Failing to focus on safety as you get older can lead to accidents and serious injuries occurring. Rather than waiting until an accident happens to make adjustments, you must take preventative measures to make your home safe. The following are some great tips designed to help senior citizens who live alone stay safe.
Invest in a Medical Alert System
The modern market is filled with equipment designed to help senior citizens. If you have medical problems or want to add an extra layer of security to your living environment, investing in a quality medical alert system is a great idea. These systems are designed to send out a signal if they detect the person wearing the device is in need of medical attention.
These devices have been credited with saving the lives of countless senior citizens around the world. There are many different medical alert devices on the market, which means you have to do your homework before choosing one. One of the most trusted names in the world of medical alert systems is Medical Guardian. If you want to find out more about the products offered by this company and how well they have worked for other seniors in the past, check out these Medical Guardian reviews.
Find and Fix Trip Hazards in Your Home
Every 11 seconds in the United States, a senior citizen is treated for injuries related to a slip-and-fall accident. Older individuals can sustain very serious injuries in these types of situations. Breaking a hip – or any other bone for that matter – can result in months of painful rehabilitation. This is why you need to make it your mission to find and fix trip hazards in your home.
Some of the most common trip hazards you need to keep an eye out for are:
- Damaged furniture
- Dim lighting in high-traffic areas
- Loose/frayed rugs
- Wet surfaces
- Clutter on the floor
You can also decrease the likelihood of falling by installing safety bars in key areas around your home, including the bathroom. Not only are these helpful to get in and out of the shower or bathtub, they are there to grab if you trip or lose your balance. Be sure to have a professional install these safety bars, so you can be assured they are secure and capable of handling the full weight of your body in any situation.
Create a Disaster Kit
If 2020 has taught people anything, it’s that the only certainty in life is uncertainty. Living alone means that you might have to deal with emergencies that are thrown your way, possibly with little to no help. If natural disasters move through your area, friends and family members may be unable to travel. Failing to prepare for these disasters can leave you in a very vulnerable position. This is why you need to work on creating a disaster kit to use in emergency or disaster situations.
Your kit should include essential items such as durable and waterproof flashlights, extra batteries and non-perishable food items. You may also wish to include a first aid kit and water. Do some research and develop a disaster kit that has items you will personally need and that you can actually use. Many companies also offer complete, emergency preparedness kits that you can purchase online.
If you have room in your budget to buy a generator, this is also a good idea to have the low noise type generator. With a functional generator, you can weather storms without losing electricity. Be sure to have someone help you set it up and show you how to use it properly.
Make Home Security a Priority
Millions of home burglaries happen in the United States each year. Having your home burglarized can make you feel unsafe in your living environment. Finding ways to protect your home from break-ins is crucial when you live alone. This is why you need to invest in adequate security measures such as a home security system, cameras and exterior lighting.
If the outside of your home is not illuminated at night, burglars may view it as an easy target. You can invest in landscape lighting to brighten up your yard, and also have motion-activated lights installed in key areas, including doorways and the side of your home. These lights will come on immediately when motion is detected. Generally, this will scare off a thief looking to gain access to your home.
A modern home security system is also a great investment. Getting a system that is monitored is a great way to protect your home when you are not there. Systems with this monitoring will alert your local police department when someone tries to enter your residence. Before buying a home security system, be sure to consider factors such as long-term costs, maintenance and monitoring requirements. With some online research, you should have no problem narrowing down the extensive list of security systems on the market.
Focus On Improving Your Physical and Mental Health
Maintaining your independence as you enter your golden years will require a lot of hard work. Some people think that getting older means you can’t participate in physical activities anymore. In reality, you can benefit from pushing your mind and body to the limit as you age. Going to the gym and working out on a daily basis can help you strengthen your heart and shrink your waistline.
Be sure to dedicate some time to maintaining your mental health as well. Keep up with friends and get involved in social activities. Staying in touch with family through social media or video calls can help you stay positive and connected. Finally, don’t forget to give your brain a workout with crossword puzzles or other educational games.
Creating a Safe Environment Takes Time
Keeping your home safe will require both persistence and time. Asking friends and family members for help with these changes is crucial when trying to avoid mistakes and prevent injuries.
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