If you are aging on your own without the support of family members, a daily check-in practice will help you feel more secure, connected, and self-reliant. This simple routine involves reaching out to a trusted friend, community member, or a professional service each day for a brief interaction. This interaction could be a conversation via phone, Zoom, FaceTime or similar platform, or even a text message.
Benefits of a Daily Check-In Practice
How does adopting a daily check-in practice benefit you?
More Safety: A daily check-in gives you a safety net of sorts. If you need help with an issue, you can get it quickly.
Better Mental Health: Regular interaction with a daily check-in partner can combat loneliness, a common complaint among solo agers. Less loneliness means improved mental health.
More Consistent Routine: Establishing a check-in habit creates structure, which can give you a sense of purpose and regularity in daily life.
Connection: A daily check-in practice nurtures a sense of belonging, which can reinforce your connection to the outside world.
Early Detection: Interacting with a check-in partner on a daily basic makes it easier to detect changes in health or behavior, and then take appropriate action.
How to Implement a Daily Check-In Practice
Adding a daily check-in practice to your life doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. Here’s how to do it:
Identify a Check-In Partner: Choose someone reliable who understands the importance of this routine and is willing to be part of it. It could be a friend, a neighbor, or someone else.
Set a Time: Decide on a specific time for check-ins to ensure consistency.
Use Technology: Consider wearable tech or apps that can automate check-ins or send alerts if a check-in is missed. SnugSafe.com is a one option.
Have a Backup Plan: Establish in advance what steps should be taken if a check-in is missed.
A More Confident Future for Solo-Agers
Ultimately, embracing a daily check-in practice will give you confidence in your status as a solo-ager. Instead of aging in isolation, you will be surrounded by a web of mutual care and respect.
Do you have questions about the legal, financial, or personal care implications of aging without the support of close family? Takacs McGinnis Elder Care Law can help. We offer a variety of services that can be customized to meet the needs of solo-agers. Just give our office a call at 615.824.2571 to learn more.