Getting Along By Yourself At Home Alone
_ If you're disabled or elderly and you live alone, your friends and family might be saying, "You can't do that." And sometimes, it's true that you can't, but more often, it's likely that you can do just fine by yourself, as long as you follow a few simple tips.
Use bars in bathtubs, and other slippery places
One of the biggest reasons for serious decline is when you take a spill especially in your bathtub. This can lead to broken hips, declining health in general, and even death in the long run.
However, this is a relatively easy situation to avoid, since many of these falls can be prevented simply by installing "grab bars" in strategic places in your bathroom, on stairs, etc., anywhere where you need an extra handhold and falling is a problem.
(And don't use those "suction cup" grab bars you see advertised on TV).
They're not particularly sturdy, and they can come off very easily. Instead, install permanent grab bars into your walls for good security, using the studs. You can buy a stud finder at any local hardware store and install grab bars securely into your walls with some tools and screws.
A few minor holes in the wall can be patched later before you paint if you want to, but avoiding them isn't worth your safety.
Use gadgets to help with grip, reach, etc.
There are lots of new gadgets on the market today that help with grip, reach, and so on, especially if you store things in high places and you feel your balance is no longer good enough to use a step stool or something else to get them down.
Research the Internet for "grabbers" that will help you reach things down off of high places, and tools that will help you take jar lids off if arthritis or a weak grip has you unable to do this.
Can you cook?
Oftentimes, you can, even if you can't stand for long periods of time, get yourself a small stool for the kitchen to use in front of the stove or sink.
And if using the stove is a big concern for you because of grip, balance or dexterity, you can still use the microwave. You can make quite a meal with many of the microwave meals they make today, without having to worry about starving at all.
Supplement with fresh fruits and vegetables (including ready-made salads), and you won't have to keep ordering takeout to keep your belly full.
Hire part-time cleaning or personal care service
Having someone to come in a couple hours a week to help with chores, laundry, or to cook ahead and freeze meals may be all you need to be living on your own, while still retaining your independence completely. Check and see if your medical insurance covers this, too; oftentimes, it will.
Make sure you keep in touch
Living alone can be rewarding, because you get to know your own company very well, but make sure you don't get too lonely. Make sure friends and family are just a phone call away, and get to know your neighbors, too.
Use bars in bathtubs, and other slippery places
One of the biggest reasons for serious decline is when you take a spill especially in your bathtub. This can lead to broken hips, declining health in general, and even death in the long run.
However, this is a relatively easy situation to avoid, since many of these falls can be prevented simply by installing "grab bars" in strategic places in your bathroom, on stairs, etc., anywhere where you need an extra handhold and falling is a problem.
(And don't use those "suction cup" grab bars you see advertised on TV).
They're not particularly sturdy, and they can come off very easily. Instead, install permanent grab bars into your walls for good security, using the studs. You can buy a stud finder at any local hardware store and install grab bars securely into your walls with some tools and screws.
A few minor holes in the wall can be patched later before you paint if you want to, but avoiding them isn't worth your safety.
Use gadgets to help with grip, reach, etc.
There are lots of new gadgets on the market today that help with grip, reach, and so on, especially if you store things in high places and you feel your balance is no longer good enough to use a step stool or something else to get them down.
Research the Internet for "grabbers" that will help you reach things down off of high places, and tools that will help you take jar lids off if arthritis or a weak grip has you unable to do this.
Can you cook?
Oftentimes, you can, even if you can't stand for long periods of time, get yourself a small stool for the kitchen to use in front of the stove or sink.
And if using the stove is a big concern for you because of grip, balance or dexterity, you can still use the microwave. You can make quite a meal with many of the microwave meals they make today, without having to worry about starving at all.
Supplement with fresh fruits and vegetables (including ready-made salads), and you won't have to keep ordering takeout to keep your belly full.
Hire part-time cleaning or personal care service
Having someone to come in a couple hours a week to help with chores, laundry, or to cook ahead and freeze meals may be all you need to be living on your own, while still retaining your independence completely. Check and see if your medical insurance covers this, too; oftentimes, it will.
Make sure you keep in touch
Living alone can be rewarding, because you get to know your own company very well, but make sure you don't get too lonely. Make sure friends and family are just a phone call away, and get to know your neighbors, too.