of Balance Fall Prevention Classes. You can learn about upcoming classes on our website at www.carewellservices.com/events-calendar.
CareWell Services staff members are well-versed in challenging situations and can help you explore solutions to your individual circumstances. Call our Resource and Assistance line 269-966-2450 to get information related to services and support for seniors, those with disabilities 18 and older, and all types of caregivers. Call us—we’re here to help!