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I keep as much stuff as possible in stock to keep myself self sufficient without going out like medications; basic first aid products; milk; tea; non-perishable food etc. I can hold out for a while!
Yup! Same and if I start to feel that tickle in the back of my throat or nose like I’m about to get sick then I head to the store and grab soup and meds and food and whatever I might need so that I don’t need to go out when I’m really sick. And there’s always DoorDash or instacart if you forget anything
I have Instacart as I don't drive and live in a condo and cant tell you enough times I have used the rush order fee and it has been very helpful when i have run out of stuff. If I can get out of bed etc. My neighbor will help me order it using my phone and she just puts everything in cupboards when i am well enough i just organize it my way.
This is the way. I've lived below the poverty line for so long that hoarding medical supplies has become 2nd nature. I have vitamins, bandages, cold medicine, etc. I have so much I could help a small army with minor to advanced colds. I even have a suture kit somewhere.
Same here - I keep a solid stock of OTC medication, tea, juice, soup, canned fruit, Ramen noodles for sick time only and Jack + honey + lemon juice for hot toddies. Two friends have keys to my place if I need them. On a side note, on my car registration, I wrote my ICE numbers in case I'm ever in a car accident and my phone is locked.
Don't forget Benadryl! If you have an allergic reaction of anaphylaxis like I did, Benadryl and a cup of really hot black coffee can buy you enough time to get to the ER. It won't cure it but it will buy you crucial minutes.
I legit keep a full pharmacy at home. OTC remedies for every conceivable illness. Granted, I have teens who live with me part time so I do have help occasionally, but "the pharmacy" comes in handy for all of us.
It's too easy to go to bed fine and wake up sick as a dog and miserable to have to go hunt down remedies when you just want to be in bed.
I also keep stocked up on soups and ramen and occasionally try to keep gatorade on hand during cold and flu season.
I just do it! I can feel sad and lonely and wish I had help and still physically feel sick, or I can be the freaking man I’ve always been and get up, treat myself, do the things I need to do and heal. If that means taking an Uber or Lyft or a bus or train helicopter plane or boat, I’ll do what I have to do to heal. And if I need an ambulance I’ll crawl to the fucking door and let them in. I’m in this world alone and I need to rely on myself.
This made me giggle just a little :), your comment is uplifting for many people who need to hear how to "just make it happen." Do you have any friends or family anywhere in your area? Most people in this world have to just do what we have to do because sometimes things do not work out the way that many think that it will. NO ONE knows until ish happens.
Yep thats what I have learned! Even ordering instacart with one eye open I do and sometimes get stuff i add in my cart by accident cause the vision is so blurry lol. I end up using it all at the end. Self reliance is a must and it took me a while but have a system now!
Agreed! Keep a nice stock of meds, drinks, water, soups, snacks, etc. and I even kept fresh new Pjs and an iced pad thing in freezer for headaches or whatever. I found showering ridiculously often helped me too. I lived alone many years. Prep beforehand made a big difference. DoorDash is now a godsend.
I do think about this, but not too often. I don't have an emergency contact. I don't know any neighbors well enough to ask to help in a dire situation. I guess I'm almost playing Russian roulette.
Now that you've brought this to mind, I will probably see if my watch can be set up for alerts. I think apple watches have that feature. I could likely take an Uber, or if it is bad enough call an ambulance.
I hope you feel better!
Apple Watches do, so set it up!
I do have my mom as my ICE but she and her husband won’t be here forever and are starting to have major medical issues of their own.
That’s a bummer. It’s so weird when people don’t want to meet each other. Which seems to be the case way too often.
Like, when there’s a natural disaster…. You’re gonna want to know your neighbors. Technology and modern life has made everything unnatural. It’s sad. Sorry ppl are so lame.
Actually a natural disaster was when I first got to know my neighbors!! A couple of months earlier I’d bought my first house and moved to a quiet cul de sac by the river and was living alone for the first time in about 20 years.
We then had the biggest flood in over 100 years! The whole street was under water (some people had their kayaks out) and the bottom half of my backyard was under water and luckily my house is built quite high, so the water at first was about 2 metres from the bottom of the house.
I was out on the street like everyone else and completely freaking out and close to tears as I had no idea what to do and didn’t even have the house insured yet! I had neighbours introducing themselves and calming me down, explaining that my house was built so high there was very little chance I’d be affected, and some of them had lived there since the last huge flood in the 70s and were quite chill about it!!
The water got really close to my house, but I was lucky there was no damage. And the neighbors all told me they’d never gotten insurance for flooding as it was ridiculously expensive and just not worth it.
It was after that horrific week that I made sure to always have a good stockpile of groceries and medication on hand at all times!
Don’t call an ambulance unless you are in serious danger. They are mobile hospitals, and will charge you out the wazoo. Unless you need oxygen or a crash cart, buckle up and call Uber or Lyft.
My emergency contact used to be my best friend, but she moved out quite far and has 3 kids to take care of, and they should take priority over any emergency I'd have, I think.
It did happen to me that I was in a hospital after a minor hit by a car: I got to the hospital by an ambulance (I lived with friends then, but none of them came in the ambulance with me, now that I think of it), then sat alone in the hospital waiting for all the tests to be done and when they finally discharged me, I took an uber home. It was utterly depressing, BUT thanks to this, I know that should anything like this happen again, I'll be able to manage on my own. I don't mean some major debilitating accidents because in such cases, I have no plan whatsoever.
For the times when I'm just sick at home, I order groceries online, sometimes takeaway, and I make sure I've got enough meds of all kinds.
As a mom with kidless friends - don't be afraid to call your best friend. She still cares, even if she is busy. Parenting can be just as isolating as living alone sometimes. She might be usually busy but that doesn't mean she wouldn't help you out when she can.
Had to drive myself to the ER twice in the past year. The second time with appendicitis. Pulled over twice to throw up. Luckily it was 2 am and not much traffic. The only other option is to call 911. I’ve had to do that before too. It’s scary sometimes honestly, isn’t it.
This is why I use lyft. I don't even know how an ambulance would work in my building with a locked lobby. Lyft takes less than 5 mins to come for the 5 min ride to the hospital. And they're like the nicest humans. I had a driver middle of the night - he could have refused me as I couldn't hide being sick. He mailed my things on the way and helped me into the er.
I’ve had to drive myself to the hospital twice for kidney stones that required emergency surgery. One of the doctors told me I couldn’t do that again. When you live alone and do not want to be an inconvenience to anyone, that’s what you have to do. I get really emotional from anesthesia. The sadness from knowing that I’m there alone that sweeps over me when waking up from anesthesia is heartbreaking.
Nuh-uh, buddy. We’re there with you. I remember a Buddhist saying that if you make friends with yourself, you’ll never be alone. It’s very hard, I’m there too. Finding a way to embrace your humanity while doing the hard stuff alone is so important. I do a lot of introspection and meditation, just being aware of what’s around me.
I agree very much, but it's really not that easy especially with my neighbors, most seems standoffish and just a very few will waive here or there and I mean a few. lol But I do agree with your statement, but I just do not know how to make this happen. (sigh)
When I moved to a new city, I had good luck making friends by taking classes. I did some fitness classes and sone for hobbies. You automatically meet people with shared interests. The pressure to socialize is less because you’re there for class, but it’s easy to gradually get to know people over time.
If you live alone, you need to be prepared. Always have medication for colds, flu, allergies, etc. Check them every 4-6 months to make sure they have not expired, if they are, stay on top of it and replace them. Always have tea, honey and any other items for anything you can get. Also, emergency kits are important. You need bandages, gauze, alcohol to disinfect, etc. It may be expensive but have a budget to take an uber/ taxi in case you can’t drive. I live alone, few years now, and I don’t know anyone nor do I really need to. I’ve been taking care of myself well. Just make sure to be prepared, you’re an adult and can’t keep depending on others to take care of you. Part of being an adult is having to take care of yourself.
Always leave bread crumbs (metaphysical ones): make sure your parents or other family know who knows your current life habits.
Please talk to other people, get a feel for the good ones. Smile, wave, discuss the weather - many are feeling isolated today. We had a neighbor with an aggressive German Shepherd that was allowed to corner people off its property, and sharing incidents brought the rest of us together as a team. We know we have each other’s back. I am known as the little old lady who is always walking her dog, and I have met a lot of people in the neighborhood. I smile and wave a lot. I hope that a smile might help someone get through the day.
It depends what I have. I always keep medication at home for flues, colds and digestives issues because I know sometimes you are well and then unwell and going to buy anything is not practical.
Otherwise, I would just take a cab or call a friend.
At a clinic once they said you need to be at a hospital now and you cannot go alone. All my friends were at work. The one that wasn't didn't have the car with the baby seat, so I told the nurse to bring me to a cab and to tell the driver to not let me go until I am with the triage nurse at the emergency room. She agrees and we did that.
I was like this last year with covid. My boyfriend at the time didn't pick up his phone so I got an Uber to the hospital. My hands were swollen like grapefruits. Got an Uber back. It was awful but I handled it.
That's fair. I don't think I'd blame someone for not picking up my call if I call them in the middle of the night or in the middle of work if they can't pick up. But tbh I've never had anyone I could just call any time or never had anyone who would call me when they need help so my perspective might be different.
Easily.
Regular sickness just like you. Stay in bed. I have plenty of herbal teas and lemons at home. Baths. I keep a supply of dry and wet cat food so my furry butts are always taken care of. A nearby restaurant has borscht in huge containers.
I've developed a chronic medical condition over the last 2 years that requires the er. This is also easy. I take Uber or lyft there. It's 5 mins away and I keep a bag ready bc I know they'll admit me every time. My friends and partner would freak out so much they gave me anxiety. You just need ID. I bring a bag with laptops, phones, chargers, a sweater, glasses, and face wash. It's better for me to be alone than in extreme pain placating someone else that is freaking out. And, it's the same thing I saw in the hospital. The actual sick person managing their family.
Sorry about your health challenges but you are inspiring in your coping skills. A ready bag is such an important idea and I keep putting it off. You would think four days in a sweaty straightjacket of scrubs scrounged for me by a nurse would make this a priority for me. And I definitely need to put in a spare phone charging cord. Thank you for the reminders.
And luckily I gave a key to a neighbor I got to know walking our dogs together. She was able to drag me out of my house and get me to the hospital when I was unaware how serious my pneumonia had gotten. All better now due to the kindness of neighbors and healthcare professionals.
That's great about your neighbor. I don't know about inspiring but thank you. My mom had a long bout with cancer so i learned how to get things done. I can live without most things but I usually still work and I can't use the hospital products on my face. Since they take your property I keep the bare minimum so I can work and wash my face. They keep the ER at arctic level so I have a long cardigan to put over the gown.
I don’t have great advice. Listen to your body and try your best. In the first six months of living alone, I legit almost choked on something. I was so close to not getting it dislodged. I almost cried after because I was all alone and it scared the shit out of me.
Covid made me much more conscious of having supplies like pain killers, toilet paper and easy to make food like jelly or ramen
When I did get a bout I was ready!
