Single Woman Living Alone In House
October 5, 2012 – Living alone in as we age can be challenging, socially, practically, and financially, People often presume that retirement homes or institutional care are the only alternatives to living independently in your own home. There are other options. Just as everyone has different means, needs, and preferences, a single housing type and arrangement is not going to suit everyone equally. This is especially true as people face new challenges with age, particularly for those living alone – who are often at higher risk of experiencing low income, isolation, and loss of independence. Traditional housing arrangements, such as retirement homes or nursing care do not suffice for single seniors.
They can be too expensive, removed from your own community, or just the wrong fit for your particular needs. New housing trends are increasingly on the radar, adding new options for seniors who can’t or don’t want to live alone or in traditional housing options. Growing trend of single seniors According to the 2011 Census data, the percentage of people living in a couple is declining with age – 70% of all seniors aged 65 and over lived as a couple compared to only 22% of those aged 85 and over. Beyond mere age, the census shows a “grey divorce” trend of an increasing number of older adults getting divorced, dealing with the financial challenges of divorce, and now living alone. Older women in particular are more likely to live alone in old age. Women over 65 are almost twice as likely to live alone compared to men their age and are often in much more vulnerable financially than their male counterparts, according to Statistics Canada.
- As a single woman living alone, you may be concerned about your safety. Creating a secure environment in your home so that you feel safe and peaceful.
- A single woman’s guide to nesting. Into myself, into my home, and I was thrilled by the prospect of living alone. As a single, childless woman. And I believe that’s where my nesting.
Compared to those who are living in a couple, single seniors living alone are often more vulnerable and at risk of experiencing lower incomes – pre and post-retirement and increased isolation and social mobility, among other challenges. What are alternative housing options?
Single older adults can overcome these challenges with the right housing option. However, since many do not know what is available or where to find alternatives, many look to long-term care or retirement homes, which have long wait-lists and often high costs or co-pays., Although most people want to live at home for as long as possible, comprehensive homecare options are not yet readily available or affordable. Beyond the obvious call for more affordable housing and rent subsidies, other housing alternatives need to be made available. Examples of alternatives are increasingly evident in other countries with similar aging demographics. Cohousing Denmark, for example, has a long history of cohousing, with more than 100 such homes currently in operation. Cohousing is two or more individuals sharing a home and its related costs, where each has their own private space but share common areas like the kitchen and living room.
This allows individuals to live independent lives while having access to assistance and companionship from other residents. It lowers housing costs and related expenses since they are shared and can be coordinated with support services such as meal preparations, transportation, house keeping, and organization of recreational activities. Some projects in Canada include other assisted living services such as personal care. For example, in Barrie, Ontario, there has been a recent co-housing movement led by the Barrie/Simcoe CARP Chapter and partner organizations like. Organizations, like Solterra, act as a third party to facilitate the planning, managing, and maintenance of a shared residence, including the attainment of in-home support services such as care to manage health and safety, food preparation, and organization of social activities. Another is seen in British Columbia with cohousing complexes where numerous families, not exclusive to seniors, own their own suites but share common areas such as a guest suite, library, and entertaining spaces. The important distinction between this model and any other condominium project is the shared planning for assisted living services and communal living activities Intergenerational Housing Intergenerational housing is another option.
As the name suggests, intergenerational housing involves more than one generation of the same family living in the same house but often in separate units. There is typically a larger principal dwelling and another smaller secondary dwelling with a private bathroom and kitchen. This arrangement allows seniors to live with their families and have access to assistance, but still enables them to maintain an independent life. Depending on the agreement between the two generations, housing costs can be lowered and made more affordable for both parties.
Security inside your home is essential to your safety as a single woman living alone. Keep your doors locked at all times and your curtains or shades drawn. Set lights on timers when you are out at night and consider a home security system, suggests the article 'Personal Safety & Security Tips for Women Living Alone' on the 4 Points Security website. Home Security and Safety Tips for Single Women Living Alone. In Home Security and Self-Defense by Contributor September 13. Not many of us will have a well-trained law enforcement man in the house, maybe not even close by, so we need to eliminate as best we can the possibility of an intruder/robber etc by using the means we have available.
