Essentials of Safe Independent Living for the Elderly

For many, living independently for as long as possible is a vital part of aging. Of course, no one wants to age while also feeling like a burden to family. For seniors, aging is a delicate balance of maintaining independence, staying healthy, and relying on family as-needed. But ensuring safety—for falls, fires, break-ins, and health emergencies—needs to be a priority. Having the right security systems and technology in place can make it easier for seniors to live alone. Here are some of the key essentials to consider when preparing a senior to live alone.

An introduction to independent living

To fully understand independent living, think of it as an evolving lifestyle that may require some flexibility, depending on a variety of factors. For example, the onset of Alzheimer’s may require a senior to eventually transition to a memory care clinic, or a serious fall that results in a hip injury may change the circumstances that allow an elderly person to live alone if they’re suddenly immobile or need to transition to rehabilitation. But planning for independent living early can help create the safest environment. Sometimes, that’s a stand-alone house in a neighborhood. Other times, it’s a house or condo in an age-restricted retirement community. Although there are certainly a lot of advantages to 55+ communities—some offer meal options, a pool and fitness center, transportation, and social and recreational activities—some seniors prefer to stay in their own homes because it’s filled with memories. The key is to best prepare seniors to live independently in a safe environment while also providing them with access to the outside world. Preparation will likely come in the form of security alarm systems, medical monitoring options, social interaction, meal prep, shopping assistance, and transportation, if necessary. There are many factors to consider as seniors age, but careful planning is the best way to ensure safe independence.

An aging population

In the United States, medical advances are allowing people to live longer, while technological advances are allowing people to live independently longer. In addition to longer life expectancies, there are other reasons older people will outnumber children in 15 years: more international migration and the trend of Americans having fewer children. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, older people are projected to outnumber children for the first time in our history in the year 2034. If projections go as planned, 77 million people in the United States will be 65 or older and 76.5 will be under 18. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that by the year 2060:

• One in four Americans will be 65 or older.
• The number of people 85+ will triple.
• The United States will add 500,000 centenarians.

What will this demographic first mean for industries that cater to an aging population? Certainly, there will be a need for more healthcare facilities and providers, more caregivers, assisted living facilities, and memory care facilities. But there will also be a demand for more products and services that allow seniors to live in their homes independently for longer, including things like security alarm systems, medical monitoring options, meal and grocery delivery services, and door-to-door transportation. Luckily, there are enough of these products and services in existence to serve today’s aging population.

Expert advice on staying social and self-reliant

Perhaps the biggest concern for seniors living alone—especially if they no longer drive—is that they’ll become lonely due to a decrease in social interaction. It’s a legitimate concern and one that should be planned for, especially if family can’t visit them regularly. You’ll need to do a thorough evaluation of how much social interaction a loved one will likely get. If they no longer drive, do they have a close friend who still drives? Are there nearby neighbors for them to engage and eat with? Is there a transportation service readily available to them? This could be a senior center bus that takes the elderly to museums and concerts, public transportation, or even ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft. If transportation is available, do they have someplace to go regularly and someone to spend time with? Just because they can take a taxi to the library doesn’t mean they’ll be engaging with other people. Some communities offer free or low-cost visiting services to shut-ins. In addition, some churches and other organizations will visit homebound seniors upon request. There may be programs in the community—through the Scouts or even animal shelters—that will schedule regular visits with elderly residents. The key is to do due diligence before making any decisions about whether a loved one can live independently at home with a high quality of life. Allowing a loved one to live at home alone can be scary, but it’s important to weigh fears against the benefits. Staying in their own home can represent self-sufficiency, privacy, and comfort. It may be helpful to remember that no decision has to be permanent.

Common worries and how to overcome them

When someone is about to make the decision to stay in their home alone rather than move to a senior living facility, it’s likely to hear the same concerns—both from the senior and their family members. These fears often include:

• loneliness or boredom
• climbing stairs or falling
• safety
• health emergencies
• forgetting to take prescriptions
• inability to complete tasks alone
• lack of transportation
• lack of exercise
• money management
• accessibility in the home

Luckily, there are plenty of assistance programs, security systems, medical monitoring options, and modifications that can help address most of these concerns. With some proper research, planning, and implementation, most seniors can live at home independently for many years.

