Dartmouth University reports that 22 million American households provide some level of support for another family member aged 50 or older. The population of people in the United States older than the age of 65 continues to grow, and is expected to reach 80 million by the year 2030, according to the American Geriatric Society. Aging adults want to stay in their own homes, in familiar surroundings where they can maintain a degree of independence. A number of public and private programs can help elderly individuals continue to live at home alone.
Step 1
Contact your local aging services organization. The National Association of Areas on Aging can help you locate the correct organization or department for your area. These organizations maintain lists of services for senior citizens.
Step 2
Sign the individual up for local services, such as Meals on Wheels or Senior Transportation. They may be eligible for free activities at a local senior center and even low-cost household assistance.
Step 3
Install accessible fittings, such as grab bars in the bathroom, elevated toilet seats, and lever door handles in the home. The State of Utah's Department of Human Services recommends removing hazards, such as loose rugs and installing brighter lighting. Mark the tops and bottoms of stairs with bright, contrasting tape.
Step 4
Install telephone jacks in every room and program the phones with emergency numbers. Equip the home with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Consider a whole house alarm system that automatically dials authorities if the alarm is tripped.
Step 5
Get to know the neighbors. Give them your number and ask them to contact you if they see anything suspicious going on at your loved one's house, or if they have any concerns. They can alert you if they don't see the elderly person going about a regular routine.
Step 6
Telephone the elderly person regularly, or stop by to visit. Personal contact can reassure the person and ease loneliness, and allows you to see changes in the person's physical or mental condition.
Things You'll Need
- Accessible fittings: grab bars, elevated toilet seats, lever door handles
- Telephone jacks
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
