10 Essential Home Improvements and Accessibility Tips for Women Living Alone
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- Опубликовано: 27 май 2024
- In this video I talk about home improvements and accessibility measures that a woman living alone might be interested in applying to their space.
I tried to be very specific about things related to adequate lighting, secure entry points and installing handrails and grab bars. Also how to consider improving bathroom safety and removing trip hazards. Practical things that can make all the difference in keeping you safe especially if you live alone.
If you are living alone and have any ideas you would like to share, that would be most appreciated. A large number of women in our community live by themselves and I thought this was an important conversation to have.
#homesafety #livingalone
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I moved into a home that was home to a 94 year old lady. It has handheld shower, handrails and grab bars and many little conveniences. What wonderful things to have even though I am very mobil and active. I have two friends that have fallen and needed emergency care. If you are living your best life, you want to be able to continue doing so. Little things can make a big difference for safety.
For any single person, having a contact list on the fridge for Fire/Ambulance personnel to find to take to the hospital if you are unconscious and transported so family or friends can be contacted. Some senior agencies have a pocket magnet with a card to complete and with a large Red symbol on the cover. My son is a firefighter and they are trained to check the fridge for contact info specifically flagged for them to take for hospital personnel. It also incudes a list of current medications. Very helpful for hospital staff to have.
Nurse here,, and your son is absolutely right. People should also put a copy of their health care proxy and any DNR/DNI documents on the fridge too. In the ICU we have gotten patients who suffered a cardiac arrest and had DNR papers, but EMS did not know that so the patient was intubated ( breathing tube inserted into airway) and came to the unit on a ventilator. Then family had to sign DNR papers and the patient would then be extubated ( removal of tube). My husband and I had the responsibility of taking care of both our mother's. We got them the emergency button that they wore around their neck that was connected to a command center to send help if they fell or were unable to use the phone. They both fell multiple times and NEVER,EVER pushed the button around their necks. They would remove the button and forget to put it back on. We finally just cancelled the service because it was a waste of money. Another important thing is to Never leave the house without some form of ID on you. My mother walked 2 blocks away to go to the dry cleaner and was hit by a car and seriously injured. All she had in her pocket were house keys. Thank god she was conscious enough to tell EMS to bring her to the ER where I worked. I am 69 and planning a bathroom renovation and I plan to incorporate many of the suggestions you mentioned. Aging is not for the faint of heart, that's for sure. LOL
So thankful to have come across your videos. I am living alone for the first time ever. 3 years now. It’s been a journey to recovery and healing and I still have a long way to go and know I will now be perusing your content for tips to continue to learn and grow!❤️
Your home can be a wonderfully healing space.
I’m fortunate enough to have most of those things already and I know how to make repairs myself. My power was knocked out for almost 24 hours due to a windstorm. I needed to leave and realized I needed to manually lift my 2 car garage door. I did it but it didn’t open once the power was restored. I pulled my ladder out and fixed it myself but I will get a garage door opener with battery backup when I need to replace it. I also have an app on my phone that I can “check in” daily. It will contact my son if I don’t. I also bought an Apple Watch which has fall detection and I can call for help from it. There are so many handy features on it too. I’d rather be proactive rather than reactive.
Replace it now. Many people near me had to run down the street from a giant fire because no power to get garage and gates open!
@@MARILYNANDERSON88 I plan on doing that but won’t as long as it continues to work and I can open it. There could be more features down the road. I do recommend changing it now for those who can’t or have trouble opening it.
Thank you for mentioning that you push back on the stereotype that older women are not technologically functional because of their age. Most of us may not be tech wizards (I mean, who is?), but many of us are quite capable, and are totally capable of learning functional technological skills.
I would say that as a group, older women are generally quite capable of learning new skills and advocating for their own health and safety. I appreciate your videos.
I love the topic of making your home comfy, cozy and safe.
I’m a DIY author/entrepreneur. My belief is that our home is our sanctuary for calming and recharging. Creating a space we love can be the starting point and the closing to an amazing or hectic day. Love and be mindful of your furniture, art, accessories as much as you think about your wardrobe. ❤
Thanks for sharing!!
My home is definitely my sanctuary! I enjoy being around people, but it takes a lot out of me, and I use my home as a place to recharge. I have 4 acres, mostly wooded, with trees all around the house. It's quiet and restful. I love cold winter days when I light up my wood burning stove in the living room, and curl up with a book. I've lived here almost 16 years and have had only 5 invited guests in all that time. People bring their own energies into places, and I find it just too disruptive at times. My home really is my sanctuary.
