Aging Seniors Need Help to Live Alone

Aging seniors want to stay in their homes past the point of safe living. With the built-up neighborhoods full of strangers, larger chain stores, faster cars, strange technologies, higher crime, they want to stay in a familiar space, their comfort zone that they live in. But they will definitely need familiar visitors, periodic supervision and help to keep them healthy and safe.

There have been many good improvements happening outside of their comfort zone. And a benefit of easier lifestyles and improved healthcare is that people are living longer. But these now-older Americans lived through the Depression and World War II. They have learned to work hard and value their property. They aren't ready to give up the house they worked so hard to maintain, to move to someplace new and unfamiliar.

Suggestions and discussions on downsizing or moving in with their children are usually not welcome by the elderly. They are comfortable in their own home, with their own possessions, and their many life memories. They want to drive their own car, pay their own bills and do their own shopping. Modern lifestyles are jarring to them, and life moves too fast and loud for their slower pace.

The spirit is willing but the actual circumstances are affected by infirmities such as poor eyesight, weaker muscles, fragile bones and a fading memory. They find it too hard to pay a multi-line bill or change a light bulb in a ceiling fixture. They forget to eat regular meals and take their medicine on time. The also don't like to leave their familiar surroundings to go to regular doctor and dentist visits.

As we age, things don't get simpler. With Social Security, taxes, insurance and Medicare, accuracy is important and deadlines have to be met. Forms are confusing and intimidating. Computers are foreign to them, as well as cell phones, microwaves, satellite television and other technology that are so much a regular part of our daily lives that we don't even realize how strange or intimidating it might be to them.

THEY NEED YOUR HELP
Some of the newer technologies can be introduced to Seniors, to help them keep in touch in between the times you are there. One example is the alert system made famous by "I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up" on television. It can be worn around their neck and activated by a push if they fall or become incapacitated. An ambulance or policeman can be dispatched immediately.

Another good tool is a GPS navigator that can be implanted in the clothing or shoes they wear whenever they leave the house, like a favorite sweater or shoes. This is particularly helpful with someone dealing with any type of memory loss, whether by aging or illness.

A more elaborate system can monitor their daily activities, such as taking medication or eating regular meals. Wireless sensors are placed around their house and can monitor for temperature changes or emergencies also. It uses a website that can be easily accessed by the caregiver whether they are at home or at work.

Regular phones with large buttons are very necessary. Also available are cell phones with big buttons and big, clear screens. Volume controls are available if not already sufficient for either landline or cell phones.

HOW TO IMPROVE THEIR DAILY LIVING CONDITIONS
Strict instructions to look through the window (not a small peephole) that lets them view the entire front door before they open it, or a camera that will show who is there. Along with this feature should be strict instructions NEVER to open the door to anyone but you, close family or a trusted friend, or a policeman.

A large folder to keep bills and mail so you can go over them together and pay them. This is necessary to avoid them falling prey to mail scams and solicitations that cut into their income.

Nightlights around the house that light up pathways at night and on overcast days. This helps with avoiding obstacles as well as keeping balance.

Levers that push down rather than circular knobs on doors.

Guardrails in the bathroom, by the toilet as well as in the shower or bath, with a seat and sturdy bathmat.

Emergency equipment that can be easily located in the dark, including a cranking flashlight that doesn't need batteries, bottled water and extra supplies of their medications, clearly marked and easily opened.

Grounded circuits (lots of old houses don't have these) and ground fault interrupters in kitchens and bathrooms.

Smoke detectors that can be changed at a reasonable height, and a supply of fresh batteries.

Living quarters on the same level, so stairs are not needed for daily life. An accessible kitchen area, bathroom, sitting area and bedroom that are not cluttered.

A centrally located phone with a large, permanent board nearby with important numbers and names in bold, clear letters and numbers.

A calendar marked with the dates that you will be there to spend time with them. They will feel much safer knowing when you are coming, and are more apt to call with a problem if you are not expected soon.

Rides to non-necessary places are important to them. Church, movies and senior centers are often given up due to lack of transportation or those now-crowded streets, and the loss of their older friends through death, or moves to nursing homes or other living conditions.

Regular visits to do heavier housecleaning and routine repairs and maintenance.

Make sure you stick to a regular time schedule to check on them, or share this responsibly with a close friend or family member. They will look forward to seeing you, and will be less likely to try to leave the house by themselves in between visits. Be sure to monitor them to know if and when another choice of living arrangement will be needed.