Understanding the fear of crime among the elderly

Living alone can be scary for anyone. In truth, elderly residents who live alone are often at greater risk than elderly couples, those with roommates, families, or younger singles. According to the National Criminal Justice Reference System, there are a number of reasons that seniors have a greater risk of being a victim of a crime than the general population. Older people are more likely to:

• live alone
• live in high-crime neighborhoods
• rely on walking or public transportation
• be unable to defend themselves because of diminished strength and physical ailments

How great is the risk for seniors who live independently? Just consider these statistics from the Bureau of Justice Statistics:

• Elderly victims of violent property crimes most often resided in urban areas. In 2003-2013, elderly persons living in urban areas experienced violent crime at a rate of 5.1 per 1,000 people 65 or older.
• Among elderly violent crime victims, about 59% reported being victimized at or near their home.
• The ratio of estimates of property crime to violent crime was higher for the elderly (1 to 1) than for younger persons ages 25 to 49 (3 to 1) and persons ages 50 to 64 (5 to 1)
• Seniors 65 and older are more likely to be victimized by a stranger than another age group.

While it’s common to think that most burglaries happen under cover of darkness, the truth is that most occur between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Why? Because burglars know more people work during the day and they’ll draw less attention scoping out a house in broad daylight. Many seniors are retired and are home during the day. While their presence should scare criminals away, it may not. Criminals may see seniors as an easy target and might take advantage of it. All of this translates to the importance of safety during the day when many seniors are home.

General security tips for seniors living independently 

Seniors living independently can take precautions to remain safe. Here’s a look at general security tips for seniors:

• Go out with friends. Traveling together is safer.
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash when going out.
• Carry a cell phone, even if it’s just for emergencies.
• Have a list of emergency contacts at all times.
• Keep a supply of medication on hand.
• Keep blinds closed when going out.
• Avoid sharing travel plans on social media.
• If an extended vacation is planned, have neighbors collect mail and mow the grass to make it look as though someone is home.
• Move frequently used items to lower shelves.
• Consider adding safety rails in the home.
• Remove or tape down any rugs that could trip the resident.
• Make sure entry points are easy to navigate and free of clutter.
• Ensure the home has good lighting.

Home burglary awareness and prevention tips for seniors

To keep a home from becoming a target for burglary, here are several tips seniors can follow:

• Ensure all doors, windows, and the garage is locked.
• Padlock side gates to keep people out of the backyard.
• Put outside lights on a timer so they automatically go on at dusk.
• Remove tree limbs leading to upstairs windows.
• Trim any bushes that block windows.
• Do thorough background checks on anyone that will be helping at the home.
• Install motion-sensor lights outside.
• Consider adding gravel to the driveways and paths to make them noisier.
• Don’t leave keys under a doormat or flowerpot.
• Install Plexiglas on the inside of your home’s windows to increase the difficulty in breaking the glass.
• Install a peep-hole in the door to identify visitors before opening the door.
• Install a home security system.

Choosing a home security company

Choosing a home security company can be intimidating, but a good place to start is by asking for recommendations from friends, family, neighbors, and your insurance agent.

What questions should you ask a home security company?

Once you narrow down your search to a few companies, have a list of questions to ask, including:

1. How long has your company been in business?
2. Do you have adequate liability insurance?
3. Are your employees bonded?
4. How many service facilities do you have?
5. Do you have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
6. What features do you offer?
7. What’s included in your one-time and monthly fees?
8. Will your system lower my homeowner’s insurance?
9. Do you offer warranties?
10. How long is the contract?
11. Do you offer medical monitoring?
12. What are the total fees? (e.g., activation fees, equipment fees, monthly monitoring, etc.)

What features should you look for in a security system?

• Motion detectors: These devices are triggered by movement (or body heat) and can turn on a light or sound an alarm.
• Security camera vs. surveillance camera: A surveillance camera is passive. It observes and records what was captured. It’s good for reviewing footage after the fact. A surveillance camera is active and can provide alerts in real-time if there’s an incident.
• Alarm systems: These security systems are designed to detect if someone is trying to enter your place of residence without authorization. The alarm is monitored and sends a signal to the company monitoring your security, who then sends a police, fire, or emergency crew to your home.
• Hidden cameras: These are good for seniors who have frequent visitors that you’d like monitored, including handymen, home health care nurses, cleaning people, and house-sitters.
• Smart doorbells: Technologies like Ring can provide a video of visitors to help seniors decide whether to answer the door.

