Living alone
Many people with Parkinson's live alone and manage very well.
Living alone often brings its own pleasures and for many single
people, the issue of retaining their independence, safely, in their
own homes is paramount. In terms of basic home safety a lot can be
done.
Fear of falling is a common concern but a lot can be done to
make the home less hazardous. Simple measures such as installing
brighter lighting or rearranging furniture and rugs can make rooms
safer. There is also equipment available to help make some
activities easier.
Social Services (known in Scotland as Department of Social Work)
provide a number of home services such as 'Meals on Wheels' and
home care. If coping at home is difficult, they will arrange a home
visit to assess your needs and then arrange the services.
Financially, living alone can be difficult. However, you may be
entitled to a range of statutory benefits. To find out more, please
visit the Benefits and grants section of
this website.
Many local authorities run community alarm schemes, as do
agencies such as Help the Aged and
Age Concern.
Other useful contacts are:
For more practical tips and information,
please download our Living alone
with Parkinson's information sheet in PDF.
You may also be interested in John
Geipel's story.
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