Staying Safe While Living On Your Own

Living on your own as you age can sometimes lead to hazardous situations, as changes in your health require more assistance and individual care. According to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, one out of three adults age 65 and older suffers some sort of slip and fall-type accident, making it a leading cause of injury for seniors in 2013. Approximately one-fifth to one-third of older adults who fall suffer lacerations, hip and head injuries. These injuries not only make independent living harder, but they could even have long-term effects on a senior’s well-being.

These statistics alone suggest the need for older adults to consider senior care services over living alone in the home with no assistance. Senior living communities in Pennsylvania can provide the level of care and assistance that you may require as you age to help keep you safe and reduce the risk of certain dangers in the home. There are other factors to consider why living 100 percent independently may not be the best option for you or an aging loved one, and why you may wish to look at senior living communities or in-home assistance as an option.

Hidden Hazards of the Home That May Surprise You

In addition to the risk of slip and fall injuries that contribute to injuries, there are other dangers that are present for older adults living alone. Clinicians and others involved in geriatric rehabilitation express concerns that older adults are at a greater risk from not only falls, but also errors that can occur when improperly taking medications, or not being able to provide the best quality care for oneself . These concerns are for not only those older adults with known frailty or who suffer from a cognitive disorder (such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease) but also those older adults who may not always have a helping hand awaiting them.

Concerns can include, but are not limited to: forgetting to eat or drink; not reporting medical conditions; not maintaining personal hygiene (i.e. bathing, brushing teeth, combing hair); and, failure to properly maintain the home, including turning off electric appliances. Additionally, older adults are more susceptible to scams and other fraudulent as the ability to determine the trustworthiness of people is sometimes reduced by the aging process.

Benefits of Senior Care Services

The benefits of senior living communities in Pennsylvania for older adults, as opposed to living independently, include having the right level of assistance provided to match your needs as you age. These include meal plans prepared by staff, assistance with activities of daily living, such as walking, bathing, and eating, access to vital health care services and planned activities. Residing in these communities to take advantage of the available senior care services can also help improve mental acuity and increase social interactions with other older adults.

Featuring the broadest range of senior care services (including home care!) on some of the most beautifully landscaped senior living communities, it’s no wonder why seniors of all personal care levels put their faith into the services from Concordia Lutheran Ministries. Our extensive CARF-accredited Aging Services Network makes it easier than ever to enjoy that stress-free retirement life you’ve always dreamt about. Take a tour of a Concordia location near you and discover how we can help you live your life to the fullest.