Independence is an essential aspect of adult life. It often contributes to enjoying a happy and fuller life. So, it is understandable when our aging loved ones want to maintain their self-sufficiency.
However, living alone as an older person comes with some challenges. These challenges, if not addressed, can be harmful to the well-being of our loved ones and even strip them of their independence anyway. Increased risk of physical injury, loneliness, and malnutrition are some of the dangers of living alone in adults.
Knowing how strong-willed some adults can be, instead of trying to change their minds about solitary living, we can instead make sure to keep them safe as they stay by themselves at home.
Measures like medical alert systems (MAS) can be put in place to ensure the home safety of your parents or grandparents. Seasons Retirement has provided information about the need for a MAS in your older one’s home.
In this article, we’ll be discussing measures to ensure adults stay safe in their homes.
Safety tips for older persons living alone
Having established that your older loved one may face some challenges in solitary living, you should try recommending different senior living options to them.
Undoubtedly, there is a choice that suits their needs and lifestyle. However, if your parents are not willing to move, we have prepared this list of tips and strategies to help keep them safe and healthy when alone at home.
1. Medical alert system
This is one of the best ways to ensure that your parent who lives alone gets help after a dangerous fall or any accident that passes as a medical emergency.
This safety device is made up of remote control that can be activated anywhere within your loved one’s residence. So, whenever there is an emergency, and your parent, who needs help, cannot get to the phone, the alert system will inform the appropriate emergency agency for immediate response.
2. Fall monitoring gadget
You should encourage your loved one in solitary living to always wear a fall monitoring gadget. It is a device built to detect falls or slips in people.
At times, some falls may be heavy enough to make one unconscious. However, with a fall monitoring device worn on the body, emergency services will be notified whenever there’s a fall.
3. Home security camera
This is another excellent measure one can employ to keep their loved ones safe at home. Older adults are prone to burglary and robbery attacks, but installing a home security camera can help alleviate this threat.
While this surveillance device won’t particularly prevent home invasion, video footage from it can identify the trespasser. Also, with a home security camera installed in your parent’s residence, you can always check in on them from anywhere.
4. Railings
Installing railings inappropriate places is another great measure to ensure that your loved one is not at risk of any danger at home. Showers, stairways, and even tubs are some locations where railings seem appropriate in a home. The installation of railings will help reduce the risk of your loved one slipping and falling.
5. Slip-proof and clean floors
To prevent your folk from slipping at their home, you can help them install slip-proof floors. You can fix double-sided tape beneath rugs or use slip-proof carpets on tiled floors. Meanwhile, a doormat can prevent water from leaking back into a room.
Encourage your loved one to keep a clean, clear, and dry floor to avoid slipping and falling in their residence. Additionally, broken floorboards and loose wires should be fixed. Basically, a well-arranged home is a simple and effective way to prevent accidents.
6. Good lighting
With age, the sharpness of your parent’s sight may reduce. Given this, excellent lighting is very important in their daily lives. After all, a danger can only be averted if it is seen.
Motion-activated lights are a more suitable option for older adults, as they don’t need to switch the lights on or off manually. In addition, this type of lighting can help discourage home invaders and prevent burglary outside the house.
7. Neighbors
You should encourage your parents in solitary living to get to know their neighbors. This can be quite helpful, especially in cases of emergency.
For instance, if something seems off in your parent’s residence, a friendly neighbor will check in to ensure everything is okay. Moreover, forging a relationship with neighbors allows your loved one to socialize while also ensuring they are safe with friends watching over.
8. Emergency contacts
It is no secret that memory declines with age, so your aging loved one may find it challenging to remember contact numbers. You can help by writing down the important contact numbers beside the telephone for easy accessibility during an emergency.
This list of telephone numbers should include those of family members, neighbors, and emergency services. Also, if your parent uses a mobile phone, you can help add these phone numbers to the speed dial.
9. Healthy lifestyle
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, your parents can alleviate the risk of falling ill. Meanwhile, good health can help them develop a great body balance, thereby reducing the risk of sustaining injuries. That said, taking nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and sleeping adequately is great ways to live a healthy life.
10. Family and friends
You and other family members should always keep an eye on your loved ones who live alone.
This kind of visit will be helpful for their mental health. Moreover, having friends and family around helps tackle loneliness and enhances their feeling of safety.
Conclusion
It is normal to be concerned about a loved one who wishes to live alone at home. However, to ease your concerns, this article discusses steps you may do to assure their safety.
If you need help making your parent’s home more comfortable and secure, you can always seek advice from companies like Seasons Retirement.
