TIPS -- Lives Alone

• Accept offers of help from family, friends and neighbors and others in the community in order to stay living in your home.
  
  
• Ask or arrange for help when you need it. This will help keep you in control.
  
  
• Stay socially and physically active with family and friends. 
  
  
• Stay connected to your community. Get out and about often.  Buy rides from friends, neighbors, or teens. Accept offers of “free” rides.
  
  
• Develop a “buddy-system” with a neighbor or friend where you share responsibility for checking on one another.
  
  
• Avoid social isolation by connecting with people of all ages. Share and learn from young people. Use companion services.
  
  
• Buy help from those you know and trust (family, friends, and neighbors) or community agencies not only for your personal needs, but to maintain your home.
  
  
• Know what to do to be safe and secure at home and conduct a home safety checklist.
  
  
• Ask your doctor for help if you are feeling “blue or down in the dumps”.