For many, independence is an important part of life. However, as a senior, living on your own can present challenges related to the occurrence of accidents and insufficient safety of the home. It is therefore always wise to prepare for many scenarios so you can reduce the chance of getting hurt. Here are a few safety tips for seniors living alone.
Properly Equip the Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the locations in the house where accidents can happen quite easily. The presence of water on the floor and bathtub make them slippery, and the positioning of the tub and/or toilet may make them difficult to use. For these reasons, you should eliminate your chances of falling by putting down non-slip rubber mats in the tub. You should also install handlebars around the areas where you stand and sit. This could include the walls inside the bathtub or next to the toilet.
Stay on Top of Medication
If you require certain medications on a day-to-day basis, you should always be aware of how much you have and be able to differentiate between the different types. Don’t let the scenario arise where you run out of medication and then miss several days before you can acquire it again. Be sure to know how much you have left and get more before running out. In addition, you should keep each type of medicine organized to avoid unintentional mix-ups. This will allow you to take the right amounts at the right times with certainty. Medication taken in the wrong doses can be harmful if you take more than what the doctor prescribes. They can also become ineffectual if you don’t take them often enough.
Use a Cane
Since you do not have assistance from people around you, you should maximize your own mobility in your home. A walking cane can help you if you struggle somewhat with moving around from room to room. It provides support for one side of your body by providing a firm structure to lean on. This is useful for those who have a weak leg, restricted movement, or an injury. While independence might be out of the question without one, with a cane, you may very well be able to perform all your necessary tasks without the aid of anyone else. A cane will keep you sturdy on your feet and serve to anchor your ability to walk freely.
