Living Alone, Dying Alone?

[Jennykenny]

I can’t be the only person, (am in my late sixties and fairly healthy), who lives alone and worries about having a heart attack or a stroke and not being able to summon help.
I know that sounds very negative and depressing, but it is a possibility. I am lucky to have a number of good friends but we tend to meet up sporadically, so they would not necessarily miss me for some time.
Am I too young to consider getting a personal alarm and a key safe?? Any alternative options?

[ummmm]

No...get an alarm asap. Don't leave it to chance x

[Ellipsis]

Consider getting a trendy Apple watch - it doubles up as a personal alarm:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT206983

You can probably get something similar on Android devices.

[hereIam]

Go for it Jenny if it makes you feel happier and more secure. Also do you have a good neighbour who you could maybe come to some arrangement with by telling them that if your curtains are still closed after a certain time of day to check on you, but by all means go for a personal alarm ...

[woofgang]

If it will make you feel better then do it.

[kvalidir]

I think it's a good idea for people of any age, definitely do it x

[alavahalf]

A personal alarm will only give those close to your location an alert .. that's if anyone is listening.
Why not get a dedicated lifeline, there will be a monthly fee. This will mean you have a pendant hanging around your kneck, when pressed it will connect you to a call centre that will be manned 24/7 via a unit that is linked to your phone .. They will be able to summon help on your behalf. There are various levels of care available with a lifeline.
You would also register your keysafe number with them.
Everyone should have a keysafe, the first time it is used for access it will pay for itself. In my job I got called out to piece doors and frames back together after the Police or Ambulance service had smashed the door in to gain access to someone who didn't have a keysafe installed.

[Mamyalynne]

As everyone has said, anything that can alleviate your worry is a good thing - investigate a few ideas mentioned.

Alava, when I get bad indigestion I often take the door chain off and undo the lock to save a broken door door (just in case) how daft is that?

[bainbrig]

Definitely go for an alarm jenny. Can you get them through local authorities or is it all private these days?

[Theland]

What is a keysafe?

[bobbie22]

A key safe is a little box near the front door. Needs a code to open it, and a friend or relative has to know the code. There's obviously a door key inside.

[ducksie]

A keysafe is a coded box outside your door that someone close to you has the code, it has been spoken of here before and one aber said she could use it by keying in any number on her elderly relatives safe, that can happen if the number lock is not coded correctly, I have one and it is a tight as tuppence and very secure, the GP, my public health nurse and a member of my family have the code, once open, there is a key to the front door inside it
On the suggestion of mamya to open the front door to save it being broken down when she has indigestion, I've had a heart attack and no time for opening doors, didn't know what hit me, my sister in her early 60's has had a stroke and heart attack and lives alone a good bit away from me, only her dog for company she got through it and finally made it to hospital, thankfully no lasting damage there. It is a reasonable concern and worry though.

[bobbie22]

I don't have a key safe, but I have trusted neighbour who has my key. I don't put the door chain on in the night.

[anneasquith]

I think you are being very sensible, investigate the ( keysafe) option, you can then feel more secure .

[Mamyalynne]

Ducksie, I did say 'how daft is that?' - it wasn't a recommendation.

[ducksie]

I seen that mamya, it is irrational when it actually happens, it's so fast,no time to think

[Mamyalynne]

Very true, things happen at speed.

[alavahalf]

Mamya .. from experience I have found that a lot of people think of a door chain as extra security, this is wrong. A door chain should never be secured when you are in your home. It should only be engaged when you are opening the door. Every property I visited I always offerd a chain fitted free of charge, along with advice on how and when to use it. When people had a narow hallway that stopped them peering round the door I would also fit a mirror on the wall.
For some time I fitted a device called an 'Erica' .. this allowed an occupant to have another cylinder fitted below their yale lock. The cylinder would allow someone gaining access to .. get and extra key from the keysafe.
This released the door chain on the inside of the door should the occupant take ill and need assistance. More vulnerable people often felt more secure should their chain be fitted at night. A door viewer or spy hole is a great idea, this means you dont even have to open the door to a stranger.
Most days of the week I attended distraction burglaries. On every occasion the occupants spoke to the burglar before letting them in. Your best option is dont even get involved with talking to a stranger on your doorstep !

[sandyRoe]

I live alone. If I was to die at home there's no reason why remains shouldn't sit mouldering away for years.

[alavahalf]

You need enter a property where mouldering remains are present .. then perhaps you may not wish it on your worst enemy.

[sandyRoe]

I can't see how I can avoid it if I "pass over " at home.