8 Health and Safety Tips for Seniors Living Alone
August 30, 2024
Living alone is the choice of many senior adults nowadays, but this independence brings with it, its own set of dangers. Besides declining health, such a person’s home is an easy target for robbery and burglary. Smart seniors take care of themselves and their property with some smart measures and precautions. Let’s see what measures can keep our beloved seniors secure in their second innings.
1. Stay Physically Active
A senior person living alone should stay physically active as much as possible in order to protect themselves from injuries and aging health conditions that can hamper their livelihood anytime. Eating a healthy diet with all necessary nutrients, exercising as per one’s capabilities, walks, taking proper medication etc. will keep them physically active and healthy. And they’ll be self-sufficient to live alone.
2. Maintain the House
Now the house or apartment that the seniors live alone in should be properly secured. There should be proper fencing, all the entry doors and windows should be high on safety criteria, furniture should be properly arranged, and everything should be organized, the floor should never be slippery in order to avoid falls. If you cannot do this on your own, get help from a family member, but don’t neglect these.
3. Install Alert System
An alert system for home security is a must for a senior person living alone. Even the smallest of their medical emergencies can become critical if not attended to and then there is constant concern about trespassers. An alert system with a panic button, and instant contact settings provides support from authorities during emergencies. Having an alert system even if you don’t use it is better than not having one when you critically need it.
4. Be Medically Prepared
Most seniors have deteriorating health conditions and suffer from at least one medical condition like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, etc. Whatever medication they take, there should be plenty of it at any point of time, running out of those medications is very risky. Along with that there should be availability of other regular medicines and first aid too. Contacts of the nearby hospital, emergency room, or a doctor should also be kept handy.
5. Close Contact with Neighbors
Your neighbors will reach you earlier than the rest in case you need help. As they are able to see your surroundings, they can notice strange happenings which may sometimes require the attention of authorities. Also, you can use some company every now and then to prevent isolation. So, get to know your neighbors, try to keep in touch with the maximum if not all of them.
6. Routine Check Of A-Z
There are so many safety measures that you’ve taken to keep enjoying your independent life, but your medicine may have expired, the batteries of your smoke alarm may have gone dead, and your bathroom floor may have gone slippery over time. That’s why it’s important to give a routine check of every aspect of your home security. Maintain a list of those measures and give them a weekly or monthly check depending on the need.
7. Daily Check-In
Have a family member or a neighbor that you have a good connection with, check in on you daily, and if you don’t respond they can visit to make sure everything is alright. If you think this is too much, imagine that if you fall and become unconscious, no one will ever know! Not a risk worth taking. A one- or two-minute conversation will not take over your independence, you’ll still be enjoying it while still being safe.
8. Connect Online
Given the current events, there has been a significant increase in internet activity with self-quarantining and social distancing. For seniors, it is extremely important to stay engaged in the community, as well as keep in touch with family and old friends in a time like this. Unfortunately, internet fees can get quite expensive, especially for those who are living on a fixed income or simply budgeting.
Living alone can be rewarding and peaceful but enjoying this freedom should not come at a heavy cost. Take these steps to keep yourself safe and live your life just the way you want. Take care.
If you or your loved one is looking for Home Care in San Jose, CA, please call Familiar Surroundings Home Care.
Santa Clara County: (408) 979-9990
San Mateo County: (650) 353-9777
Santa Cruz County: (831) 480-3990