Safety Tips For Older Adults Living Alone

As we age, many adults start to experience health concerns that may lead them to live alone. Although this is a perfectly normal phenomenon, seniors often find themselves at a higher risk of accidents, illness and injuries due to lack of social contact with others.

Fortunately, there are a few Safety tips for seniors living alone . This can include ensuring the home is fall-proof, building community and making sure to have a disaster kit.

A common cause of injuries for seniors who live alone is falling. It is recommended that seniors perform a fall assessment on their homes to look for potential hazards. For example, seniors should clear any tripping hazards such as loose rugs or clutter on stairs. They should also ensure that all areas of the home are well lit, especially hallways and staircases. Installing grab bars in the bathroom and non-slip mats or strips in bathtubs or showers can also help prevent falls.

Seniors should also be sure to have emergency contacts that they can call for help if needed. This includes medical professionals as well as family members. Having these numbers written out in easy-to-read places and on speed dial on their phones can mean help is just moments away if an emergency arises. This can also include having a list of local resources that can assist them in the event of an emergency, such as local fire departments or police.

One of the most important safety tips for elderly people living alone is to build community with their neighbors. This can be done by attending local events or simply getting to know the neighbors. Having an active social life can help fight feelings of isolation, which is linked to cognitive decline and depression in older adults.

Another way to create community is to have a check-in system with friends or family members who can visit and check on a senior if they haven’t heard from them in a few days. Some high-tech systems can even activate an alert if the senior doesn’t respond to the alarm, which can send help immediately.

Finally, it is a good idea for seniors who live alone to get a medical alert system. These devices can be worn like a bracelet or pendant and provide immediate access to assistance in the event of an accident. Typically, these systems don’t cost very much, and some seniors are able to use their flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts to pay for them. However, not everyone has these benefits, so it is important to research the different options.