A survey conducted by Delhi based NGO Agewell foundation found that one-fourth of the elderly population is staying alone. This number is particularly high in urban cities where the nuclear family is the norm. It was also observed that many older persons preferred living with their similarly aged spouse or alone. This, in essence, shows that they value their freedom and independence. But issues start arising as the age progresses and they become financially and physically dependent on others for their well being.
As an elderly person opting to stay independently, there are some basic questions that you must ask yourself to ensure your well being and safety.
Questions for Seniors Living Alone
Ques 1: What is your level of dependency? Are you able to take care of yourself?
Assess the assistance that you require on a daily basis. Are you able to take a bath, use the toilet, prepare food and look after yourself on a daily basis? Are you living with pain on a daily basis or do you experience pain while doing the above-mentioned activities? If the answer to the above is “yes” then you should reconsider your decision to stay alone.
Ques 2: How friendly is your home to your needs as an ageing adult?
Most apartments and homes are not geriatric friendly as they were not designed for it. You might have bought it during your younger days but how feasible is staying in this particular home now? As you age, the risk of falling and hurting oneself is quite high- so how safe is you in the house is an important point to consider.
Ques 3: How is your mental health – especially related to stress and tension?
Stress and tension aggravate your health conditions in a negative way. So it is vital to assess your stress levels if you are staying alone. Stress and mental tension can lead to forgetfulness as well as anxiety which can be quite dangerous while living alone.
Ques 4: How healthy is your diet?
As you age there are many dietary restrictions imposed on you for medical reasons such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels. It is essential to prepare and eat healthy while still considering your diet restrictions. Are you able to manage this aspect?
Ques 5: What is your take on socialising?
If you are a person who enjoys socialising, old age and loss of a spouse can bring about a higher level of isolation and depression. This is again detrimental to your well being. So if you love socialising or are prone to depression, it is important to think about living in a place where these aspects can be well managed.
A very good place for elders to live independently while still having all the daily requirements handled by a specific and trained group of persons is retirement homes. As you age, you can invest in a retirement home where you retain your privacy and independence. All general aspects such as cooking of food specific to your health, paying bills, medical assistance etc are provided by the agency. One such retirement home is Primus Reflection, where you have the option to choose apartments on lease or ownership basis that comes with loads of assistance. You can enjoy socialising and group activities with peers while still living in the privacy of your home.
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6 Bathroom Safety Tips For Seniors
Bathrooms can be a dangerous area especially when you start getting older. That's because bathroom accidents can be more fatal for seniors than younger people. Older adults are also more prone to bathroom mishaps because of their changing health conditions caused by ageing like declining eyesight, balance issues, etc. However, premium senior assisted living facilities, like Primus, come with geriatric-friendly living spaces to make the lives of seniors easier and effortless. Below are six bathroom safety tips that Primus takes seriously and you should also! 1. Anti-skid bathroom floors There are high chances for seniors to lose their grip or balance while coming out of the shower. That's why it is important to have anti-skid tiles for bathrooms used by elders. If not, you can also equip the floors with anti-skid mats. If going with anti-skid mats, make sure to install more than one, wherever there are chances of slipping. 2. Grab bars or handles It is important to install grab bars or handles in the right places to make them a safer place for seniors. As people age, they might need extra support to get up or sit down on toilet seats. Similarly, attaching a grab bar near the shower to grab on while they take a shower can give them a sense of security and safety. 3. Lighting Bathroom spaces must be illuminated with the right lighting solutions. For example, overhead lighting is a wrong choice for a bathroom as it doesnot light up the bathrooms uniformly and the shadows can cause problems. Bathrooms must have multiple lights and it would be extremely helpful for the seniors if the lights have motion sensors. 4. Toilet seating A raised toilet seat reduces the effort the seniors have to put in to sit and stand. Detachable raised toilet seats with arms are also available these days. For added safety, it is recommended to use toilet seats with arms or brackets. 5. Emergency phones Along with increasing safety and making the spaces senior-friendly, ensure there are provisions for seniors to contact someone in case of emergencies. Installing waterproof emergency phones in bathrooms will give them reassurance and a safe feeling. 6. Items must be accessible The provision to put the necessary items in a bathroom should be fixed in areas easily accessible to seniors. They shouldnot have to bend or stretch to get things and put them back. Accessibility must be a top priority while making the bathroom senior-friendly. Making living spaces senior-friendly is always good. But wouldnot it be better to get a home that meets all the needs of an older adult rather than making just your bathroom senior-friendly? If you think so too, Primus can be perfect for your loved ones. Primus is one of the top elderly care homes in Bangalore that is designed in a way that makes the lives of older adults hassle-free. From anti-skid floors to gyms with specially-imported hydro-pneumatic exercise machines, Primus has got it all. Bathrooms are equipped with all the features that ensure the utmost safety of the seniors including hand showers and safety seats. Visit Primus living spaces to feel the luxury of convenience! Senior living home | Primuslife PREVIOUS POST ↠Seniors and Technology: 5 reasons why seniors should learn technology Seniors and Technology: 5 reasons why seniors should learn technologySenior apartment living | Primuslife NEXT POST 5 reasons why socialisation is crucial for seniors â†' 5 reasons why socialisation is crucial for seniors YOU MAY ALSO LIKE Here's How To Add Fun Post-Retirement VIEW POST Factors to consider when buying a property as a senior citizen VIEW POST The Need For Senior Living Homes In Mumbai VIEW POST LEAVE A COMMENT COMMENT NAME * EMAIL * WEBSITE Primuslife Facebook Primuslife Twitter Primuslife Linkedin Primuslife WhatsApp Primuslife youtube© 2022 Primus TO TOP
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