How can women with epilepsy live independently?

Understanding epilepsy is more than just knowing how to deal with the medical aspects of the condition or staying safe. Understanding how epilepsy can affect a person’s independence and day-to-day needs is also important. Getting help when needed is also essential. Some women with epilepsy may be able to live independently, alone, or with their immediate families. Other people may require more structured or supervised living arrangements. 

Did you know:

• Twenty percent of adults with epilepsy live alone
• The employment rate among adults with epilepsy is higher than those who are unemployed or underemployed
• Approximately 32.5% are unable to work and another 13.25% have restrictions on what they can do at work because of epilepsy
• Parents of epileptic children worry that their food will run out or won’t last until they can get more money

Women With Epilepsy: Things To Consider For Their Independent Living 

Women with epilepsy can be affected by a variety of things in their lives, including their ability to live independently and work, attend school, afford food and shelter, or socialize in their community. Here are a few things to consider.

1) Have a seizure response plan

Having an epilepsy response plan makes it easier for your loved ones to understand your seizures and how to react. You can follow a form such as the one provided by the Epilepsy Foundation to let them know what to do in the event of a seizure. Several important tips are included, such as how to position your body when necessary, and when to call for assistance.

Any person who knows where your seizure response plan is can use it to assist. You can carry it with you, post it on the fridge, or give it to a loved one. If someone finds you during a seizure, they can provide care. That may include calling your doctor.

As soon as you have completed the seizure response plan, you should discuss it with your doctor. They may wish to add additional details to make sure you are safe.

2) Prepare your living area

Make minor adjustments to your home environment to reduce your risk of physical injury during a seizure. For example, place padding on sharp corners. Get rid of anything that would cause you to trip. Consider installing non-slip carpets.

If you are concerned about falling in your bathroom, consider installing grab bars. Non-slip bath mats with a cushion could protect you from injuries resulting from seizures in the bathroom. Take only showers rather than baths.

During a seizure, keep doors closed. This will prevent you from wandering outside. You can also give a neighbor a key so they can reach you.

You can also protect yourself in other ways. Take the elevator instead of stairs to reduce your risk of falling. Place pots on the back burners of the stove in order to prevent them from falling. Block off areas of potential hazards, such as fireplaces or swimming pool entrances where you may fall.

3) Know your triggers

A person’s seizure experience varies a lot from person to person. Many people can pinpoint the trigger to their seizures, which is valuable information because you can reduce your chance of having a seizure if you can avoid the trigger.

Steer clear from the following factors that may cause triggers:

• stress
• alcohol or drug 
• lack of sleep
• fever
• low blood sugar
• menstrual cycle

If you understand what triggers you, you can be better prepared to live alone in a safe environment.

You may be able to reduce your chances of having a seizure by working on your stress, such as exercising regularly. In addition, your loved ones will be better able to help when they know your triggers. They can check in on you when needed.

4) Make lifestyle changes for women with epilepsy

You need to take care of your overall health to reduce seizure activity. The Mayo Clinic recommends getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercising. If you’re taking medicine, continue to do so as prescribed.

Keep up with your community activities. Wear an emergency alert bracelet so those around you will know what is happening if you experience a seizure in public. You may not be allowed to drive. In that case, you can take public transit.

You can also buy the seizure app subscription and pair it with your existing smartwatch. Your apple seizure watch allows you to summon for help at the press of a button. In case of a seizure attack, your near and dear ones will instantly get alerted through a text or a phone call to provide immediate medical intervention to you. 

If you’re having difficulty decreasing seizure activity, you may want to consider working from home. It’s important not to isolate yourself too much. However, attending an epilepsy support group may help you form emotional connections.

Your overall stress should be reduced by these steps, and seizure risk should be reduced as well.

5) Install an alarm or emergency device

A medic alert bracelet can enable you to get help while you are away from your home, but when you’re alone, you may need to find other ways to contact help. Consider purchasing a commercial alarm device or signing up for an emergency response service. Buying a seizure alarm app and then syncing it with your existing Apple or Samsung smartwatch can protect your life. The seizure app will detect any abnormal motions and alert your family members or caregivers to intervene. Wearing the watch paired with a seizure app can let you live your life independently. 

Seizures that cause injury cause a lot of worry in some people, especially for those who are alone when they occur. Others have a routine where they call a neighbor or a relative each day in addition to having alarm systems. Also, they may be aware to look for signs of something going wrong, such as drawn blinds or curtains that are normally open.

The takeaway

Those living with epilepsy often cherish their independence. To safeguard that independence, make your home as safe as possible. Consider removing hazards from the living space to reduce the risk of injury. Install an alert system that allows you to call for help after a seizure.

Seek support from your loved ones, neighbors, friends, and family in case of emergency. In order to live safely and independently with epilepsy, you must take care of your overall well-being and modify your lifestyle to reduce the risk of seizures.