Building codes and municipal by-laws must be taken into consideration as they vary widely among municipalities. Cohousing and intergenerational housing is not for everyone, but for single seniors the two options are legitimate alternatives to expensive retirement homes and to the institutional care offered by nursing homes. These options can reduce the potentially negative affects of living alone. More information on the and information about.
More information on the concept of Related Posted in Tagged,.
.MY. personal thoughts - after having a crazy ex-husband, I feel safer in an area where I am not alone. By that I mean, I prefer either an apartment building with locking doors (or if it was guarded 24/7 that is okay), or a home in a gated community. I am making an exception right now: I live in a 3 family house. However, I have 2 males as neighbors, and my main apartment door is not connected directly outside.
You have to enter through another locked door first. I do have a door that goes directly outside, but it is well hidden, and I have a regular lock, deadbolt, and chain on it (I didn't put them on, they were there when I moved in). This is a big reason why I stay where I am. I agree that an upper level apartment may be the safer option; especially if there is not a window that is easily accessible (by the front door for example). Windows are easy for someone to break and get into your apartment. The apt I'm in is on the second level and the only windows/sliding glass door are on the side of the apartment opposite the front door; and as clevergirl05 stated, one would have to climb up the side of the building to reach the balcony or bedroom window.
Also, be aware of who your neighbors are, and the surrounding area. For one living alone and trying to be as safe as possible, it's best not to be overly friendly with people in your complex until you get a chance to know them, and it is a good idea to not have the same routine day in and day out, if possible. Being cautious about going out alone at night is also something to think about. If you know the neighborhood and all things being equal, for single woman, the apartment (multi unit upper floors) is likely safer, simply for the fact there are more 'eyes' and randomness to activity and traffic. Less chance to be isolated in your abode and stalked without someone else noticing. That being said, you would want to know all entry/exit points and alternate your personal schedule of comings and goings.
Criminals like targets with set routines. An apartment that has good mix with elderly is likely more safe due to the amount of eyes (nosey or not) paying attention to the comings and goings. Look for building which has secure entry and high visibility. Some older buildings are not designed (or landscaped well). Always, be aware of your surroundings and have worst case scenarios thought out. Check to make sure the apartment complex, if they have security cameras, that they actually are working. I've known some to simply place the cameras and neglect maintenance and use them as a placebo effect.
If you want house, choose one in close knit neighborhood where they are closer together (visible sightlines) - and again, strive for high numbers of 'eyes', with mix of home workers, elderly, etc. Always more safety in numbers (all things being equal). The old adage is 99% true: 'Criminals look for easy targets'.
As for the 1% psychos or mentally disturbed, that is why everyone should learn basic self defense and have thought out ways of dealing with worst case scenarios. In vulnerable areas know what you could use as weapon if you cannot flee. This sort of thought process, while scary / morbid to some, may help you from 'freezing' up (a common problem) should something happen i.e. Think it through.
I would say an apartment would be safer. I think a key is to check the place out and not just on a guided tour they give you. Go there in the evenings and on the weekends to see what the activity is like. Are there a bunch of people walking around? Is the place well lit? Are there teenagers around? Teens that live there themselves may not necessarily cause trouble but they can bring friends around who can cause trouble.
I prefer the 2nd floor for safety myself. You can basically create a 'fatal funnel' of sorts if you have to defend yourself as the entry ways are usually limited in an apartment.
Single Woman Living Alone In House Movie
Situational awareness is key. Don't flaunt your prized possessions around, let people know what you own, etc. I keep to myself. My last landlord said she wouldn't even think someone lived there. I live in an apartment right now. It is a gated community, even though is costs more than the other places, I feel it's worth it. It is well lit and a few of the local police officers live here as well.