I'd suggest that even if you don't need grab bars (yet), instantly replace all towel bars with ADA compliant grab bars. I had mine installed by a handyman who studied the ADA requirements before he did the installation. I did it after my husband fell out of the shower, grabbed for the towel rail, which tore out of the wall, hit him in the head! I wasn't up for that, and he never realized that even sturdy towel rails are not designed for falling grab bars.
I live alone in a senior community in Sputhern California. We have to be earthquake prepared which encompasses many of your suggestions. For instance, I utilize many solar lights, including a motion detecting solar light at my front door and solar lights along the walkway from my driveway to the door.
I love listening to your videos for new ideas!
Another use of smart technology is setting up an emergency contact on your Alexa echo device. That way if you fall or can’t get to a phone because of an injury, you can just tell Alexa to call your emergency contact for help. That has helped me feel more secure.
Thanks Margaret! I would add a fire extinguisher to your list.
Great idea!
A fall detection smart watch has set my mind at ease. Either the Apple or the Galaxy brands can call a pre set person or the emergency number if it has detected you have taken a fall.
Fire extinguishers.
Flashlights
Cash in case of disaster. Large power outages cause banks to shut down. Small bills b/c people won't have change
Yes, Carol. Very sensible advice about having cash on hand. Indeed I would advise always having cash, regardless. I am never without a certain amount of cash on me.
I have trees all around my house so it stays real cool in the summer. I have no air conditioning.
Good tips! Also consider having a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen as well.
Always, always let someone know where you are going, when you’ll arrive and check in 💙
I’ve put some time and effort and money into knowing I’m prepared and can take care of myself and family.
Love that!
I loved my pull out shelves installed in my kitchen. I plan to have them installed in my new house. Great help!
Thank you for the important tips! These are things that I have been thinking and taking action on as well. And yes, it is always all right to ask for help!
I had to install grab bars in the house for my disabled late husband, and left them in place. I use them, and visiting friends, even young ones, reach for them!
I redecorated during the Pandemic! I was isolated like everyone else. Since I live in a studio in an old condo complex, I called Wayfair, and bought beach area rugs, put beach mural on my wall, in the living rm. New beachy drapes, New dining rm chairs, an indoor water fall,new tall lamp,new nite stands, new coffee table, and a new tv . table. I luv Wayfair
Thank you, Margaret, for all the helpful suggestions. I don't live alone, but my husband cannot help with much anymore. These were all very good ideas.
It's difficult when you're unwell.otherwise okay but then I've moved into a retirement flat with communal areas so people around . As and when you want company. There is a live in Manager. ND WE have safety alarms etc. I love it.
The best thing I have in the shower are flip flops with holes in bottom so i don’t slip. Love them. I do need a night light for bathroom. This is a good reminder for safety and ease to be mindful as we age. Thank you. ❤️
Thank you so much for the informative video. I wonder if you can talk about repairs. And finding the right handyman. A lot of them are getting advantage of single women.
Thank you. All very sensible suggestions
All very relevant suggestions Margaret.
I actually liked your necklace the way it was before you moved it 😂🤣 the headband is a nice touch also. Thanks for good advice, as your usual.
You’re welcome 😊
Life line is a good one
Thank you Margaret I am going to save this video for future reference. Appreciate you so much.
I love your necklace..think I’ll make a version! You always have great ideas..I’ll send this to my mom 🙏🏽🙋🏻♀️👍🏽
Useful info thanks Margaret
Much love from England ❤️
Great comments!
Thank you for your channel. This year I am turning 60, excited for my present & future experiences. Love you!
Wonderful!
Good information. Thanks
Thank you so much! There were some really good tips.
Good video and tips. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the great information.
Thank you for this valuable information. Excellent video.
Some of us prone to falls have to use a tub transfer chair due to lease restrictions. I am going to check my air conditioner. I think it has Bluetooth.
Get smart plugs if your appliances arenʼt smart.
Very helpful and thought provoking information ❤
Love you your great Thanks ❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️
🇮🇪🙏
My suggestion for all Australians over 65 is get an ACAT assessment. It's a first step to 3 levels of health care, home modifications etc. Google it.
I think Id like your vids better if you had clips or moved the camera around in your world.
I thin you would enjoy my travel videos - there are hundreds on you tube. :-)
My daughter tracks my phone, if I don’t reply to her message quickly, which I always try to do. I fell/tripped over twice in the autumn due to fallen leaves on the ground. It was difficult for me to get up. I bought an Apple Watch series 6. It monitors my heart rate, if I fell over, it asks, if I am OK, if I don’t answer by clicking, it alerts the emergency service, gives them my location, and let my emergency contact know.
It’s so good to have these back up plans! Take care 🌺