4 Guidelines for Living Alone Safely in the Golden Years

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How to Live Alone Safely in the Golden Years in Huntsville, AL

Aging in place has many benefits, but a few precautions should be taken to help seniors avoid any pitfalls. Share these simple yet important steps with your senior loved one to help him or her increase safety while enjoying an independent lifestyle.

1. Prepare for Emergencies

Keep emergency numbers by each phone in large print. In addition to 911, include phone numbers for the local poison control center, your loved one’s healthcare provider, and family and friends he or she can call in the event of an emergency. Keep a fire extinguisher and fire safety plan readily available, put together an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, matches, candles, and batteries in case of a power outage, and assemble an extreme-weather emergency kit that includes bottled water, canned food, and blankets.

Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care service seniors can trust and rely on.

2. Fall-Proof the Home

Install banisters and rails on the stairs, and avoid placing rugs at the top and bottom of stairs. Place nonslip mats in the entryways, and use cord-wrapping devices to organize electrical cords. You might also want to install grab bars in the bathroom for additional slip and fall prevention.

Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Huntsville seniors can depend on.

3. Add Security

Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors near all bedrooms as well as in the living room and kitchen, and change the batteries at least twice a year. Make sure the water heater thermostat is set below 120 degrees to prevent burns. Some seniors might also want to install home security systems and update their locks to stop intruders.

4. Get to Know the Neighbors

Get to know the neighbors if you haven’t already. Share your everyday schedule with one or two who will be able to identify if something seems off. Getting to know the neighbors also makes it easier to get assistance with things such as shoveling the sidewalk, watering the plants, and picking up the newspaper and mail when your loved one is away from home or under the weather.

A professional caregiver is the perfect option if your loved one wants to age in place with greater independence. The type of homecare Huntsville, AL, seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Home Care Assistance, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (256) 716-9940.

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