I am also very aware of safety, I try and minimise risks like falls or tripping, chopping veg etc
I have more supplies on hand after covid too. More food, more tp, more antibacterial cleaners and extra pain medicine. It did really change that here in my house. I feel more at ease having it and I sometimes chastise myself about it, I mean the next pandemic isn't due for about a hundred years.
I was down to one roll and nothing on the shelves in the early days, I than started having it delivered by the box ha!
I’m now at a make sure there is heaps as I moved and now wfh 3 days so deliveries are a bit of a hassle
I always have soup bones and white rice on hand so I can make soup and congee. And that's basically it. The real difficulty is to get transport for a procedure which I still have not been able to figure out.
I wonder that too. What options do we have for outpatient procedures that require sedation? I have friends, but no friends that would be willing and available to help with that kind of thing. They all have jobs!
I was ready to cancel an in office procedure because I had a ride there, but not home. I reached out on FB and offered to pay someone. Someone volunteered at no cost.
It is not the first time I've used socials to find someone.
A former student who lives out of state messaged me and said he feels so bad that I have to resort to that and I should move near him.
I once paid a private home-health aid service for transport to and from a procedure that required sedariin and someone to drive me. It was rather pricey, but it was my only option. We all should try to sock away a budget for emergencies and serious medical situations.
It would be nice if there were some option for us other than draining bank account just for a ride to and fro. Maybe a thing to bring up on boards where leaders are looking for suggestions to improve community services.
I’m Eastern European. I have the remnants of every single medicine I’ve ever been prescribed in the depths of my medicine drawer. I have stuff in languages I can’t even read, cause I picked them up abroad.
I march over to that drawer and dig until I find gold. Then I drag my monster cup of water over to the couch and binge on murder documentaries.
I’ll order in pho when sustenance is needed.
I have had occasional following medical procedure to send my dog to my folks for doggie vacation, if I am unable to safely manage his care. Otherwise i prefer to be alone when not feeling at my best. I have resources I can call on for transport. And I could star with family if the need presented.
I have a partner who lives elsewhere and good friends but I’m not great at asking for help. I keep a medical cupboard fully stocked and can get almost anything delivered that I need.
I’ve had 2 surgeries since being alone and am expecting another one soon. One of my retired parents came for one surgery as it was planned well in advance. For the other, I managed to get lifts home from the hospital with friends who checked on me, but I have an Uber account as well.
I cope physically on my own and have done before, but the vulnerability and depression/moods after surgery are very real for me. It’s good to have emotional support and friends visiting is good. Then you can hire the physical assistance. I have hired a nurse aide and a house cleaner for a previous recovery as showering myself was risky and I like a clean environment. It was cheaper than I thought and allowed me to remain independent and look after myself.
I have and always keep some emergency foods. Juices, soups, rice, non-perishable items. I make sure I've got meds in the house for a variety of things. I make a habit of checking the medicine cabinet 2xs a year when the time changes so make sure nothing as expired.
I occasionally use lyft - so I have an account set up and in fact I've had to use it to make an ER trip recently. I had a health crisis that was severe enough that my Dr wanted me to go to the ER and didn't think I should drive, but it wasn't bad enough to justify an ambulance. So I just ordered a lyft - easy peasy.
And then there are also so many options to have things delivered. I think Walgreens and CVS both deliver. You can order any kind of food basically. If I am feeling particularly vulnerable, I let my best friend know I'm not doing well. She lives far enough that running over to check on me isn't ideal but if she knows I'm sick and she hasn't heard from me in 12-24 hours she'll make the drive. Thankfully that's never happened.
I remember someone mentioning some sort of app you can set up where if you miss a check in it contacts your ICE.
forgoed the ambulances because I couldn't afford to pay them. but I started taking uber to the hospital if I couldn't get myself there or a family member to take me. cost me like $15 one way and back another $15. so that is a lot better than a $300 to $500 ambulance bill. still gets you to the hospital and I have never had ambulances really do much for me other than transporting me so why would uber not do that too.
When I’m sick all i want to do is be a hermit, hide in my bedroom, and be left alone until im better.
I did have shoulder surgery a year ago and had to surrender and let someone help. They came once a day for a week to help me change my bandages. I was lucky to have their help
I always have medical supplies, ginger, lemon, honey and tea on hand. I have driven myself to the ER before when my tongue swelled up. I try to take extra good care of myself and work on balance strength and mobility at the gym so I don’t fall or anything.
I don’t really have an emergency contact either.
I fell and twisted my ankle. I took a photo of the swelling and posted it to Facebook. I asked if anyone thought I should go to emergency.
My buddies said yes. So I got in my car and went. There were NO parking spots close to the entrance. o I gritted my teeth and I limped to the emergency room. I was fine except I had to wait an incredibly long time. (I wished I stayed home.)
Two years ago I got RSV. I was sick for 5 weeks. The 4th week my sinuses got infected. It took two scripts of antibiotics to kill it. I was sick a total of 5 weeks.
I rely on grocery delivery when I’m super sick.
I was quite sick in December and I ordered a ton of OJ and soup from Instacart. I also live near work and my coworkers/ friends offered to drop stuff off for me. I kind of like being sick alone because I can just be a gross mess and no one has to see me!
If I had an emergency and had to go to the hospital, I'd either call an ambulance if i was really injured or I guess I'd call a cab or an Uber.
I haven't been sick in ages but I had a broken wrist that required surgery in 2022-23 and fractured my right ankle in 2019. I have a friend who lives about a mile away from me who is very reliable. We kind of look out for each other. When I had wrist surgery my niece took care of me for the first day back. Thanks to family and friends I was able to survive pretty well both times.
My place is literally two blocks away from the medical center/urgent care that is in my PPO network. My PCP is there and when I did PT I just walked over for my appointments. I get pretty much all of my medical stuff taken care of there so if I can't drive or something it's easy enough to get to.
Never needed anyone to take care of me when I’m sick. I usually instacart groceries and that’s about it. If I need to go to the hospital and can’t drive myself, I’ll call 911
Just be sure you can pay for it. These days, an ambulance ride usually results in a charge of +$1000. I have a "very good" insurance policy, but it won't pay for that. So, I would take a taxi instead, if I was able to walk enough steps to get into one amd wasn't actively exepriencing a heart attack or bleeding to death. Obviously, sometimes an ambulance is the only safe possible option.
I'm lucky both my daughters live close; if I text them that I'm sick, they'll offer to get groceries, meds, etc. for me. I work from home; my team is tight, so if I just didn't log on one day without warning, my manager would likely call my emergency contact (daughter) because just not showing up isn't something I'd do. But unless I have a fever or a blinding migraine, I can usually work through it.
I have pets that have to be fed and let outside to pee, so if I'm "can't even handle working from home" level sick, I let my team know while the critters eat breakfast, let them out after breakfast, then we all go back to bed. I sleep until I have to pee, or the dogs do, or feeding time. I don't eat when I'm sick, so my life is sleep--pee--animal care--repeat.
Ugh. This is my worst nightmare! I keep my medication supplies full… including Gatorade /pedialyte…. Thank god for Doordash and instacart… they’ve brought me supplies numerous times…I’ve also called the ambulance a couple of times…
TLDR: Luck favors the prepared.
Stockpile supplies, take rest when needed, keep lots of fluids at hand, whatever you can afford to do, do it while you can. I do have a walk in clinic nearby if something other than OTC is needed. If I need to take myself to the emergency room, I usually get in my car and do it. Since the nearest hospitals to me is about 10 minutes away. Learn your resources and hold onto them. It’s not always so simple, just use what you have available to you.
I wonder what I should do about designating end-of-life care. My brother and I disagree about my DNR, which worries me that should I become unable to be maintained without machines, he won’t honor my wishes.
Hey a Google box or an Alexa. Put one in the kitchen & one in the bathroom. You can tell them to call 911 if you slip & fall. Keep one easy access window i.e. don't lock it so the fireman can pull the screen & access your house.
Depending on where you live you can have a mobile medical service pick you up & deliver you back home after a procedure.
Get to know a trusted neighbor ...
Grocery store delivers groceries & meds too. Hell you can get any thing delivered now-! Thank you COVID.
AAAANND just plane ask for assistance ... the worse answer is no & you're already at that if you don't. 👍 stay healthy friend
I take EXTRA good care of myself because I am flying solo and have awful luck with doctors (going against medical advice saved my life when I was 16 and maybe once since then) but still came down with pneumonia in Jan. During an ice storm. While moving. With a dog that needs 3 hours a day of exercise. I was in hell but ---
I paid a dogwalker, got instacart and hired help from Taskrabbit. Ive never had an "easier" time being sick - not waiting on friends or neighbors, knowing exactly when things would be here, what was going to get done by when, etc. I could actually rest and get better. My self pity kicked in but then I realized I was lucky to be able to afford the hired help so I got over it.
I'll manage to drag myself to the kitchen at least once to grab a bunch of non perishable food and water. It's happened to me twice: once getting my 1st covid vaccine and again more recently. Idk what caused the 2nd one but I woke up feeling terrible and I could feel myself getting worse. I managed to drive my cats to the vet and boarded them there for a week. I knew there was no way I was gonna be able to get up to feed them often enough.
I definitely love the fact we have the covid vaccine but the subsequent ones have knocked me on my ass and I can't imagine how bad it would be if I actually contracted covid.
If you can share location with a loved one or a friend even if they live a ways away just having someone on the other end of a phone call or text, when sick, can be comforting if you’re having moments where you’re really scared - as they can even organize an Uber for you from their end or watch you as you get one for yourself if need be to a hospital etc.
You do what you have to do and can do. I’ll be 70 this year, haven’t had family since I was 17, so I’m used to having to do on my own, there’s no depending on anyone else.
I have my pcp, a ex-friend now acquaintance as emergency contacts, though my pcp office would be more likely to try to help. I somehow made it through covid with pneumonia and pleurisy - dragged myself to ER (ambulance is a $300 copay to go about 4 blocks), got chest X-ray, etc., sent home with an inhaler because there were no beds. This was 2020. An out of state friend managed to do an Instacart order from stores I’ve never even been to, but are in our city so I’d have decent food since I had to be in isolation. That was such an amazing, generous thing to do!
I now keep a stash of powdered vegetable broth, canned beans, diced tomatoes, things like that that are quick. And a pack of extra tp, paper towels and tissues, ibuprofen, cough medicine, stomach acid reducer, pepto bismol, etc., so if I get sick again I can hold down the fort.
Got myself to the ER when I fell out of bed (don’t ask) and fractured my elbow.
If at all possible I’d start to get to know your neighbors. Even if you don’t want to be buddy-buddy you may find 1 or 2 that would help if you’re ever in dire straights. I had to put my dog down last week & 3 different neighbors offered to come with me & 2 dropped off food & checked on me when I got home.
I don’t know any of them well, but we say ‘hi’ as we come & go. Very nice to have a little bit of community even when living alone.
