Tips For Seniors Living Alone Safely

Living alone after a spouse passes away or due to illness can be a joyful experience for elderly persons, but it does have some inherent risks. It is essential that they take the right steps to protect themselves and remain safe while ensuring their homes are fall-proof.

Safety tips for seniors living alone they should do is make sure that their homes are fall-proof by removing tripping hazards and other potential dangers from the home. This includes removing clutter from walkways, making sure that all light bulbs are working and putting in handrails wherever necessary. Additionally, they should ensure that there are no loose floorboards and that stairs are clear of obstructions. Finally, they should also consider installing a medical alert system. They may want to check with their health insurance to find out if Medicare covers the cost of these devices, as they often do.

Keeping up with their regular visits to the doctor is vital for anyone, but especially for senior citizens who are living alone. Seeing a doctor regularly can help them spot symptoms of dementia, depression or other illnesses and address them before they get worse. This will keep them healthy and able to enjoy their independence longer.

Another important tip for seniors who live alone is to have a disaster kit prepared for unexpected situations like blackouts or snowstorms. This should include items like candles, flashlights, bottled water and canned food. They should also have a list of emergency contacts, their doctors and family members, on hand in case they need to call them.

Bathroom and kitchen safety tend to get the most attention, but bedroom safety is important too. Seniors should be sure that their beds are firm enough and that any round door knobs are replaced with lever-style ones to make getting in and out of bed easier. They should also consider a grab bar in the shower and install railings on both sides of staircases to prevent falls.

Elderly persons who are living alone should also keep a list of their emergency contacts in a place that is easy to reach in an emergency. They should also make sure that they have a functioning smoke detector and fire extinguisher in their house and that the batteries are updated. Additionally, they should get to know their neighbors and stay in contact with them to avoid feelings of isolation that can lead to depression or cognitive decline.

While these tips can make a big difference in the safety of a senior’s home, it is also crucial that they work on their balance exercises and maintain good eating habits to avoid falling or becoming ill. They should also work on building a social life and stay involved with the community by joining a book club or walking group. In addition, they should be sure to stay in touch with family and friends so that someone can check on them if needed. Finally, they should get a medical alert device that will let them communicate with their health care provider in the event of an accident or other crisis.