Tips for Home Alone Seniors

Have you ever heard that ‘Aging is not for Sissies’ ? Well, some people make fun of this saying, but on a more serious note, living alone as a senior and aging can be difficult, which is why it is good to know some of the ways seniors can take precautions to protect themselves. Here is a list of things that we seniors should take note of:

♣ Safety Precautions for home alone seniors:
– Remove clutter.
– Remove tripping hazards (electrical cords, throw rugs).
– Use the grab bars in the shower (or install if you don’t have them).
– Prepare an emergency kit: flashlight, batteries, matches, candles. Put it in a place that is easy to remember.
– Keep track of your keys (put them in the same place every time you come in the door). Don’t put your name and address on your key chain.
– If the doorbell rings call out, ‘I’ll get it’, which will alert the person ringing the bell that you are not alone.
– If you are expecting a service person like cable, or other repairman, have someone keep you company while the service is being handled.
– Have a list of friends that you speak with at least once a week. You can set up a ‘buddy system’ with each other on specific days to touch base.
– If you are an older driver, take a self assessment survey how aging affects your driving. Click here: https://www.nhtsa.gov/older-drivers/driving-safely-while-aging-gracefully

Try developing a social life by being open-minded and exploring your surroundings. This link will lead you to some great suggestions: https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Social-Life-as-a-Senior-Citizen