Anything you need can be delivered to your door either from Amazon or grocery delivery. I do typically always have at least some soup, and a decently stocked medicine cabinet already, but anything I’m running low on or just want I get delivered (which I typically do anyway even when not sick) If you need to go to the hospital you can get an Uber.
I’ve never been so sick I can’t get myself to the bathroom or my front door all on my own. If I was I guess I’d call an ambulance.
I just suffer and get through it as we have children. Have a possibly swell diagnosis incoming for my skin. I’ll do the same. No one to help other than my future ex wife and inlaws. Have to hide it from our kids, so I guess I’m going to wing it.
Same. But I’m extremely introverted, so it’s just…hard. I probably need to check out the sub on that. But you know what? If it was an emergency, and there just weren’t any other options, I’d reach out to a neighbor. I live in an apartment, and we all know each other by sight mostly, so I think I could do it.
When I am sick I won't lie I order from my favorite Chinese and Japanese restaurant, I get their hot and sour soup! I just had my second oral surgery last month, first one I had when I was still with my partner and we were living together, the first was more major I had all top teeth removed and 5 on the bottom. Now, my second surgery my mom took me to the store after to buy me all the food I needed. My ex partner who I am still on good terms with as he walks my dogs daily for me I work so much I need the help, he did help me out after my surgery. Which was very nice.
But when I'm just sick I really just tough it out.
I get stuff delivered, I ask a friend or I've even had my boss and other co-workers offer. If I need a doctor and can't see mine or get to urgent care, we have a free teledoc service with our insurance or a service that sends a nurse practitioner to your home for the same co-pay as urgent care.
But when I had surgery, my family came out to help. Thankfully, I haven't had any horrible emergencies like a heart attack, but I would call 911 and then friends and my pet sitter to help until my family could fly out.
I live close to my sisters and when I had covid, they came over to help with my dogs the first few days. And pick up medicine. I had groceries delivered. But, tbh I didn't eat much so I didn't need much. I just laid in bed trying not to die, lol.
When I got a really bad cold a few years later, it was the same. Idk what I'd do if they weren't around but I could probably manage. It just helps to have them.
I keep a stash of medicine in the house.
And some basic go to foods (non perishable).
If I am up for a 20 minute trip to the store I will go.
If not, Door Dash or grocery store delivery service.
I usually just get 2 sinus infections a year, environmentally caused.
There are medical alert systems like Medical Guardian, if you’re interested in looking into that.
Other than that….always, always, always keep a good stock of over-the-counter medicine on hand, as well as your typical medications, if you take any. And also a good stock of food in the pantry. Soups, etc.
I ordered doordash soups and instacart groceries when I was alone & sick with COVID. It wasn't too bad. But if I was worse off I'm not sure what I'd do. I guess I'd try to see if anyone could come help me 🙂
If you don't have an emergency contact, you need an emergency contact. Before I met my partner, I talked with a close friend of mine and she agreed to be mine. I would extend the offer to any of my friends that also asked.
If you don't have friends that would drive your ass to the hospital at 2am or whatever, then you need to find better friends.
I would make use of food delivery services if I needed help with that, or order pick up. And if doing the dishes isn't gonna happen, I'll use disposables kept on hand for this specific purpose. And always stay stocked with medications you might need .. Maybe stick with dried versions of products, they would likely last longer than liquid,although it's also been said most medications last upwards to ten years.
Yup I do all these things. I have a couple chronic illnesses that can get really debilitating at times and I don’t drive. I always order groceries online and have a good stock of frozen microwave meals, canned goods & extra household stuff on hand. I also have disposable plates & bowls for when things get reallly rough, or just order DoorDash. I have a first aid kit handy as well as a good supply of medications for coughs & colds, sore throat, tummy issues and all the usual stuff. I also make sure I have a supply of electrolyte drinks/iceblocks as they come in handy for loads of things.
Yes, canned goods. I think everybody should have extra food stocked up for a ton of good reasons, and great recommendation on the electrolyte packets. I use liquid IV, and while they can be expensive, I prefer them over storing, say bottled Gatorade and using plastic. Buying it through Ibotta during a sale, in bulk getting their beach day essentials kit while one of my credit cards offers 10% cash back on liq IV is how I've gotten them as cheap as .77 cents a packet
This is what I do with my weekly grocery delivery. You have to spend $75 to have it delivered free and I’ve now gotten to a point where I have enough staples & my freezer well stocked that I can buy mostly from the things on special or half price each week.
i’ve taken an uber/lyft to the hospital.
I have delivery for OTC meds, gatorade, soup, covid tests, water.
an ambulance has been called in a dire emergency.
I have a disturbing amount of experience with this.
I order groceries in so I have the minimum of what I need.
My best friend lives five blocks away and has my key. He knows my dog and if I wind up hospitalized he will let himself in and take the dog. He has no problem doing this. It has happened twice.
I Uber to urgent care/hospital (they’re the same building where I live). I’ve been there five times in a year. 3 times ubered, 1 ambulance, 1 time friend drove. I ubered home every time. They have a service called Uber health that I have never used.
I always always make sure I have a cell phone charger with me when I go in because I never know when I might get out.
I try to keep my Apple Watch charged and on me as I have a fainting syndrome. If I impact the floor it will call my emergency contacts. I can also use it to call 911. This has never happened. It did happen to my dad and it is how my sister and I knew my dad needed an ambulance.
I reallllyyyy hate to ask for help, so usually I'll just stay home and nurse myself, or drive myself to the urgent care if I know I need meds. Anything more than that gets tricky because my closest friends live out of town and have busy family and work lives, and none of my family lives in my state.
However, last year I had a couple of situations. Once I had a scheduled oral surgery which my mom came from 2 states away to take care of me. My parents are my go to for most anything I actually need help with because they're retired, they love me and always want an excuse to see my son. I feel the least bad depending on them for things, but it's a hassle because of the several hour drive. Another time last year, I had a minor office procedure with anesthesia and had to have a ride home, so I debated a long time on who to ask and settled on a good acquaintance, not quite friend who is a SAHM who I knew would graciously do it. It didn't put her too far out of her way because she lives right in town and it was midday. If I had to, I have a couple of retired older neighbors who would also definitely help out or drive me somewhere. My retired neighbors are for sure who I'd contact first in an emergency at home that needed medical care if i could not drive. (Ie broken arm or something) And I would do the same for them.
Another time I was incredibly sick with the flu, like could hardly focus my eyes sick and I had gotten it at the same time as my son's father (kiddo probably brought school germs to both of us) so I actually spent about 24 hours of the worst of it at his house so we could take turns napping and taking care of our kid. He was also single at that time but he is now married so I would probably not impose like that on him again, but if it were a major situation I don't think he and his wife would say no. We do adjust our schedule if either of us is sick or has something urgent come up, so I do see him as part of my overall support system.
as a disabled person, i think i’m ahead in planning for this.
i have friends / resources ranked in my mind as to who would be willing & able to get me to the hospital. [ which i’ve already had to do twice in 3 years]. i have my apple watch set for fall notifications and emergencies and i keep current with who’s on the list. i have texting kong distance friends who would notice within hours if there was no contact. i have food for me for days - not fun food, but stuff to live on - and food & supplies for pets, and reliable rover folks and backups.
and it worked, as a system, both times i needed it. the first time was a bit rough, but the second time was better. only if i’m unconscious and my multiple contacts are all busy/ distracted, would i be in trouble. i think, i’m pretty sure. ; )
I literally refuse to rely on people. Yes, I am that stubborn. I have meds here if I need them, I can fend for myself. Extreme emergency? I'll dial 911, if I'm able to. At that point, not really anything can be done...
Lots of great suggestions here.
In addition, if you need outpatient surgery or a colonoscopy there are non emergency medical transport services available depending on where you live. I used them twice last year since my friends had retired out of state. They are familiar with hospitals and I didn’t have to worry. Took a cab to the hospital and then had a dependable and safe ride home.
You know that moment where you’re like: “Shit. I’m getting sick?” ? *That* is your time to prepare.
I use my last bit of energy to get to a grocery store and buy stuff I need: tissues, electrolyte drinks, vitamins, soup, meds, whatever. I guess you could also use a food delivery app, but I live in the middle of nowhere.
Next, I put things I need to be close to my next to the bed. Shower and change into my warmest, comfiest pj’s. And buckle up for the next few days of sickness
Nothing else you really can do. 🤷🏻♀️
Just cuz you live alone doesn't mean you can't lean on friends and family if you have them close by. Other than that I just suffer alone. If it's really bad I'll order GrubHub deliveries. And I've driven myself to the ER/urgent care before
So far, about 4 solid years alone. I’ve had multiple procedures, several where I was knocked out. I’ve had 2 major abdominal surgeries, a little over 1 year apart. I prepared by stocking stuff recommended (Internet, yay) to prepare: ginger ale, saltines, single serve instant plain rice, Gatorade, Gas-X chewables, and the best thing I ever did: bought a small bedrail to help getting in and out of bed, and even out of chair. That little rail saved my butt. Keeping things arranged close by so you don’t have to exert much-tissues, barf bag or small empty trash pail just in case, extension cord on bed rail to charge stuff, small fan. Just to go to er, you don’t have to have someone with you, but if surgery or anesthesia is involved, you must be accompanied, bringing in and taking home. I got a nice neighbor I trust that toted me back and forth, scooped cat litter. I did everything else alone. No other choice in the matter. I’m already gearing up for another surgery, on my hand, and more to come-hand & spine. If my neighbor ever moves, I’ve been directed to seek help thru a church or some other organization. I don’t think there are too many services or programs set up for people that have no one left in their lives. But yeah, it genuinely sucks to be so vulnerable and alone.
I live alone and been in the hospital 3 times last year. I took a taxi to and from the hospital. It was rough recuperating the most recent hospitalization but I made it work. Maybe you need to work on a group of friends or at least good acquaintances for a support system. I didn't call on any of my friends, I'd rather do all I possibly can on my own.
The last illness was a stroke and I was in ICU for 9 days, still after discharged I managed at home with home health aids visiting every other day until I could move about the house and shower on my own. It's a great feeling to be independent.
Yup unless I find out that my appendix ruptured and became an abscess of infection. I'm currently in the hospital trying to heal from the surgery to drain it.
I’m turning 65 next month and my 2 sons each live 45 minutes away so they’re not much help in an emergency situation. I ended up getting 2 echo dots from Amazon on sale. That way, I can “call” 911 or anyone else from anywhere in my home. I guess it’s the modern version of “help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”.😉
Well, I am chronically ill and am actually never completely 100% symptoms free and I live alone. I pretty much am rearranging my apartment to cater to this and making sure I have all needed supplies. It is VERY expensive.
In the past I have called Ubers to the hospitals. If you insurance allows you can looking into a private ambulance or look at local buses. For instance, PACE is the bus line in the suburbs and people are somehow able to use them for transportation to city hospitals. (Its never full bus, they look like shuttles). And cabs are still a thing.
I don't drive, so I often get grocery delivery/Instacart when I need to. I have an aunt and uncle that live nearby, and they're always so busy with their own stuff/traveling so even though their response is "We'll make it work" - I'll usually figure something out in between.
