Safety tips for living alone

With more older people choosing to stay within their own home, it is not surprising that many live alone, read our safety tips for living alone.

While it is beneficial for people to stay within their own home, close to familiar surroundings and family, it is important that they are safe. Below we have listed some simple safety tips for anyone living alone and to help them continue with their independence.

Stay connected to friends and family Elderly isolation can lead to serious problems, including depression, greater health problems and falls. Seeing family or friends on a regular basis can help boost health and well-being. From regular visits to telephone calls, staying connected to people is vital to ensuring that person is safe. It is important to create a support system so that, if anything does go wrong, the person has people to call on.

Stay in good health One of the biggest risks for an older person living alone is injury. Falls and slips can become more likely and if there is nobody around to help, a simple concussion could quickly become life-threatening. Because of this, it’s essential for people who live alone to stay as healthy as possible. A healthy diet, exercise, an active social life, and drinking plenty of water can drastically cut down any potential health issues and can minimise the risk of falls.

Things to consider to make the home safer are – handrails and bars in the bathroom (around the shower and toilet) and chairs at regular points i.e kitchen, landing, hallway to allow for breaks and easy access to seating.

Keep plenty of medication on hand Keeping up to date with any medication is important and things can quickly take a turn for the worst if medication is missed. Ensure that where possible, they keep extra medication on hand so that the risk of running out completely is minimised.

Lock doors and windows The risk of theft and burglary can increase in elderly residence, it is important to ensure there are some security measures in place. Ensure windows and doors are locked when nobody is home.

Personal Alarm system. There are various personal alert systems which can be very helpful for elderly who live alone. In the event of a fall or accident, they can press a button (worn on a necklace most commonly) and help is alerted. Some smartwatches now have a fall detection system that automatically alert a dedicated contact to activity

Home Security Features Scammers and thieves often target the elderly. There are steps that can be taken to minimize the risks –

Install spyholes in their doors so they can see who is knocking before they open the door. Install a home security system, there are various options with home security from alarms, cameras and ring doorbells. These systems help keep a visual eye on the property and can spot any suspicious activity. Install motion-activated lights to help deter and prevent break-ins and alert neighbours or passers-by to any intruders on the property.

Develop a list of emergency contacts Creating a list of emergency contacts for someone who lives alone is vital. If there was to be an accident, a contact list will allow anyone who enters the home to alert key people. This list should include the senior’s medical professionals, family members, friends and should be kept in a central point of the home. This is also helpful for elderly who are starting to become forgetful.

Create a grab bag Create a kit which is kept somewhere easily accessible to cover any emergencies that may happen, such as a powercut, freezing weather etc. This can include things like: Torch, matches, candles, medical supplies, blankets, bottled water and long-life food.

Companies such as Papillon Home Care are also able to provide support, by enlisting the help of home care staff, you are ensuring regular visits to the person at their home. The carer can help with medication, food, washing etc which all support their health and well-being, as well as regular contact for the person within their home.

Contact us today and see how we can help! https://papillonhomecare.com/home-care-services/

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