Aging In Place: The Risks of Living Alone

By: Rachael Timm, Marketing Director of Heritage Hill Senior Community

For many older adults, independence means remaining at home for as long as possible. The thought of senior living is often avoided because of previous connotations. The truth is a move to a senior community can be both affordable and beneficial to a better retirement.

Here are some risks facing seniors who live at home:

Isolation. The pandemic has exposed the importance of social interaction and its negative impact on physical and mental wellness. Seniors may be limited on their outings as concerns over COVID-19 continue. Senior living communities follow stringent protocols to mitigate the spread of illnesses. Residents remain cared for and are mere steps away from meeting their friends for mealtimes and activities.

Accidents. Clutter, home repairs, and loose rugs or cords are the root cause of falls in the home. Some falls can cause serious injury, which can severely impact mobility.

Nutrition. Poor eating habits can make older adults susceptible to illnesses. Senior living communities take the worry out of grocery shopping and meal preparation by providing three meals a day, with the ability to cater to specific dietary needs

Maintenance. Housekeeping, unexpected repairs, and snow shoveling can interfere with the joys of retirement and can be a struggle to maintain on a daily basis.

Scams. Some criminals specifically target seniors for their vulnerabilities, tricking them into fraudulent schemes that could cost their life savings. Commonly used scams may involve home repairs, health insurance, government imposters, and sweepstakes.

Unfortunately, there are slews of schemes! Learn more about these types of fraud and how to react during Heritage Hill’s free online presentation “Senior Scam Prevention” presented by Pennsylvania State Trooper Anthony Petroski on Thursday, Feb. 17, at 1:30 p.m. Complimentary lunch provided. Please, RSVP to me at 570-215-3172 or email rtimm@heritagehillsenior.com.

If you or a loved one is struggling to live at home, Heritage Hill is here to help! Our trusted care experts can answer many of your senior living questions. Schedule a tour today to learn more about us.