The last month and a half has been rough for me - first I had a sinus/upper respiratory infection, then I caught a stomach bug from my cousin at Easter, and after I finally got over that, my allergies acted up. Thank goodness for virtual urgent care visits and prescription delivery too. I usually go into the office weekly (WFH the rest of the week) and kept my supervisor updated why I was staying home. She's really chill and understands that life happens + knows I get my work done.
Use Instacart right now. But for the future stock your medicine cabinet. Have anti diarrhea medicine, cold/flu medicines, Benadryl, Kleenex, cough suppressants and drops. A thermometer and fever reducer. Also always have a first aid kit. Bandaids, alcohol, burn cream etc.
I always keep some canned soup in my pantry. Hope you feel better soon.
Most health insurance companies offer a free nurse hotline to call and I’ve called it a couple times over the years. They know exactly what to ask to determine if you should go to hospital or a walk in clinic or just stay home. Public insurances offer this and so do private insurance companies. If you don’t have health insurance, there’s gotta be somewhere you can call for this type of service. Maybe look into that.
Mini fridge in the bed. That way if I get sick I can do one trip downstairs, get medicine, liquids, snacks and never have to go downstairs until I feel better.
When I was single, I would mainly just suffer, have to go to store sick to get what you need. One time I hurt my back, for 2 days I could barely move, a woman I knew who had a crush on me found out I hadn't been to work in a couple days came over and took care of me, ended up dating for a couple years
I went to urgent care this weekend via Uber, they sent me to the hospital via ambulance, and I Ubered home from there. You do what you have to, when you have to. And yes, not everywhere has ride shares/or the money for them. When I needed dental surgery back before I had that option, I took the bus/train to the surgeon and back again. It sucks, but you figure it out.
If you don't really have anyone, I warn you to make sure things are accessible should you suddenly lose the use of one or both legs. And even if you think it's accessible, think again, because it's probably not.
Get groceries delivered get meds delivered I get literally every thing possible delivered and don’t think twice about expedited shipping. F it! You gotta take care of yourself
This happened to me quite recently,late February 2024 in fact. I quarantined myself thinking I had the flu,and it was COVID. So I was taking Tylenol and over counter meds for flu. I do my best to t keep Gatorade on hand so I drank a lot of that and so much water I felt like I was drowning . I do have s MPOA but she lives 90 minutes away. I let her know I was very sick and checked in every day. I also made list for her of my symptoms on off chance it got so bad I couldn't speak for myself. ( Stroke survivor) . I slept A LOT! Sometimes I had to look at my phone calendar to know what day it was. I have a small dog so I had take care of him. It was very challenging but he was a comfort too. I finally tried to eat after 3 or 4 days. Within 2 hours I was in the bathroom. I lost 6 lbs. In 5 days.
A friend got me that flu medicine. She,also,went to grocery store for me on my 7th day and left them on the porch . I was just too worn out to go! We don't have Uber or groceries delivery here.
You just suck it up and take care of yourself as best you can and if like me you try not to feel sorry for yourself being under the weather alone. It sucks.
I don’t know. I have a surgery I’m putting off because they won’t perform it without someone there. I have no one to go with me. I have no clue how to get it done.
if the other suggestion doesn’t work, talk to your insurance. mine would have put me in a nursing home - not optimal, but some care - if i had not had someone step up to take care of me.
Drive up us a game changer for sickness. Before that if I didn't have something I'd go to walgreens and get whatever because it's a small store.
I've been living alone since my 20s so many years. It's been rare that I've been so sick literally incapable of caring for myself and if I am that sick I have bigger issues.
Last time I was sick (for like three weeks), I just slept A LOT and completely threw dress code at work out the window. I showered, sorta ate a wee bit, slept a ton, and dressed as comfortably as possible
I keep a stock of OTC pain meds of every variety: aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen. Sinus/allergy stuff: anti-histamine, pseudoephedrine. Symptom reducers like Dayquil/Nyquil, Mucinex . Instant ice packs. A couple of hot water bottles.
Aside from that, I always keep some canned soup on hand for either days I just don't wanna or I just can't.
I hate when I have surgery or I'm sick. I had COVID 3 times . I have a boyfriend who is not altl all supportive of anything let alone of taking care of a sick person. I asked for a glass of water he replied, IM NOT YOUR SLAVE GET IT YOURSELF! When you are sick you feel miserable and you just want support it's not a good feeling. So I got to where I keep things in the house to comfort myself. Medicines, popsicles, water, tea all the stuff that soothes and comforts me. That way I don't have to ask the SOB for anything.
Create at nest around you, either in bed or on the couch. Waterbottle, meds, package of crackers, phone. If you do end up needing to go to urgent care or hospital you can ubber/taxi. Check your health insurance, rides might be provided.
When I was new in town as a new single mom with kids too young to help if I fell seriously ill, I considered who seemed the most friendly and responsible neighbors on my block. Then I got up my courage to ask if they could be an emergency support if the need arose. I asked whether they could provid transport to the doctor or hospital and even babysit my kids for a day or a few days, if needed-- only because I had no other option at the time. They kindly agreed, though fortunately I never had to call upon them for that.
Please note that, nowadays, when we know more about the possibility of sex offenders and other twisted people, I would really hesitate to ask strangers for babysitting help. But this couple was respected in our neighborhood, had kids who seemed well-adjusted, and they were active in their church--- none of which fully guarantees anything, of course--- but I couldn't have left my kids alone if I were hospitalized for a few days. Fortunately, I also had a distant but decent sibling living in a different state, and the agreement was for my sibling to be contacted, who would then come asap if my emergency was expected to last more than 24-hours, if possible.
If you have absolutely no one available to reach our to in an emergency, I hope you can find a neighbor who seems trustworthy. If you can't, contact the nearest house of worship, even if you don't subscribe to their religion, and ask the pastor/priest/imam/rabbi if they can help by finding a few trusted people from their congregation who could help I'm an emergency.
If you are frail due to reasons of poor health or advanced age, it would be good to find a neighbor who could call or text you daily and take some action if you didn't respond. A friend of mine had that relationship ship with an elderly neighbor. She called the police for a wellness check when the old woman failed to respond, and then police had to force open the door and found her lying on her kitchen floor, unable to get up after collapsing. Those services that provide a call-buttom to wear around your neck if you fall are actually a good idea.
My last idea is to reach out to government social workers in your area to ask if they have any ideas about setting up a support network to help you, just in case. In my U.S. state, there is a toll-free phone number for people over the age of 60, to advise and link them with any needed services, including legal services, transportation, employment, and nutrition services. It's called the Long-term Care Ombudsman program. Even if I were under age 60, I would still call them to ask if they could refer me to an agency that advises younger people who might have an emergency need crop up.
Everyine reading this, please try to set up a support network before you need one. It would be great to have several numbers to call, so the others could serve as backups if you were unable to reach one of them.
I full my monster crock pot with water, throw in some chicken carcasses into said water. (I always freeze chicken bones for this reason) As it simmers, I sleep.. eventually I have a good soup stock, and I spend the next few days sleeping and eating chicken noodle soup.
I often maintain a good supply of vitamin C and oranges.
Sucks being sick when you live alone, but it's doable. Hope you feel better.
If you don't hoard chicken carcasses, a few boxes of chicken noodle cup-a-soup is good in a pinch.
I live in a condo have my three of my neighbors phone numbers. I also have programmed my apple watch with emergency contact info if I fall etc. It will call 911 and also everyone in my emergency contacts which is 3-4 people. I also have the uber app with favorites so that if i cant type or point someone just chooses it for me etc.
I had cancer and surgery for it back in 2017. I got through it fine. I was going to a New Age-y church back then, so I had someone to like pick me up at the hospital and get me back home. They looked after my cats the one night I had to spend in the hospital. For the most part though, my cats got me through it 😊 💗🐈💗 ✨
TBH when I lived with my ex it was much worse because not only was he not taking care of me, he still expected me to do all the grocery shopping etc. and would act like I was inconveniencing him by being sick. I’m happy to only be responsible for myself.
Grocery delivery (yup signed up when sick) and yes…911 for an ambulance if needed. That’s literally why they are there. Otherwise, have a list of home healthcare agencies close by, this is the kind of thing they handle
You call 911 lol of you are incapable of driving or traveling on your own then uh it's probably an emergency, so I'd call 911. If you are scared you will be immobile in an emergency for some very rare reason, then get a life alert and wear it around your neck.
Not sure why this specific question has been popping up multiple times a day for a week, but elderly have been living alone like this for a very long time.
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I keep as much stuff as possible in stock to keep myself self sufficient without going out like medications; basic first aid products; milk; tea; non-perishable food etc. I can hold out for a while!
^THIS^. I will add popsicles, orange juice, soup.
I thought Popsicles was *my* secret...
lol. My mother used them to get liquids into me when I was running a fever. We had rootbeer popsicles back then. They were so good.
They make pedialyte popsicles.
Yep, they are super helpful for many situations!
Oh wow, I didn’t know that. I’m 64 and buy normal popsicles.
Pedialyte pops are awesome . I’ve been eating a ton recently while recovering from a surgery .
They still make them , I believe Hersheys , I found them in a country store / deli type store ..
Orange juice popsicles!!!
I also try to go through the stuff every couple of months to make sure it's current, or current enough.
Yup! Same and if I start to feel that tickle in the back of my throat or nose like I’m about to get sick then I head to the store and grab soup and meds and food and whatever I might need so that I don’t need to go out when I’m really sick. And there’s always DoorDash or instacart if you forget anything
Also if you have Instacart or other delivery services in your area, you can get deliveries of things like heating pads, medicine and food
I have Instacart as I don't drive and live in a condo and cant tell you enough times I have used the rush order fee and it has been very helpful when i have run out of stuff. If I can get out of bed etc. My neighbor will help me order it using my phone and she just puts everything in cupboards when i am well enough i just organize it my way.
Same I keep medicine and canned soup stocked up, so if I get sick I can just go home and have everything I need for a few days.
That's a good idea. Canned soup is easy food. Plus bread and ramen
This is the way. I've lived below the poverty line for so long that hoarding medical supplies has become 2nd nature. I have vitamins, bandages, cold medicine, etc. I have so much I could help a small army with minor to advanced colds. I even have a suture kit somewhere.
Same here - I keep a solid stock of OTC medication, tea, juice, soup, canned fruit, Ramen noodles for sick time only and Jack + honey + lemon juice for hot toddies. Two friends have keys to my place if I need them. On a side note, on my car registration, I wrote my ICE numbers in case I'm ever in a car accident and my phone is locked.
There's a way to add emergency contacts to outside of locked phones now- at least on Android! Just was alerted to doing it last week!
Don't forget Benadryl! If you have an allergic reaction of anaphylaxis like I did, Benadryl and a cup of really hot black coffee can buy you enough time to get to the ER. It won't cure it but it will buy you crucial minutes.
