Today, relatives need to be attentive to the elderly and try to ensure their safety in their own homes. Thanks to the advances in technology for seniors living alone today the elderly can have a fulfilling life without the need for hospice care. In this article, we’ll give you easy-to-follow safety tips for seniors living alone.
What difficulties do seniors face when living alone?
Living alone can be difficult for seniors. They are faced with many challenges that they are not able to handle by themselves. It is a heartbreaking, oftentimes nerve-rattling situation — not only for them but for close family members.
The United States Census Bureau pointed out that there were 48.6 million people older than 65 living in the US in 2015, half of them on their own. Each facing a variety of challenges. Senior care has always been a problem, it requires expertise and patience. It’s not just about facing physical issues, and improving day-to-day activities, but handling extreme emotional challenges. A senior’s psychological makeup is as important as their physical well-being.
The most common difficulties include:
- Lack of social interaction.
- Difficulty with self-care.
- Physical and mental health problems.
- Lack of mobility.
- Loss of independence.
The safety of the elderly is a major concern for many countries and societies. As soon as people reach a certain age everything becomes a bit more difficult — particularly if they’ve had a less than physically active and stress-free life. Some countries have already taken steps to improve the safety of the elderly. For example, in Sweden, they have made it compulsory for all buildings to be equipped with an alarm system that can be activated by the elderly and disabled people.
The United States has introduced legislation that requires all new residential construction to include a means for emergency assistance such as an alarm system or a phone line. Meanwhile, in Japan, there are many senior citizens centers where seniors can go to get help if they need it. These centers assist with everything from cooking and cleaning to transportation and social activities.
Keeping them safe — help for seniors living alone.
In the following section, we’re going to dive into some safety tips for seniors living alone, as well as technology folks can employ during this stage of their life.
Lighting
Be sure to check that there is good lighting everywhere in the house. It is critical that seniors can see properly around their surroundings. Not only that, but studies have shown that having a properly lighted ecosystem can influence a person’s mood for the better. A great tip is to install motion sensors that turn on the light.
Check floors
One of the biggest problems seniors face is slippery floors — 75% of accidents occur because of them. And most in the bathroom. It’s important to check the floors in all rooms and make sure they are not slippery. Bath mats and carpets should be flat with no corners or edges to trip over.
Bars
Install grab bars – in the shower, in the bathroom, or next to the toilet. This is paramount for seniors that have mobility issues. Each case is different — some seniors are sprier than others. It’s important to first check with the seniors living there, since safety bars are a huge step, one that speaks volumes about their current state, and may end up depressing them.
Detectors
Install fire and smoke detectors — and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. As far as technology for seniors living alone goes, this is the most important. Why? Because mistakes occur. Seniors particularly those with neurological degenerative conditions have problems keeping track of what’s on and what’s off.
Automation
Another safety tip for seniors living alone is to install easy-to-use automation services. For example a stove or over with an auto-off feature. Or Alexa, or Siri hubs. The more automated the house, the better it is for them. Plus, with IoT – Internet of Things – features, family members can keep track of what’s powered and what’s not at any given time.
Maintenance
Check that all furniture is stable, and fix or replace any flimsy items. It’s important to understand that things might fall apart over time, and ultimately become magnets for accidents when it comes to seniors.
Medical systems
Install a medical call system — as far as safety devices for seniors living alone a medical call system they can access, easily – and quite possibly through verbal prompts – is critical. It can mean the difference between life and death.
Patient monitoring
Install a real-time patient monitoring solution to check all important health indicators. Nowadays, thanks to wearables this is extremely easy. A smartwatch, RPM tool or a wristband can do wonders for seniors living alone — it can educate them on their bio-metrics, help them keep track of their ailments, and alert doctors instantly if the need arises.
The importance of help for seniors living alone
Old age is a complex and sensitive phase for seniors. Elderly people not only need physical care but emotional care. Comfort in this pivotal time can help them lead a healthy life — one free of worries and anxiety. It is important to be aware of how their changes, their transformative behavioral patterns, need to be addressed. Their ecosystem should adapt to their needs, not the other way around.
Lucas Noah, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Information & Technology, stands as a prominent figure in the realm of tech journalism. Currently holding the position of Senior Admin, Lucas contributes his expertise to two esteemed companies: OceanaExpress LLC and CreativeOutrank LLC. His... Read more