Senior Safety Issues - The Dangers of Living Alone

There are roughly 37 million people over age 65 living in America today. The growing number of seniors of this age is due to advances in medical care, which have increased life expectancies. Many seniors live alone in homes or apartments. This poses a great risk to seniors-one which can be remedied by knowing your limitations and capabilities. According to experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death among the elderly today. Many seniors make mistakes in taking their medications, which can lead to illness and other health complications.

Falls

Falls are one of the biggest senior safety issues out there. They affect scores of seniors every year, and in many cases, no one comes to the rescue. One of the best ways to avoid falling is to have adaptive equipment in your home. Place guard rails in the bathroom. Put rubber grips on slick, slippery surfaces. Also be sure to space your furniture evenly, leaving a lot of walking room. That way, you're not as likely to fall as you would be in a cluttered living space.

Medication Mistakes

Sometimes it is hard to remember when to take your medication and how much to take. Hectic schedules and keeping track of doctor's appointments often leave little time to make sure you have the correct dosage of your medication. To avoid making mistakes, it may be helpful to make a chart of what times you should take your medications, along with the dosage amount.

Another way to keep track of your medications is to have a weekly pill holder with separate pill bottles for each day. Set aside one day each week to fill each bottle to last the next seven days. Each pill bottle is removable, so it may help to and set a pill bottle on your night stand or a table every night. Put the correct dosage of pills in each pill bottle and make sure that you are not taking any more or any less than you are supposed to.

Dangers of living alone

Living alone is a great thing for many people. It gives them a sense of independence and the freedom to do want they want when they please. But for seniors this comes with risks. Living alone increases your chances of getting injured. This is especially dangerous when there is no one there to help you.

For seniors suffering from dementia or the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, living alone is especially dangerous. People with dementia may wander off and leave their dwelling place, thus opening the potential for further injury and confusion.

To decrease your chances of getting hurt, it may be helpful to look into different living options, such as assisted living or residential care. Residential care homes offer 24-hour care and assistance for seniors in need of extra help with medications, fall prevention and activities of daily living (ADLs).