According to the PEW Research Center, 27% of Americans 60 years and older live alone, so it’s important to know what to do in case of a health emergency. One of the most common events that happen as we get older is falling down. One in 4 older adults fall each year. If this happens to you and you do not have symptoms of something more serious (like a stroke), take a minute to get your bearings. Don’t stand up unless you are certain you can do so safely. If you are having trouble getting up, roll on your side, push up to a sitting position, and get on your hands and knees. If you are able to crawl toward a piece of sturdy furniture, turn your body so your stronger leg is next to the furniture. Place your hands on the furniture and bend the knee closest to the furniture for support, put your foot on the floor, and push yourself up. If all fails, hopefully a phone is nearby to call family, friends, or 911. Purchasing an emergency button/watch might also be a good option.
If you are alone and something suddenly seems wrong with your vision, coordination, or speech, you could be experiencing a stroke. Symptoms of stroke can include facial drooping, arm weakness of one or both arms, and/or slurred speech. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact 911, since time is essential. The sooner you get to the hospital for treatment, the better chance of a good outcome.
Chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or goes and comes back is another medical emergency. Symptoms can include an uncomfortable/dull pressure, squeezing sensation, jaw, shoulder, back, chest, or neck pain, or pain that radiates down the left arm. Nausea and lightheadedness can also be symptoms. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital or have someone else drive you. Call 911 and tell them your symptoms. Then you can call your family to alert them to the situation. Chew or place a 325 milligram (or four 81 milligram baby aspirins) under your tongue to get the medication into your bloodstream quickly, unless you have a contraindication to taking aspirin. Gather your ID, insurance cards and a list of your meds, if you are able to do so without exerting yourself. Unlock the front door and sit down in a comfortable chair near the entrance of the home. Take slow, deep breaths to keep you calm.
Burning yourself with a scalding liquid can also be an emergency situation. If you are able to submerge the burn in cold water in a bowl or under the faucet, do so. Do not use ice since it can cause more damage to the skin cells. Apply a burn gel, like Alocane or Neosporin Burn Relief Ointment which can help prevent infection. If the burn is extensive and blisters and is on your hands or face, you may want to consider going to the ED. Stinging, blistering, burning, and discomfort the day after the burn is not unusual. If pus or redness develops around the burn area, it might be a sign of an infection and should be treated by a healthcare provider.
Although this list of health emergencies is not inclusive, these are some of the more common emergencies. It is also important to have conversation with your family and friends to have an emergency plan in place. Make sure you have an emergency contact, they know where important documents are located, you have an advance directive, and they know your wishes regarding your healthcare, should that be necessary.
References:
- AARP, February/March 2024, “How to Save Your Own Life.”