Do you have concerns about older loved ones living alone?

If you have worries about the wellbeing and safety of an older relative living alone, there are various considerations you can take. If you tailor these suggestions to their specific needs and circumstances, hopefully you can take some comfort that some support is being provided.

• Keep in touch via regular contact through calls, texts, or video calls to check on their wellbeing and provide emotional support.
• Ensure they have a list of emergency contacts, including neighbours and family members, readily accessible, or link them up with a pendant alarm service such as Herts Careline who can help in an emergency.
• Ensure their home is well-lit and free of tripping hazards. You could install grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on staircases to enable mobility. Make sure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms have fresh batteries and are regularly tested. These two devices can be linked to the Herts Careline service and would alert us to smoke or CO.
• Make sure that pills and medication is managed and organised in dosette boxes which can help people to remember to take them as prescribed.
• Make sure they have access to nutritious food via supermarket deliveries or meals on wheels services, so they have regular sustenance available.
• If they can no longer drive, arrange transportation options for them, such as transport services from Herts County Council.
• Encourage social activities, like joining reputable community hubs and clubs to reduce isolation and loneliness.
• If necessary, explore options for carers to come into their home who can assist with daily tasks, personal care and provide companionship.