Living alone can be worrying for both the person and their family, especially as people age. The risk of falling, getting injured or immobilised increases with age. Unfortunately, there are many things that can go wrong. However, thanks to technology, there are many things that can be done to mitigate that risk. Here are some suggestions on safety devices for elderly living alone, which can help them stay independent for longer.
Install safety devices such as motion sensor lights. These will switch on automatically when a person enters a room. This is particularly useful in the bathroom for those middle of the night trips.
Install an alarm system. This will act as a deterrent to burglars or intruders. Many security companies offer a monitoring service so that help can arrive quickly if needed. This can provide extra peace of mind for elderly living alone.
Install a smart doorbell. With a smart doorbell, it’s possible to answer the intercom remotely, which gives the impression of the house being occupied and is therefore a deterrent to burglars.
Get a personal safety alarm. This can be worn as a bracelet, a necklace or even a belt clip, and will automatically call for help if the person falls or is injured. Safety pendants such as the TEQ-Secure have many useful features such as live location tracking, so help can quickly be sent to the exact location. Geofencing is another useful tool, which allows carers to set safe areas and be notified when the user moves in and out of these zones. The waterproof feature of the TEQ-Secure is also essential when looking for a safety device as it means it can be worn in high-risk areas such as the bathroom or shower.
Consider getting a home monitoring system. This can be used to monitor activity and routines in the home and alert carers should an anomaly be detected. Changes in routine can be a precursor to some medical conditions so the quicker they are picked up on, the better. Some home monitoring systems even provide spoken word reminders which can help to ease loneliness. In addition, it has two-way communication so that family members can check in on the elderly person remotely.
Other, common sense ideas to help to protect older people living alone could be to have regular check-ins with friends or family members. This way, someone will always know how the elderly person is doing and can raise the alarm if necessary.
By following these safety tips, you can help to ensure that your elderly loved one is safe and secure in their own home.