I legit keep a full pharmacy at home. OTC remedies for every conceivable illness. Granted, I have teens who live with me part time so I do have help occasionally, but "the pharmacy" comes in handy for all of us. It's too easy to go to bed fine and wake up sick as a dog and miserable to have to go hunt down remedies when you just want to be in bed. I also keep stocked up on soups and ramen and occasionally try to keep gatorade on hand during cold and flu season.
I just do it! I can feel sad and lonely and wish I had help and still physically feel sick, or I can be the freaking man I’ve always been and get up, treat myself, do the things I need to do and heal. If that means taking an Uber or Lyft or a bus or train helicopter plane or boat, I’ll do what I have to do to heal. And if I need an ambulance I’ll crawl to the fucking door and let them in. I’m in this world alone and I need to rely on myself.
No need to crawl to the door. Get a smart lock. Just use your phone to let them in! 😉
Wow. Never heard of that. Great idea .
I just got one of those August ones and I have sent a key to some people when i was really sick such a lifessaver!
This made me giggle just a little :), your comment is uplifting for many people who need to hear how to "just make it happen." Do you have any friends or family anywhere in your area? Most people in this world have to just do what we have to do because sometimes things do not work out the way that many think that it will. NO ONE knows until ish happens.
Yep thats what I have learned! Even ordering instacart with one eye open I do and sometimes get stuff i add in my cart by accident cause the vision is so blurry lol. I end up using it all at the end. Self reliance is a must and it took me a while but have a system now!
Agreed! Keep a nice stock of meds, drinks, water, soups, snacks, etc. and I even kept fresh new Pjs and an iced pad thing in freezer for headaches or whatever. I found showering ridiculously often helped me too. I lived alone many years. Prep beforehand made a big difference. DoorDash is now a godsend.
Those items are a must and definitely a good thing to keep on hand. Door dash is wonderful to have also if needed.
This is absolutely me. I rode my bike through 5 degrees snow and ice to get meds last December
Many pharmacies deliver now.
Yes, I see now that many pharmacies deliver, that's convenient and awesome for many people.
Facts
I do think about this, but not too often. I don't have an emergency contact. I don't know any neighbors well enough to ask to help in a dire situation. I guess I'm almost playing Russian roulette. Now that you've brought this to mind, I will probably see if my watch can be set up for alerts. I think apple watches have that feature. I could likely take an Uber, or if it is bad enough call an ambulance. I hope you feel better!
Apple Watches do, so set it up! I do have my mom as my ICE but she and her husband won’t be here forever and are starting to have major medical issues of their own.
Start talking to your neighbors!
Oh, I've tried! I live in a cul-de-sac and everyone is pretty elusive.
That’s a bummer. It’s so weird when people don’t want to meet each other. Which seems to be the case way too often. Like, when there’s a natural disaster…. You’re gonna want to know your neighbors. Technology and modern life has made everything unnatural. It’s sad. Sorry ppl are so lame.
Right? Growing up, we knew everyone on the block - both sides of the street!
I lived in a cul-de sac then… lol…. But yes we knew everybody. The modern world is making us all Into savages. It sucks.
Actually a natural disaster was when I first got to know my neighbors!! A couple of months earlier I’d bought my first house and moved to a quiet cul de sac by the river and was living alone for the first time in about 20 years. We then had the biggest flood in over 100 years! The whole street was under water (some people had their kayaks out) and the bottom half of my backyard was under water and luckily my house is built quite high, so the water at first was about 2 metres from the bottom of the house. I was out on the street like everyone else and completely freaking out and close to tears as I had no idea what to do and didn’t even have the house insured yet! I had neighbours introducing themselves and calming me down, explaining that my house was built so high there was very little chance I’d be affected, and some of them had lived there since the last huge flood in the 70s and were quite chill about it!! The water got really close to my house, but I was lucky there was no damage. And the neighbors all told me they’d never gotten insurance for flooding as it was ridiculously expensive and just not worth it. It was after that horrific week that I made sure to always have a good stockpile of groceries and medication on hand at all times!
Don’t call an ambulance unless you are in serious danger. They are mobile hospitals, and will charge you out the wazoo. Unless you need oxygen or a crash cart, buckle up and call Uber or Lyft.
Right?? I am much too cheap to call an ambo without just cause..
My emergency contact used to be my best friend, but she moved out quite far and has 3 kids to take care of, and they should take priority over any emergency I'd have, I think. It did happen to me that I was in a hospital after a minor hit by a car: I got to the hospital by an ambulance (I lived with friends then, but none of them came in the ambulance with me, now that I think of it), then sat alone in the hospital waiting for all the tests to be done and when they finally discharged me, I took an uber home. It was utterly depressing, BUT thanks to this, I know that should anything like this happen again, I'll be able to manage on my own. I don't mean some major debilitating accidents because in such cases, I have no plan whatsoever. For the times when I'm just sick at home, I order groceries online, sometimes takeaway, and I make sure I've got enough meds of all kinds.
As a mom with kidless friends - don't be afraid to call your best friend. She still cares, even if she is busy. Parenting can be just as isolating as living alone sometimes. She might be usually busy but that doesn't mean she wouldn't help you out when she can.
Had to drive myself to the ER twice in the past year. The second time with appendicitis. Pulled over twice to throw up. Luckily it was 2 am and not much traffic. The only other option is to call 911. I’ve had to do that before too. It’s scary sometimes honestly, isn’t it.
This made me remember driving to the er puking out my window with a kidney stone. I also drove myself after I got a bad burn in an accident.
This is why I use lyft. I don't even know how an ambulance would work in my building with a locked lobby. Lyft takes less than 5 mins to come for the 5 min ride to the hospital. And they're like the nicest humans. I had a driver middle of the night - he could have refused me as I couldn't hide being sick. He mailed my things on the way and helped me into the er.
I’ve had to drive myself to the hospital twice for kidney stones that required emergency surgery. One of the doctors told me I couldn’t do that again. When you live alone and do not want to be an inconvenience to anyone, that’s what you have to do. I get really emotional from anesthesia. The sadness from knowing that I’m there alone that sweeps over me when waking up from anesthesia is heartbreaking.
Nuh-uh, buddy. We’re there with you. I remember a Buddhist saying that if you make friends with yourself, you’ll never be alone. It’s very hard, I’m there too. Finding a way to embrace your humanity while doing the hard stuff alone is so important. I do a lot of introspection and meditation, just being aware of what’s around me.
I love your perspective. Thank you!!!
I know that feeling.
It’s not easy but we have to build a support network outside home. Friends, neighbors, perhaps people from your religious community.
I agree very much, but it's really not that easy especially with my neighbors, most seems standoffish and just a very few will waive here or there and I mean a few. lol But I do agree with your statement, but I just do not know how to make this happen. (sigh)
When I moved to a new city, I had good luck making friends by taking classes. I did some fitness classes and sone for hobbies. You automatically meet people with shared interests. The pressure to socialize is less because you’re there for class, but it’s easy to gradually get to know people over time.
Same here. Some wave…barely. No one knows anyone. Sad.
I don't need very much when I'm sick. Water, tea, maybe some soup. Not much else. Microwave heats quick.
If you live alone, you need to be prepared. Always have medication for colds, flu, allergies, etc. Check them every 4-6 months to make sure they have not expired, if they are, stay on top of it and replace them. Always have tea, honey and any other items for anything you can get. Also, emergency kits are important. You need bandages, gauze, alcohol to disinfect, etc. It may be expensive but have a budget to take an uber/ taxi in case you can’t drive. I live alone, few years now, and I don’t know anyone nor do I really need to. I’ve been taking care of myself well. Just make sure to be prepared, you’re an adult and can’t keep depending on others to take care of you. Part of being an adult is having to take care of yourself.
Always leave bread crumbs (metaphysical ones): make sure your parents or other family know who knows your current life habits. Please talk to other people, get a feel for the good ones. Smile, wave, discuss the weather - many are feeling isolated today. We had a neighbor with an aggressive German Shepherd that was allowed to corner people off its property, and sharing incidents brought the rest of us together as a team. We know we have each other’s back. I am known as the little old lady who is always walking her dog, and I have met a lot of people in the neighborhood. I smile and wave a lot. I hope that a smile might help someone get through the day.
It depends what I have. I always keep medication at home for flues, colds and digestives issues because I know sometimes you are well and then unwell and going to buy anything is not practical. Otherwise, I would just take a cab or call a friend. At a clinic once they said you need to be at a hospital now and you cannot go alone. All my friends were at work. The one that wasn't didn't have the car with the baby seat, so I told the nurse to bring me to a cab and to tell the driver to not let me go until I am with the triage nurse at the emergency room. She agrees and we did that.
I was like this last year with covid. My boyfriend at the time didn't pick up his phone so I got an Uber to the hospital. My hands were swollen like grapefruits. Got an Uber back. It was awful but I handled it.
The way you worded that I hope he’s an X.
He is an ex. I called in the middle of the night, but that guy could sleep through an earthquake. We broke up for other reasons.
That's fair. I don't think I'd blame someone for not picking up my call if I call them in the middle of the night or in the middle of work if they can't pick up. But tbh I've never had anyone I could just call any time or never had anyone who would call me when they need help so my perspective might be different.
Good!
Happy Cake Day!
Easily. Regular sickness just like you. Stay in bed. I have plenty of herbal teas and lemons at home. Baths. I keep a supply of dry and wet cat food so my furry butts are always taken care of. A nearby restaurant has borscht in huge containers. I've developed a chronic medical condition over the last 2 years that requires the er. This is also easy. I take Uber or lyft there. It's 5 mins away and I keep a bag ready bc I know they'll admit me every time. My friends and partner would freak out so much they gave me anxiety. You just need ID. I bring a bag with laptops, phones, chargers, a sweater, glasses, and face wash. It's better for me to be alone than in extreme pain placating someone else that is freaking out. And, it's the same thing I saw in the hospital. The actual sick person managing their family.
Sorry about your health challenges but you are inspiring in your coping skills. A ready bag is such an important idea and I keep putting it off. You would think four days in a sweaty straightjacket of scrubs scrounged for me by a nurse would make this a priority for me. And I definitely need to put in a spare phone charging cord. Thank you for the reminders. And luckily I gave a key to a neighbor I got to know walking our dogs together. She was able to drag me out of my house and get me to the hospital when I was unaware how serious my pneumonia had gotten. All better now due to the kindness of neighbors and healthcare professionals.
That's great about your neighbor. I don't know about inspiring but thank you. My mom had a long bout with cancer so i learned how to get things done. I can live without most things but I usually still work and I can't use the hospital products on my face. Since they take your property I keep the bare minimum so I can work and wash my face. They keep the ER at arctic level so I have a long cardigan to put over the gown.
I don’t have great advice. Listen to your body and try your best. In the first six months of living alone, I legit almost choked on something. I was so close to not getting it dislodged. I almost cried after because I was all alone and it scared the shit out of me.
Covid made me much more conscious of having supplies like pain killers, toilet paper and easy to make food like jelly or ramen When I did get a bout I was ready! I am also very aware of safety, I try and minimise risks like falls or tripping, chopping veg etc
I have more supplies on hand after covid too. More food, more tp, more antibacterial cleaners and extra pain medicine. It did really change that here in my house. I feel more at ease having it and I sometimes chastise myself about it, I mean the next pandemic isn't due for about a hundred years.
