Survival Guide for the Home Alone Senior

When many individuals lose a loved one, they feel like they are all alone in the world. This feeling will remain with the person until they make the adjustment. For some it drags on and on. However, after a brief period of time, most individuals come to the realization that it is time to continue on with their life.

This article isn't about how to handle finances. It is about how to handle yourself. It is survival for the alone Senior.

One of the first things you should do immediately is to reach out to others. They can be either relatives or friends. It is very important that the individual that you reach out to is close by in distance. This is important because they are considered as your lifeline. They can help you with making common everyday decisions. For example, a lady that I knew, had no idea about automobile maintenance. However, her friend did and was able to help her in keeping up with the maintenance on the vehicle. Another individual took medicine but, had no idea what they were taking. So she confided with her neighbor who happened to be a nurse.

There are many seniors that can't drive for one reason or another, so they have to find someone that can help them. It is for reasons like these, that you need to set up a lifeline. Can you be selective in who you choose? Yes you can and should. Right after you lose a loved one, you are usually in a state of confusion and can be easy prey for some people. However, you should still be open for suggestions from your closes friends and relatives. The people that know you best.

There are organizations that give senior assistance. Check with your church or local social office. AARP also has information on their web site where you can research for Senior assistance. The web site to check out would be eons.com.

Set up a phone tree with others that are by themselves. Establish a time to call and check on them and have them do the same with you. Always let them know your plans so that if you would get ill or hurt , they could figure it out. If you are going out, let them know so they don't panic.

Establish a routine. Do things daily by the clock. Get up at a certain time, eat breakfast, exercise, take in the morning news, clean areas of your home. Just do common routines. Don't be afraid to switch activities either. You do this just in case there is someone watching you. A routine will give your life stabilization.

Get a pet. A cat or dog make good company. Don't be afraid to talk to your pet. Treat them like they are part of your new family. However, if you have mobility problems, be sure to get one that you can handle.

Another possibility is to have someone move in or stay short term with you. Grandchildren are great for brief visits. I don't know if you would want someone to stay permanently. Everyone is different on this idea. Some absolutely need someone all the time and still others don't. So it really depends on your situation. Make visits. As you are lonely, there are others just like you. Visit them. Visit family members. Just don't wear out your welcome.

Try something new. Get a hobby or start one. there are countless things that you can do. You might even be able to raise a little income with it. You can scrapbook, collect coins, have a flea market, sew, put puzzles together, model planes/cars, try to cooking recipes, volunteer to help others or at your church, join a group like the Lions or Kiwanis, travel, workout at a fitness center, take in a show or a play. Many individuals start writing. The list goes on and on. However, it is important to have something to do when you have down time.

Listen to talk radio. I love talk radio. Especially when it is political. I love to get both the liberal and conservative side of things. It is fun just to listen what one group says about the other. There are all kinds of talk shows. Home & Garden, Money, Camping, Movies & entertainment, and just good conversation about all topics help keep my thought process going.

When you shop, try it both ways. Go alone and go with someone. Share a lunch with someone and communicate.

The worst thing in anyone's life is to feel alone. Even loners like to talk once in awhile. An individual is only alone as much as they want to be.

Lastly, never be afraid to talk to others about being alone. Many times, others can come up with great ideas as well that can be beneficial.