Living On Your Own: Safety, Security and Confidence

This guide is for Ontario seniors who live alone — and for their families and friends who care about them. It covers practical steps you can take today to feel safer, more connected, and more confident in your daily life.

🔒 1. Digital Security for Solo Living

When you live alone, your digital accounts become especially important — they connect you to your bank, your health records, your family, and your community. Protecting them well is one of the most valuable things you can do.

• Use a strong, unique password for each important account — and use iCloud Keychain or Bitwarden to remember them for you (see Module 3)
• Enable two-factor authentication on your banking app, email, and Apple ID
• Set up account alerts — most Canadian banks can text you whenever a transaction occurs over a set amount
• Be extra alert to scam phone calls — scammers target people they believe to be alone and vulnerable
• See Module 2 (Security Shield) for a complete checklist of digital security basics

💊 2. Health Technology

Telehealth — Your Doctor Without Leaving Home

Ontario's telehealth services let you have medical appointments by phone or video. See Module 15 for full instructions. For non-emergency medical questions any time of day or night, call:

Medication Reminder Apps

• Medisafe — free app that reminds you when to take each medication and tracks what you have taken (available in the App Store)
• Siri reminder — say "Hey Siri, remind me to take my blood pressure pill at 8 AM every day" — no app download needed
• The Shoppers Drug Mart app lets you track refills and set reminders for all your prescriptions

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)

• Lifeline, MedAlert, and Alert1 all offer pendant or wristband buttons — press once for immediate help if you fall or feel unwell
• Apple Watch has a built-in fall detection feature that calls 911 automatically if it detects a fall and you do not respond
• Many Ontario community support services provide subsidised PERS devices — call 211 to ask about programs in your area

📱 3. Staying Connected

Social connection is as important as physical health. Research consistently shows that regular social contact reduces cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety in older adults.

• Schedule regular video calls with family — FaceTime and WhatsApp both work over Wi-Fi at no cost (see Module 8)
• Join an online community — public library digital clubs, Facebook groups for seniors in your community, or virtual book clubs
• Connected Canadians (1-855-808-0505) offers free companionship calls and digital literacy support specifically for seniors living alone
• TELUS Friendly Calls provides weekly phone companionship from volunteers: 1-800-268-9243

🏠 4. Home Safety Technology

Smart Doorbells

A video doorbell (such as Ring or Google Nest Hello) lets you see and speak to whoever is at your door from your phone — without opening it. You can check who is there even when you are not home, and record a short video if something looks suspicious.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Ontario law requires working smoke detectors on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area — check yours monthly by pressing the test button
• Smart smoke detectors (like Nest Protect) send an alert to your phone and can also notify a family member if they go off

Emergency Buttons and Monitoring

See the Personal Emergency Response Systems section above in Health Technology — a wearable emergency button is one of the most impactful safety investments for solo living.

💰 5. Financial Safety

Recognising Elder Financial Abuse

Elder financial abuse is the improper or illegal use of an older person's money, property, or assets. It is one of the most common forms of elder abuse in Canada — and it is most often committed by someone the person knows and trusts.

Set Up a Trusted Contact at Your Bank

All major Canadian banks now offer a Trusted Contact designation. This is a person your bank can call (but not act on behalf of) if they have concerns about unusual activity in your account. They cannot access your money — they are simply a point of contact. Ask your bank branch to set this up.

🆘 6. Emergency Preparedness

Digital Copies of Important Documents

• Photograph or scan your passport, health card, insurance cards, and will — store them in iCloud Photos (locked) or a trusted password-protected folder
• Share copies with one trusted family member or your lawyer — not by email
• Keep a printed list of your medications, dosages, and doctor's name in your wallet or purse

Emergency Contacts in Your Phone

iPhone's Medical ID feature (part of the Health app) lets first responders access your emergency contacts and medical information even when your phone is locked. Set it up now:

• Open the Health app → tap your profile photo → Medical ID → tap Edit
• Add your emergency contact, blood type, allergies, and medications
• Turn on "Show When Locked" so first responders can see this information

📋 7. Resources and Support