Once you get a home security system, install a visible sign to alert would-be criminals that you’re protected. Also, be sure to inform your neighbors and teach loved ones and close family members how it works. This will help:

• Reduce false alarms, which could lead to fines.
• Prevent your neighbors from ignoring what they THINK are false alarms.
• Allow your family members to disarm the system when they visit your home.

Alarms systems for seniors

Today’s security systems go far beyond sounding an alarm if an intruder tries to open a window. From simple self-installation to more advanced systems that require a professional technician to come to your home, there are plenty of options to fit the buyer’s needs and budget. Security systems can include as few or as many features as desired, such as:

• Fire
• Flood
• Carbon Monoxide
• Home alarm
• Doorbell cameras
• Interior and exterior cameras
• Alert buttons to summon help
• Remote access

It’s worth noting that today’s security systems far surpass those from just 20 years ago. For example, the top smart motion detectors can not only react from as far as 400 feet but also distinguish between humans and pets or other animals, decreasing the concern over false alarms. To weigh options, here’s a look at popular home security systems.

Alarms with video cameras

In today’s tech-savvy world, just about every security company offers video surveillance. Options include:

• Vivint: One of the most recognized and trusted alarm companies out there. Their systems are easy to install, offer 24/7 security monitoring, and remote control of door locks, cameras, and heating systems. The company also offers a doorbell video camera.
• FrontPoint: Another trusted security company. Their equipment has high ranks for installation and ease-of-use. The company offers professional monitoring as well, but there is a one to three contracts involved for this service.
• Ring: Known for its simple and effective doorbell camera, which could be the perfect solution for seniors. The doorbell camera activates when someone arrives at the door, alerts the homeowner, and takes video – all of which is run through an app. The company does offer additional pieces of security equipment as well.

Alarms with medical alerts

There are certain alarm systems that have emergency alert bracelets and push-button panic tools too, which allow seniors to call for help in the event of a fall or other medical emergency. Choose from wearable devices like a bracelet or pendant, or place panic buttons in high-risk areas in the home, such as the shower, kitchen, or stairs to seamlessly connect your loved one to emergency responders. The best medical alert systems include:

• Medical Guardian
• LifeFone at Home 
• Mobile Help

Addressing medical concerns

Having a wearable device is helpful, but seniors have other health concerns, such as malnutrition, medical emergencies, and mismanagement of prescriptions. Malnutrition may be addressed with the help of Meals on Wheels, a home healthcare company doing the cooking or even your own assistance with advanced meal preparation. Medical emergencies may be addressed by the medical alert bracelet or pendant or panic buttons around the house. But when it comes to taking daily prescriptions, how do you ensure your loved one is remembering to take their medications at the right time? Free apps, such as Drugs.com’s Pill Reminder App can help. This clever app can send reminder alerts, send prescription refill reminders, and even keep a history of when the person has taken their medications. There are other tricks that can help seniors better manage their medications:

1. Talk to their doctor about any options to change to a once-daily pill, when available.
2. Use detailed pillboxes to help sort medications by day and time.
3. Create associations between medications and daily activities. For example, keep morning pills next to the coffeemaker and evening pills next to their toothbrush.
4. Use sticky notes to create reminders around the home.
5. Get help from a neighbor. If a neighbor brings your loved one’s mail every afternoon, they may be able to ask if your loved one has taken their morning medications.

Before making any decisions about whether your loved one can live alone, it’s worth getting their doctor’s input. Even a senior is top physical health may be developing the signs of dementia or early Alzheimer’s, which can compromise their safety. Getting a “green light” from a physician should be your first step in evaluating your loved one’s potential level of independence.

Smart technology for the elderly

Although learning to use new technology can be difficult at any age, once you get a product or service set up, the benefits can far surpass the struggle to learn it. In addition to security systems, you may want to consider the following technology to help you or your loved one maximize their independence and safety at home.

