As our loved ones age, we want to support their fierce desire to maintain independence. But we also want to know they’re safe, especially when parents or other aging family members live alone. Here are simple ways to achieve both.
Visit often, in person or virtually
Schedule frequent check-ins to make sure everything is okay at home and to provide your loved ones with a sense of connection and engagement. Video calls are a great way to stay in touch between visits or when you live too far to drop in. They can provide visual clues you can’t get from just a phone call. Through video, you can see if your loved one looks like they’re bathing and shaving regularly or if their home looks clean and well-maintained.
Along with asking questions about whether they’re taking their medications, what they’re eating, and any recent doctors’ visits, engage your loved ones in conversations about their daily activities, hobbies and interests, and what they’re watching and reading. Most of all, taking the time to listen can go a long way in lessening the social isolation and loneliness that many aging people experience.
Get to know your loved ones’ neighbors and others in their support network
Establish a list of people living nearby who can do wellness checks and be there for emergencies or critical moments, like when a snowstorm makes driveways and streets icy or a power outage leaves everyone in the dark. You might also want to start developing a backup list of professional caregivers who are available to offer assistance when needed. Health care providers, social service agencies, and personal referrals are all good resources for finding qualified, trustworthy help.
Consider smart home solutions
For older adults living alone, nothing is scarier than falling or facing another medical emergency. Still, many adults who value aging in place resist wearing fall-detection devices. Fortunately, there’s Alexa Emergency Assist. With just the sound of their voice, your loved one can get access to trained agents who can help them get the assistance they need in an emergency – 24/7, 365 days a year. Simply by saying, “Alexa, call for help,” they’re connected with a trained Urgent Response agent who can request dispatch of emergency services, such as the police, fire department, or an ambulance. Since calls are answered faster than industry standards, long wait times to talk to an agent are avoided. And, Alexa automatically notifies up to 25 emergency contacts whenever a call to Urgent Response begins and ends. All of your loved one’s critical information can be included in their Alexa Emergency Assist profile, so information like medical conditions, allergies, gate codes, and pets in the home, can be passed on to first responders if they are dispatched.
Independence for your loved ones, preparation and peace of mind for you. By putting a couple of simple measures and routines in place and taking advantage of innovations from Alexa Emergency Assist, help is always there for your loved ones. And now, AARP members can save 25% off monthly and annual subscription plans.
Click here to learn more about Alexa Emergency Assist.
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