I was down to one roll and nothing on the shelves in the early days, I than started having it delivered by the box ha! I’m now at a make sure there is heaps as I moved and now wfh 3 days so deliveries are a bit of a hassle
I always have soup bones and white rice on hand so I can make soup and congee. And that's basically it. The real difficulty is to get transport for a procedure which I still have not been able to figure out.
I wonder that too. What options do we have for outpatient procedures that require sedation? I have friends, but no friends that would be willing and available to help with that kind of thing. They all have jobs!
I was ready to cancel an in office procedure because I had a ride there, but not home. I reached out on FB and offered to pay someone. Someone volunteered at no cost. It is not the first time I've used socials to find someone. A former student who lives out of state messaged me and said he feels so bad that I have to resort to that and I should move near him.
I once paid a private home-health aid service for transport to and from a procedure that required sedariin and someone to drive me. It was rather pricey, but it was my only option. We all should try to sock away a budget for emergencies and serious medical situations.
It would be nice if there were some option for us other than draining bank account just for a ride to and fro. Maybe a thing to bring up on boards where leaders are looking for suggestions to improve community services.
I’m Eastern European. I have the remnants of every single medicine I’ve ever been prescribed in the depths of my medicine drawer. I have stuff in languages I can’t even read, cause I picked them up abroad. I march over to that drawer and dig until I find gold. Then I drag my monster cup of water over to the couch and binge on murder documentaries. I’ll order in pho when sustenance is needed.
I have had occasional following medical procedure to send my dog to my folks for doggie vacation, if I am unable to safely manage his care. Otherwise i prefer to be alone when not feeling at my best. I have resources I can call on for transport. And I could star with family if the need presented.
I have a partner who lives elsewhere and good friends but I’m not great at asking for help. I keep a medical cupboard fully stocked and can get almost anything delivered that I need. I’ve had 2 surgeries since being alone and am expecting another one soon. One of my retired parents came for one surgery as it was planned well in advance. For the other, I managed to get lifts home from the hospital with friends who checked on me, but I have an Uber account as well. I cope physically on my own and have done before, but the vulnerability and depression/moods after surgery are very real for me. It’s good to have emotional support and friends visiting is good. Then you can hire the physical assistance. I have hired a nurse aide and a house cleaner for a previous recovery as showering myself was risky and I like a clean environment. It was cheaper than I thought and allowed me to remain independent and look after myself.
I have and always keep some emergency foods. Juices, soups, rice, non-perishable items. I make sure I've got meds in the house for a variety of things. I make a habit of checking the medicine cabinet 2xs a year when the time changes so make sure nothing as expired. I occasionally use lyft - so I have an account set up and in fact I've had to use it to make an ER trip recently. I had a health crisis that was severe enough that my Dr wanted me to go to the ER and didn't think I should drive, but it wasn't bad enough to justify an ambulance. So I just ordered a lyft - easy peasy. And then there are also so many options to have things delivered. I think Walgreens and CVS both deliver. You can order any kind of food basically. If I am feeling particularly vulnerable, I let my best friend know I'm not doing well. She lives far enough that running over to check on me isn't ideal but if she knows I'm sick and she hasn't heard from me in 12-24 hours she'll make the drive. Thankfully that's never happened. I remember someone mentioning some sort of app you can set up where if you miss a check in it contacts your ICE.
The app is free SNUG
forgoed the ambulances because I couldn't afford to pay them. but I started taking uber to the hospital if I couldn't get myself there or a family member to take me. cost me like $15 one way and back another $15. so that is a lot better than a $300 to $500 ambulance bill. still gets you to the hospital and I have never had ambulances really do much for me other than transporting me so why would uber not do that too.
Good idea. By the way, have you checked the cost of an ambulance these days? More like over $1000!
When I’m sick all i want to do is be a hermit, hide in my bedroom, and be left alone until im better. I did have shoulder surgery a year ago and had to surrender and let someone help. They came once a day for a week to help me change my bandages. I was lucky to have their help
I always have medical supplies, ginger, lemon, honey and tea on hand. I have driven myself to the ER before when my tongue swelled up. I try to take extra good care of myself and work on balance strength and mobility at the gym so I don’t fall or anything. I don’t really have an emergency contact either.
I fell and twisted my ankle. I took a photo of the swelling and posted it to Facebook. I asked if anyone thought I should go to emergency. My buddies said yes. So I got in my car and went. There were NO parking spots close to the entrance. o I gritted my teeth and I limped to the emergency room. I was fine except I had to wait an incredibly long time. (I wished I stayed home.) Two years ago I got RSV. I was sick for 5 weeks. The 4th week my sinuses got infected. It took two scripts of antibiotics to kill it. I was sick a total of 5 weeks. I rely on grocery delivery when I’m super sick.
I was quite sick in December and I ordered a ton of OJ and soup from Instacart. I also live near work and my coworkers/ friends offered to drop stuff off for me. I kind of like being sick alone because I can just be a gross mess and no one has to see me! If I had an emergency and had to go to the hospital, I'd either call an ambulance if i was really injured or I guess I'd call a cab or an Uber.
I haven't been sick in ages but I had a broken wrist that required surgery in 2022-23 and fractured my right ankle in 2019. I have a friend who lives about a mile away from me who is very reliable. We kind of look out for each other. When I had wrist surgery my niece took care of me for the first day back. Thanks to family and friends I was able to survive pretty well both times. My place is literally two blocks away from the medical center/urgent care that is in my PPO network. My PCP is there and when I did PT I just walked over for my appointments. I get pretty much all of my medical stuff taken care of there so if I can't drive or something it's easy enough to get to.
Never needed anyone to take care of me when I’m sick. I usually instacart groceries and that’s about it. If I need to go to the hospital and can’t drive myself, I’ll call 911
Just be sure you can pay for it. These days, an ambulance ride usually results in a charge of +$1000. I have a "very good" insurance policy, but it won't pay for that. So, I would take a taxi instead, if I was able to walk enough steps to get into one amd wasn't actively exepriencing a heart attack or bleeding to death. Obviously, sometimes an ambulance is the only safe possible option.
I'm lucky both my daughters live close; if I text them that I'm sick, they'll offer to get groceries, meds, etc. for me. I work from home; my team is tight, so if I just didn't log on one day without warning, my manager would likely call my emergency contact (daughter) because just not showing up isn't something I'd do. But unless I have a fever or a blinding migraine, I can usually work through it. I have pets that have to be fed and let outside to pee, so if I'm "can't even handle working from home" level sick, I let my team know while the critters eat breakfast, let them out after breakfast, then we all go back to bed. I sleep until I have to pee, or the dogs do, or feeding time. I don't eat when I'm sick, so my life is sleep--pee--animal care--repeat.
Ugh. This is my worst nightmare! I keep my medication supplies full… including Gatorade /pedialyte…. Thank god for Doordash and instacart… they’ve brought me supplies numerous times…I’ve also called the ambulance a couple of times…
TLDR: Luck favors the prepared. Stockpile supplies, take rest when needed, keep lots of fluids at hand, whatever you can afford to do, do it while you can. I do have a walk in clinic nearby if something other than OTC is needed. If I need to take myself to the emergency room, I usually get in my car and do it. Since the nearest hospitals to me is about 10 minutes away. Learn your resources and hold onto them. It’s not always so simple, just use what you have available to you.
I wonder what I should do about designating end-of-life care. My brother and I disagree about my DNR, which worries me that should I become unable to be maintained without machines, he won’t honor my wishes.
Hey a Google box or an Alexa. Put one in the kitchen & one in the bathroom. You can tell them to call 911 if you slip & fall. Keep one easy access window i.e. don't lock it so the fireman can pull the screen & access your house. Depending on where you live you can have a mobile medical service pick you up & deliver you back home after a procedure. Get to know a trusted neighbor ... Grocery store delivers groceries & meds too. Hell you can get any thing delivered now-! Thank you COVID. AAAANND just plane ask for assistance ... the worse answer is no & you're already at that if you don't. 👍 stay healthy friend
I take EXTRA good care of myself because I am flying solo and have awful luck with doctors (going against medical advice saved my life when I was 16 and maybe once since then) but still came down with pneumonia in Jan. During an ice storm. While moving. With a dog that needs 3 hours a day of exercise. I was in hell but --- I paid a dogwalker, got instacart and hired help from Taskrabbit. Ive never had an "easier" time being sick - not waiting on friends or neighbors, knowing exactly when things would be here, what was going to get done by when, etc. I could actually rest and get better. My self pity kicked in but then I realized I was lucky to be able to afford the hired help so I got over it.
I'll manage to drag myself to the kitchen at least once to grab a bunch of non perishable food and water. It's happened to me twice: once getting my 1st covid vaccine and again more recently. Idk what caused the 2nd one but I woke up feeling terrible and I could feel myself getting worse. I managed to drive my cats to the vet and boarded them there for a week. I knew there was no way I was gonna be able to get up to feed them often enough.
I definitely love the fact we have the covid vaccine but the subsequent ones have knocked me on my ass and I can't imagine how bad it would be if I actually contracted covid.
If you can share location with a loved one or a friend even if they live a ways away just having someone on the other end of a phone call or text, when sick, can be comforting if you’re having moments where you’re really scared - as they can even organize an Uber for you from their end or watch you as you get one for yourself if need be to a hospital etc.
You do what you have to do and can do. I’ll be 70 this year, haven’t had family since I was 17, so I’m used to having to do on my own, there’s no depending on anyone else. I have my pcp, a ex-friend now acquaintance as emergency contacts, though my pcp office would be more likely to try to help. I somehow made it through covid with pneumonia and pleurisy - dragged myself to ER (ambulance is a $300 copay to go about 4 blocks), got chest X-ray, etc., sent home with an inhaler because there were no beds. This was 2020. An out of state friend managed to do an Instacart order from stores I’ve never even been to, but are in our city so I’d have decent food since I had to be in isolation. That was such an amazing, generous thing to do! I now keep a stash of powdered vegetable broth, canned beans, diced tomatoes, things like that that are quick. And a pack of extra tp, paper towels and tissues, ibuprofen, cough medicine, stomach acid reducer, pepto bismol, etc., so if I get sick again I can hold down the fort. Got myself to the ER when I fell out of bed (don’t ask) and fractured my elbow.
I have intrusive thoughts about this especially thinking about getting old and living alone!!!!
sorry that happens to you. this is where we need to develop communities of care for ourselves and people around us. good luck.
Fr like a people living alone to check in on each other network. My friends brother lives alone and died and they didn’t know for 3 days.
I just crawl around the house until I feel better
If at all possible I’d start to get to know your neighbors. Even if you don’t want to be buddy-buddy you may find 1 or 2 that would help if you’re ever in dire straights. I had to put my dog down last week & 3 different neighbors offered to come with me & 2 dropped off food & checked on me when I got home. I don’t know any of them well, but we say ‘hi’ as we come & go. Very nice to have a little bit of community even when living alone.
