Author: Elizabeth Long
Photo: https://unsplash.com/photos/F98Mv9O6LfI
Living alone is an important part of retaining independence and feeling like you have some privacy. Many people live in the same home for years, and for some, the idea of living anywhere else just doesn’t feel like the right thing to do.
However, as you age, it is important that you ensure your home evolves with you, and that you’re keeping yourself safe in all manner of ways. Not only will this make you feel more secure, but it will also allow your loved ones to know that you’re safe.
So, what are some top tips for independent seniors living alone? Let’s take a look.
Keep in contact
Keeping in regular contact with your loved ones as well as any agencies that help you has a triple benefit: reducing loneliness, reassuring them that you’re ok, and alerting them that something might be wrong if they don’t hear from you. In fact, a recent study found that talking for just ten minutes per day, a few times a week can reduce loneliness by 20%.
This doesn’t mean that you need to be available every second of the day, but touching base however often suits you can be a good routine to get into. This can be once a day, or just a few times a week. If you’d prefer, you could always send a few text messages instead, but talking to someone on a call can be a useful thing to keep in your diary.
Crime prevention
When you’ve lived in the same home for a while, it can be easy to get a little slack when it comes to updating your crime prevention methods. Or, if living alone is a new situation for you, security might have previously been someone else’s job. But keeping your home and information secure is vital to stop you getting targeted.
As well as general home security advice like locking doors and windows, and making sure valuables aren’t out on display, there are specific measures that might make you feel reassured as someone who lives alone.
Home security systems are more widely available now, and they can help you check who is at the door before you open it. If you’re not confident with technology, opt for just a video doorbell rather than a full set of cameras – it’s important that you choose a device that you’ll actually use.
Keep on top of maintenance tasks
We’ve all noticed a slip or trip hazard and thought “I’ll get to that later”, but keeping on top of these seemingly small tasks can stop you from having an accident later down the line. However, when it comes to more complex fixes like wiring or plumbing, it’s best to contact a professional. Make sure to check their badge when they come to the door, or arrange for someone else to be with you, if you’d rather.
You can also get a personal alarm if you’re worried that you may fall and be unable to get to the phone. This can help you have peace of mind, as when activated the alarm will contact a central team, who can call your designated emergency contact or emergency services, if appropriate.
To sum up
There’s no need to move out of your home before you’re ready. Independent living offers control and privacy, but it is important that you take the necessary precautions to ensure that you’re safe. Following these top tips will help you, and your loved ones, know that you’re secure.