It would be hard to find anyone who would not be worried about a loved one living alone. We are always thinking safety first when it comes to our parents or grandparents.
It’s always better to be on the safe side. Yet, when it comes time for an elderly person to live alone, we have to respect their wishes as long as they are still physically and mentally capable.
For many seniors, living alone represents their independence. Kind of like when a kid first goes to college. However, living on their own also means there are safety and security issues that need to be addressed.
In this article, we will discuss several tips that can help seniors and their families to feel safe and secure when seniors must live by themselves.
Successful Safety and Security Tips for Seniors Living Alone
Neighborhood Watch – It is a good idea for your elderly loved one to live where there is a Neighborhood Watch program in place.
People who patrol the neighborhood will not only check to make sure that there aren’t any strange people hanging around, but they can also keep a visual watch of your loved one’s house. This includes checking in on them every so often.
Exercise – One element that is neglected with many senior citizens is their health. If they are sitting around a lot and not getting exercise, that could cause problems with their muscle strength and balance.
This could lead to falls, which are very dangerous.
It’s a good idea to get them enrolled in an aerobics, yoga, swimming, or another type of program that keeps them active. Anything that gets them in water to move around will always be safe on their joints.
However, even if they have an activity, such as gardening, they will have some kind of movement. This can also extend their life and keep them healthier much longer.
Security – Some seniors might balk at the idea of needing extra security. However, you need to be firm and demand that they have a good security system installed before you allow them to live on their own.
Seniors are often targets for burglars and other types of home invasion.
A good alarm system is a must for every senior. It’s probably also a good idea to install some type of closed circuit camera system, as well.
Maybe you could also check that they have some type of communication device, where they only need to press a button and they can contact you, or the police or paramedics.
Safety and Security in Bathrooms – The bathroom is a place that gets wet and slippery. It is a potential accident area for seniors, and every day, some senior slips and falls in the bath or shower.
A shower bench is a good idea so they can sit down while taking a shower, or use it if they get tired. Grab-Bars are also what seniors need to get a good grip while moving around in the bathroom.
Make sure that they have a special device that controls the water temperature so it doesn’t get too hot and scald them. The water temperature can raise or drop quickly and that might make your loved one move rapidly enough to fall.
Remember, over 50 percent of seniors fall in or near their homes.
Fraud Protection – Scammers love to target seniors because they feel they are easy targets. It’s probably better if your loved one doesn’t open the door for anyone they don’t recognize or anyone they were not expecting.
If they feel worried or threatened, they should have the number of the police written down.
Nourishment – Keep in mind, it’s not always easy to obtain appropriate nourishment for seniors living alone. It is extremely important to staying physically and also mentally fit as they grow older.
Do whatever you can to see if your elderly loved one is getting the proper nourishment to stay energetic and healthy.
Worried About a Loved One Living Alone – Conclusion
These tips should be an excellent start if you are worried about your loved one living alone. However, making sure that they are living in the right place might take some work, and it will take time.
Give an elderly family member the independence that they need, but always check often to make certain they are doing fine.