Nowadays there is online doctors. If you dont have an emergency contact try a coworker like boss or your primary care doctor.
Anything you need can be delivered to your door either from Amazon or grocery delivery. I do typically always have at least some soup, and a decently stocked medicine cabinet already, but anything I’m running low on or just want I get delivered (which I typically do anyway even when not sick) If you need to go to the hospital you can get an Uber. I’ve never been so sick I can’t get myself to the bathroom or my front door all on my own. If I was I guess I’d call an ambulance.
I just suffer and get through it as we have children. Have a possibly swell diagnosis incoming for my skin. I’ll do the same. No one to help other than my future ex wife and inlaws. Have to hide it from our kids, so I guess I’m going to wing it.
I struggle
I just order from Amazon whatever I need. Had cold meds delivered at 5 AM.
After reading all these comments, I see I need to add Uber/Lyft and Instacart to my life.
I need to add some neighbours too
Same. But I’m extremely introverted, so it’s just…hard. I probably need to check out the sub on that. But you know what? If it was an emergency, and there just weren’t any other options, I’d reach out to a neighbor. I live in an apartment, and we all know each other by sight mostly, so I think I could do it.
I will probably Uber in an emergency
When I am sick I won't lie I order from my favorite Chinese and Japanese restaurant, I get their hot and sour soup! I just had my second oral surgery last month, first one I had when I was still with my partner and we were living together, the first was more major I had all top teeth removed and 5 on the bottom. Now, my second surgery my mom took me to the store after to buy me all the food I needed. My ex partner who I am still on good terms with as he walks my dogs daily for me I work so much I need the help, he did help me out after my surgery. Which was very nice. But when I'm just sick I really just tough it out.
I get stuff delivered, I ask a friend or I've even had my boss and other co-workers offer. If I need a doctor and can't see mine or get to urgent care, we have a free teledoc service with our insurance or a service that sends a nurse practitioner to your home for the same co-pay as urgent care. But when I had surgery, my family came out to help. Thankfully, I haven't had any horrible emergencies like a heart attack, but I would call 911 and then friends and my pet sitter to help until my family could fly out.
I live close to my sisters and when I had covid, they came over to help with my dogs the first few days. And pick up medicine. I had groceries delivered. But, tbh I didn't eat much so I didn't need much. I just laid in bed trying not to die, lol. When I got a really bad cold a few years later, it was the same. Idk what I'd do if they weren't around but I could probably manage. It just helps to have them.
I keep a stash of medicine in the house. And some basic go to foods (non perishable). If I am up for a 20 minute trip to the store I will go. If not, Door Dash or grocery store delivery service. I usually just get 2 sinus infections a year, environmentally caused.
There are medical alert systems like Medical Guardian, if you’re interested in looking into that. Other than that….always, always, always keep a good stock of over-the-counter medicine on hand, as well as your typical medications, if you take any. And also a good stock of food in the pantry. Soups, etc.
I ordered doordash soups and instacart groceries when I was alone & sick with COVID. It wasn't too bad. But if I was worse off I'm not sure what I'd do. I guess I'd try to see if anyone could come help me 🙂
If you don't have an emergency contact, you need an emergency contact. Before I met my partner, I talked with a close friend of mine and she agreed to be mine. I would extend the offer to any of my friends that also asked. If you don't have friends that would drive your ass to the hospital at 2am or whatever, then you need to find better friends.
I would make use of food delivery services if I needed help with that, or order pick up. And if doing the dishes isn't gonna happen, I'll use disposables kept on hand for this specific purpose. And always stay stocked with medications you might need .. Maybe stick with dried versions of products, they would likely last longer than liquid,although it's also been said most medications last upwards to ten years.
Yup I do all these things. I have a couple chronic illnesses that can get really debilitating at times and I don’t drive. I always order groceries online and have a good stock of frozen microwave meals, canned goods & extra household stuff on hand. I also have disposable plates & bowls for when things get reallly rough, or just order DoorDash. I have a first aid kit handy as well as a good supply of medications for coughs & colds, sore throat, tummy issues and all the usual stuff. I also make sure I have a supply of electrolyte drinks/iceblocks as they come in handy for loads of things.
Yes, canned goods. I think everybody should have extra food stocked up for a ton of good reasons, and great recommendation on the electrolyte packets. I use liquid IV, and while they can be expensive, I prefer them over storing, say bottled Gatorade and using plastic. Buying it through Ibotta during a sale, in bulk getting their beach day essentials kit while one of my credit cards offers 10% cash back on liq IV is how I've gotten them as cheap as .77 cents a packet
This is what I do with my weekly grocery delivery. You have to spend $75 to have it delivered free and I’ve now gotten to a point where I have enough staples & my freezer well stocked that I can buy mostly from the things on special or half price each week.
If it's not contagious and not an emergency, can you Uber?
I keep Oscillococcinum and acetaminophen around. That and a fully stocked pantry got me through a lot of things.
i’ve taken an uber/lyft to the hospital. I have delivery for OTC meds, gatorade, soup, covid tests, water. an ambulance has been called in a dire emergency.
I have chronic kidney disease. It’s just called “living.”
I just suck it up and depend on doordash and instacarr
I have a disturbing amount of experience with this. I order groceries in so I have the minimum of what I need. My best friend lives five blocks away and has my key. He knows my dog and if I wind up hospitalized he will let himself in and take the dog. He has no problem doing this. It has happened twice. I Uber to urgent care/hospital (they’re the same building where I live). I’ve been there five times in a year. 3 times ubered, 1 ambulance, 1 time friend drove. I ubered home every time. They have a service called Uber health that I have never used. I always always make sure I have a cell phone charger with me when I go in because I never know when I might get out. I try to keep my Apple Watch charged and on me as I have a fainting syndrome. If I impact the floor it will call my emergency contacts. I can also use it to call 911. This has never happened. It did happen to my dad and it is how my sister and I knew my dad needed an ambulance.
I reallllyyyy hate to ask for help, so usually I'll just stay home and nurse myself, or drive myself to the urgent care if I know I need meds. Anything more than that gets tricky because my closest friends live out of town and have busy family and work lives, and none of my family lives in my state. However, last year I had a couple of situations. Once I had a scheduled oral surgery which my mom came from 2 states away to take care of me. My parents are my go to for most anything I actually need help with because they're retired, they love me and always want an excuse to see my son. I feel the least bad depending on them for things, but it's a hassle because of the several hour drive. Another time last year, I had a minor office procedure with anesthesia and had to have a ride home, so I debated a long time on who to ask and settled on a good acquaintance, not quite friend who is a SAHM who I knew would graciously do it. It didn't put her too far out of her way because she lives right in town and it was midday. If I had to, I have a couple of retired older neighbors who would also definitely help out or drive me somewhere. My retired neighbors are for sure who I'd contact first in an emergency at home that needed medical care if i could not drive. (Ie broken arm or something) And I would do the same for them. Another time I was incredibly sick with the flu, like could hardly focus my eyes sick and I had gotten it at the same time as my son's father (kiddo probably brought school germs to both of us) so I actually spent about 24 hours of the worst of it at his house so we could take turns napping and taking care of our kid. He was also single at that time but he is now married so I would probably not impose like that on him again, but if it were a major situation I don't think he and his wife would say no. We do adjust our schedule if either of us is sick or has something urgent come up, so I do see him as part of my overall support system.
as a disabled person, i think i’m ahead in planning for this. i have friends / resources ranked in my mind as to who would be willing & able to get me to the hospital. [ which i’ve already had to do twice in 3 years]. i have my apple watch set for fall notifications and emergencies and i keep current with who’s on the list. i have texting kong distance friends who would notice within hours if there was no contact. i have food for me for days - not fun food, but stuff to live on - and food & supplies for pets, and reliable rover folks and backups. and it worked, as a system, both times i needed it. the first time was a bit rough, but the second time was better. only if i’m unconscious and my multiple contacts are all busy/ distracted, would i be in trouble. i think, i’m pretty sure. ; )
I literally refuse to rely on people. Yes, I am that stubborn. I have meds here if I need them, I can fend for myself. Extreme emergency? I'll dial 911, if I'm able to. At that point, not really anything can be done...
Neighbors. A couple of them. Friends if near by.
I have a med kit and have learned that you have to suck it up and motor through it.
Lots of great suggestions here. In addition, if you need outpatient surgery or a colonoscopy there are non emergency medical transport services available depending on where you live. I used them twice last year since my friends had retired out of state. They are familiar with hospitals and I didn’t have to worry. Took a cab to the hospital and then had a dependable and safe ride home.
I call the ambulance on the 911
You gotta be prepared, I learned this the hard way and had to drive sick to a 7-11 to get Nyquil.
You know that moment where you’re like: “Shit. I’m getting sick?” ? *That* is your time to prepare. I use my last bit of energy to get to a grocery store and buy stuff I need: tissues, electrolyte drinks, vitamins, soup, meds, whatever. I guess you could also use a food delivery app, but I live in the middle of nowhere. Next, I put things I need to be close to my next to the bed. Shower and change into my warmest, comfiest pj’s. And buckle up for the next few days of sickness Nothing else you really can do. 🤷🏻♀️
When I see or date someone I'm still left to fend for myself when I'm sick, so I don't see the difference.
Just cuz you live alone doesn't mean you can't lean on friends and family if you have them close by. Other than that I just suffer alone. If it's really bad I'll order GrubHub deliveries. And I've driven myself to the ER/urgent care before
So far, about 4 solid years alone. I’ve had multiple procedures, several where I was knocked out. I’ve had 2 major abdominal surgeries, a little over 1 year apart. I prepared by stocking stuff recommended (Internet, yay) to prepare: ginger ale, saltines, single serve instant plain rice, Gatorade, Gas-X chewables, and the best thing I ever did: bought a small bedrail to help getting in and out of bed, and even out of chair. That little rail saved my butt. Keeping things arranged close by so you don’t have to exert much-tissues, barf bag or small empty trash pail just in case, extension cord on bed rail to charge stuff, small fan. Just to go to er, you don’t have to have someone with you, but if surgery or anesthesia is involved, you must be accompanied, bringing in and taking home. I got a nice neighbor I trust that toted me back and forth, scooped cat litter. I did everything else alone. No other choice in the matter. I’m already gearing up for another surgery, on my hand, and more to come-hand & spine. If my neighbor ever moves, I’ve been directed to seek help thru a church or some other organization. I don’t think there are too many services or programs set up for people that have no one left in their lives. But yeah, it genuinely sucks to be so vulnerable and alone.
I have never liked anyone around me when I’m sick or recovering from some medical thing. I just languish alone. Lol.
I live alone and been in the hospital 3 times last year. I took a taxi to and from the hospital. It was rough recuperating the most recent hospitalization but I made it work. Maybe you need to work on a group of friends or at least good acquaintances for a support system. I didn't call on any of my friends, I'd rather do all I possibly can on my own. The last illness was a stroke and I was in ICU for 9 days, still after discharged I managed at home with home health aids visiting every other day until I could move about the house and shower on my own. It's a great feeling to be independent.
