Epilepsy is a common condition, with around 625,000 people in the UK believed to have it – about one in 107 people. This condition, which can begin at any age, affects the brain, with a risk of frequent seizures.

 

It is therefore understandable that great numbers of people with epilepsy will wish to know how they can live as independently as possible, which may or may not involve living alone.

 

The good news is that many people with epilepsy do, indeed, live alone, and are able to achieve a high standard of independent living. However, there are certain factors that you will need to bear in mind, and lifestyle changes that you may wish to implement, to best ensure your safety in the event of a seizure.

 

Below, we have outlined some of the steps that you might take.

 

Adopt a realistic perspective on what you can and cannot do

 

The situation of any given person living with epilepsy might be quite different to another person’s, with regard to their all-round health, lifestyle, and day-to-day needs.

 

Such factors as the type, frequency, and severity of one’s seizures, as well as the aftereffects of a seizure, and other neurological challenges, may also greatly impact on any particular individual’s ability to live alone and independently with epilepsy.

 

So, it is of the utmost importance to carefully consider your own circumstances and requirements when you are seeking to achieve independent living with epilepsy. You will need to think about what will be possible and safe for you.

 

For instance, you may initially aim to live alone with epilepsy. However, you might ultimately decide to live in a house-share if you are not already doing so, if you judge that this could provide vital extra support.

 

Adjust your living area and lifestyle

 

Even if you do ultimately live alone with epilepsy, there are other arrangements that you could make to help ensure you are suitably supported.

 

These arrangements might involve having certain trusted relatives, friends, and/or neighbours regularly checking on you, perhaps giving them a key or sometimes having your doors unlocked when you are at home, so that someone can reach you.

 

There are also relatively subtle changes that you could make to your home environment to lower your risk of physical injury in the event of you suffering a seizure. These adjustments could include the placement of padding on sharp corners and the use of non-slip carpets, as well as the removal of any clear trip hazards to help “fall-proof” your space.

 

Consider the technology that will assist your independent living aspirations

 

With solutions such as sleep activity and seizure monitors – connected to smartphones and smartwatches – coming on stream and gaining in sophistication, there are certainly options available that could make it easier for you to live alone with epilepsy.

 

By browsing our website at Epilepsy Solutions, you can become more familiar with these solutions and platforms, so that you can assess which ones might represent the best match to your own circumstances and needs.

 

For the product advice and guidance that will help you with this process, or a loved one with epilepsy who seeks to achieve independent living, please feel free to contact us.