• Smart pillboxes: These medication containers offer audible or visual cues to help the elderly remember to take their meds on time.
• Stove alarms: Beyond smoke detectors, these smart alarms alert the resident before toxic gases are produced.
• Bath monitors: Detection devices can turn off the water before the bathtub overflows.
• Smart thermostats: Available in voice command or remote control, these assistive devices adjust the temperature without the need to get out or bed or out of a chair.
• Keyless entry locks: Perfect for those with arthritis or other dexterity issues, these devices come in a number of entry formats, including fingerprint entry, PIN entry and keys.
• Remote curtains and blinds: Like the smart thermostats, these devices can be controlled from anywhere in the room, making it easier to open and close curtains and blinds for privacy and safety.

Safety awareness resources for seniors and their families

Not everyone can visit their elderly relative multiple times per day to check on them, provide meals, or take them to appointments. If hiring in-home help is necessary to assist with daily tasks, be sure to use a reputable home care company that is licensed, bonded, and insured. Before approaching the company, create a list of needs in terms of priority. The budget will also play a factor. There are also services in most communities that offer free or low-cost meals and transportation for the elderly, so do you research before you pay a home care company for tasks that you may be able to outsource. Programs like Meals on Wheels and senior centers’ door-to-door transport to social activities, stores, and medical appointments may be available in your area. There are also companies that will evaluate a living space for a senior who is living independently and report any concerns and recommendations for change. Ask a loved one’s doctor or local hospital to recommend a home hazard assessment. According to LivHOME, an average home care assessment takes about 90 minutes to assess the home and speak to the senior and involved family members. They’ll be reviewing things like safety, social engagement, functional requirements, emotional well-being, and financial resources.

Resources for seniors living alone

Thanks to an aging population that’s living longer and more independently than ever, there are plenty of resources to help seniors looking to live alone. The following list offers a starting point:

• AARP Foundation: AARP’s affiliated charity serves as a resource for low-income seniors who need assistance with things like social integration, nutritious food, and other issues that seniors living independently may need help with. Through its website, you can find local advocates, organizations, and volunteers who help seniors.
• Eldercare Locator: As part of the U.S. Administration on Aging, this public service helps elderly adults find local support services. The site also offers a downloadable brochure on home modifications for older adults who want to live at home independently.
• The National Directory of Home Modification and Repair Resources: This site is a service of the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, a project of the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. It offers an extensive collection of tips, videos, links, and articles related to home modifications for seniors.
• Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): This program provides and coordinates all types of care for aging loved ones who want to continue living at home. From transportation and personal care to medications and social interaction, PACE is currently available in 31 states.
• Senior Companions: As part of the Corporation for National & Community Service, the Senior Corps is a network of national service programs for volunteers 55 and older who provide friendship and assistance to seniors. By providing companionship and help with daily living tasks, this program helps seniors live independently longer.
• Elder Orphan Facebook Group: This social media group was created for sharing and discussing issues that are important to people over 55 living alone without a spouse, partner, or children.
• Connect2Affect: In collaboration with the Gerontological Society of America, n4a, UnitedHealthcare, Give an Hour and AARP Foundation, this program offers a network of resources to meet the needs of older adults who are isolated or lonely. The website offers self-assessments on isolation, links to volunteer opportunities, articles on voice-automated technologies to prevent loneliness and more
• Silver Alert Program: This national public notification program broadcasts information about seniors who wander away or get lost. Caregivers can preemptively enroll their loved one by filling out a form at the local police department, as well as any relevant medication information. Your loved one is then issued a bracelet with a unique identification number and a non-emergency police number.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) initiative features multiple brochures with tips on preventing falls in the home. Similar to materials you might pick up in a doctor’s office, these resources include tips to help prevent falls, chair exercises to increase thigh and buttock strength, checklists to help identify and eliminate fall hazards, and more.
• National Aging in Place Council: Dedicated to helping older adults looking to age in place, this organization provides education, collaboration, advocacy, and accessibility to services. The website serves as a hub for practical advice, service providers (e.g., home accessibility, products, nonprofits), local chapters, and more.

Between isolation and physical impairments, older adults often have more fear of crime compared to their younger counterparts. Sadly, this can lead to a decrease in socialization, travel and even leaving the house to run errands. But with affordable technologies, such as security systems and health aides for the elderly, coupled with some preparation and community resources, most seniors can enjoy long, healthy, safe and fulfilling lives in the comfort of their own residence.