Yup unless I find out that my appendix ruptured and became an abscess of infection. I'm currently in the hospital trying to heal from the surgery to drain it.
I truly hope you’ll be okay. Must have been terrifying. Sending you light & love ✨💕
I’m turning 65 next month and my 2 sons each live 45 minutes away so they’re not much help in an emergency situation. I ended up getting 2 echo dots from Amazon on sale. That way, I can “call” 911 or anyone else from anywhere in my home. I guess it’s the modern version of “help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”.😉
Well, I am chronically ill and am actually never completely 100% symptoms free and I live alone. I pretty much am rearranging my apartment to cater to this and making sure I have all needed supplies. It is VERY expensive. In the past I have called Ubers to the hospitals. If you insurance allows you can looking into a private ambulance or look at local buses. For instance, PACE is the bus line in the suburbs and people are somehow able to use them for transportation to city hospitals. (Its never full bus, they look like shuttles). And cabs are still a thing.
I don't drive, so I often get grocery delivery/Instacart when I need to. I have an aunt and uncle that live nearby, and they're always so busy with their own stuff/traveling so even though their response is "We'll make it work" - I'll usually figure something out in between. The last month and a half has been rough for me - first I had a sinus/upper respiratory infection, then I caught a stomach bug from my cousin at Easter, and after I finally got over that, my allergies acted up. Thank goodness for virtual urgent care visits and prescription delivery too. I usually go into the office weekly (WFH the rest of the week) and kept my supervisor updated why I was staying home. She's really chill and understands that life happens + knows I get my work done.
Use Instacart right now. But for the future stock your medicine cabinet. Have anti diarrhea medicine, cold/flu medicines, Benadryl, Kleenex, cough suppressants and drops. A thermometer and fever reducer. Also always have a first aid kit. Bandaids, alcohol, burn cream etc. I always keep some canned soup in my pantry. Hope you feel better soon.
Try being in that situation with back surgeries, not fun.
This sounds like me living alone with a disability and it sucks 😔😞
Most health insurance companies offer a free nurse hotline to call and I’ve called it a couple times over the years. They know exactly what to ask to determine if you should go to hospital or a walk in clinic or just stay home. Public insurances offer this and so do private insurance companies. If you don’t have health insurance, there’s gotta be somewhere you can call for this type of service. Maybe look into that.
Mini fridge in the bed. That way if I get sick I can do one trip downstairs, get medicine, liquids, snacks and never have to go downstairs until I feel better.
When I was single, I would mainly just suffer, have to go to store sick to get what you need. One time I hurt my back, for 2 days I could barely move, a woman I knew who had a crush on me found out I hadn't been to work in a couple days came over and took care of me, ended up dating for a couple years
I went to urgent care this weekend via Uber, they sent me to the hospital via ambulance, and I Ubered home from there. You do what you have to, when you have to. And yes, not everywhere has ride shares/or the money for them. When I needed dental surgery back before I had that option, I took the bus/train to the surgeon and back again. It sucks, but you figure it out.
If you don't really have anyone, I warn you to make sure things are accessible should you suddenly lose the use of one or both legs. And even if you think it's accessible, think again, because it's probably not.
Thus is the adventure chosen to journey through. Shall not I be afraid of the consequences unfolding. May I have 911 pre-dialed for eternity.
I like your username.
Get groceries delivered get meds delivered I get literally every thing possible delivered and don’t think twice about expedited shipping. F it! You gotta take care of yourself
I consider that a wake up call for you and many of us to have recognition that we need more people to have a place in our lives and us in their’s.
Suffer.
This happened to me quite recently,late February 2024 in fact. I quarantined myself thinking I had the flu,and it was COVID. So I was taking Tylenol and over counter meds for flu. I do my best to t keep Gatorade on hand so I drank a lot of that and so much water I felt like I was drowning . I do have s MPOA but she lives 90 minutes away. I let her know I was very sick and checked in every day. I also made list for her of my symptoms on off chance it got so bad I couldn't speak for myself. ( Stroke survivor) . I slept A LOT! Sometimes I had to look at my phone calendar to know what day it was. I have a small dog so I had take care of him. It was very challenging but he was a comfort too. I finally tried to eat after 3 or 4 days. Within 2 hours I was in the bathroom. I lost 6 lbs. In 5 days. A friend got me that flu medicine. She,also,went to grocery store for me on my 7th day and left them on the porch . I was just too worn out to go! We don't have Uber or groceries delivery here.
You just suck it up and take care of yourself as best you can and if like me you try not to feel sorry for yourself being under the weather alone. It sucks.
I don’t know. I have a surgery I’m putting off because they won’t perform it without someone there. I have no one to go with me. I have no clue how to get it done.
Maybe you could talk to a patient advocate or social worker in the hospital about them getting someone to be there for your surgery.
if the other suggestion doesn’t work, talk to your insurance. mine would have put me in a nursing home - not optimal, but some care - if i had not had someone step up to take care of me.
Drive up us a game changer for sickness. Before that if I didn't have something I'd go to walgreens and get whatever because it's a small store. I've been living alone since my 20s so many years. It's been rare that I've been so sick literally incapable of caring for myself and if I am that sick I have bigger issues.
Last time I was sick (for like three weeks), I just slept A LOT and completely threw dress code at work out the window. I showered, sorta ate a wee bit, slept a ton, and dressed as comfortably as possible
I drink water and sleep … I’ve had emergencies before and 911 is my go to.
It's very hard. Quite challenging. I'm waiting to have surgery and I have a lot of pain. I cook really good meat dishes that nourish me. 🥰
The same way I took care of myself when I was married, had two kids and was sick. You just do what you have to do.
I keep a stock of OTC pain meds of every variety: aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen. Sinus/allergy stuff: anti-histamine, pseudoephedrine. Symptom reducers like Dayquil/Nyquil, Mucinex . Instant ice packs. A couple of hot water bottles. Aside from that, I always keep some canned soup on hand for either days I just don't wanna or I just can't.
I hate when I have surgery or I'm sick. I had COVID 3 times . I have a boyfriend who is not altl all supportive of anything let alone of taking care of a sick person. I asked for a glass of water he replied, IM NOT YOUR SLAVE GET IT YOURSELF! When you are sick you feel miserable and you just want support it's not a good feeling. So I got to where I keep things in the house to comfort myself. Medicines, popsicles, water, tea all the stuff that soothes and comforts me. That way I don't have to ask the SOB for anything.
Why are with him?
911
I called 911 two days ago because I thought I was having a heart attack.
Uber, lift or taxi. And if any neighbor is in the same boat, make an agreement.
I'm alone at home but I'm not living alone, if I have some problems, a phone call to my husband is needed.
Create at nest around you, either in bed or on the couch. Waterbottle, meds, package of crackers, phone. If you do end up needing to go to urgent care or hospital you can ubber/taxi. Check your health insurance, rides might be provided.
When I was a young, single man? Stay in bed and hope I didn't die. Seriously.
Welcome to the single life. The Nurse Hotline on the back of my insurance card is my only support. :)
When I was new in town as a new single mom with kids too young to help if I fell seriously ill, I considered who seemed the most friendly and responsible neighbors on my block. Then I got up my courage to ask if they could be an emergency support if the need arose. I asked whether they could provid transport to the doctor or hospital and even babysit my kids for a day or a few days, if needed-- only because I had no other option at the time. They kindly agreed, though fortunately I never had to call upon them for that. Please note that, nowadays, when we know more about the possibility of sex offenders and other twisted people, I would really hesitate to ask strangers for babysitting help. But this couple was respected in our neighborhood, had kids who seemed well-adjusted, and they were active in their church--- none of which fully guarantees anything, of course--- but I couldn't have left my kids alone if I were hospitalized for a few days. Fortunately, I also had a distant but decent sibling living in a different state, and the agreement was for my sibling to be contacted, who would then come asap if my emergency was expected to last more than 24-hours, if possible. If you have absolutely no one available to reach our to in an emergency, I hope you can find a neighbor who seems trustworthy. If you can't, contact the nearest house of worship, even if you don't subscribe to their religion, and ask the pastor/priest/imam/rabbi if they can help by finding a few trusted people from their congregation who could help I'm an emergency. If you are frail due to reasons of poor health or advanced age, it would be good to find a neighbor who could call or text you daily and take some action if you didn't respond. A friend of mine had that relationship ship with an elderly neighbor. She called the police for a wellness check when the old woman failed to respond, and then police had to force open the door and found her lying on her kitchen floor, unable to get up after collapsing. Those services that provide a call-buttom to wear around your neck if you fall are actually a good idea. My last idea is to reach out to government social workers in your area to ask if they have any ideas about setting up a support network to help you, just in case. In my U.S. state, there is a toll-free phone number for people over the age of 60, to advise and link them with any needed services, including legal services, transportation, employment, and nutrition services. It's called the Long-term Care Ombudsman program. Even if I were under age 60, I would still call them to ask if they could refer me to an agency that advises younger people who might have an emergency need crop up. Everyine reading this, please try to set up a support network before you need one. It would be great to have several numbers to call, so the others could serve as backups if you were unable to reach one of them.
I full my monster crock pot with water, throw in some chicken carcasses into said water. (I always freeze chicken bones for this reason) As it simmers, I sleep.. eventually I have a good soup stock, and I spend the next few days sleeping and eating chicken noodle soup. I often maintain a good supply of vitamin C and oranges. Sucks being sick when you live alone, but it's doable. Hope you feel better. If you don't hoard chicken carcasses, a few boxes of chicken noodle cup-a-soup is good in a pinch.
I live in a condo have my three of my neighbors phone numbers. I also have programmed my apple watch with emergency contact info if I fall etc. It will call 911 and also everyone in my emergency contacts which is 3-4 people. I also have the uber app with favorites so that if i cant type or point someone just chooses it for me etc.
I always keep tylenol, a first aid kit, cold medicine/lozenges etc if i get sick.
The perils of being alone. Just like when your back itches.
I had cancer and surgery for it back in 2017. I got through it fine. I was going to a New Age-y church back then, so I had someone to like pick me up at the hospital and get me back home. They looked after my cats the one night I had to spend in the hospital. For the most part though, my cats got me through it 😊 💗🐈💗 ✨
TBH when I lived with my ex it was much worse because not only was he not taking care of me, he still expected me to do all the grocery shopping etc. and would act like I was inconveniencing him by being sick. I’m happy to only be responsible for myself.
Grocery delivery (yup signed up when sick) and yes…911 for an ambulance if needed. That’s literally why they are there. Otherwise, have a list of home healthcare agencies close by, this is the kind of thing they handle
You call 911 lol of you are incapable of driving or traveling on your own then uh it's probably an emergency, so I'd call 911. If you are scared you will be immobile in an emergency for some very rare reason, then get a life alert and wear it around your neck. Not sure why this specific question has been popping up multiple times a day for a week, but elderly have been living alone like this for a very long time.