8 Warning Signs That Seniors Shouldn’t Live Alone - Without Support
Aging at home is a long-cherished dream for many people, as being surrounded by memories and things of comfort can seem like the ideal solution. Although many seniors remain injury- and illness-free, issues due to aging are unavoidable and can lead to diminished safety in the home setting. If you see your loved one struggling with everyday tasks such as self-care or paying bills, it may be time to consider their options for Independent Living, or Assisted Living.
Talking about this subject can be tough but is easier with patience and understanding. Let them know that although they need more assistance, they can still maintain their independence under the right care plan, no matter where they live.
Look for signs of deterioration in physical acuity, loss of interest in hobbies or other activities, poor grooming habits, etc., as these hints should not go unnoticed by those closest to them.
Read on to Learn More
They Mismanage or Forget to Take Medication
Missing or misusing medications seriously affects an individual's physical and mental well-being. Some reasons people have problems managing their medication include confusion over what to take and when to refuse a prescribed treatment, poor eyesight resulting in mistakes, and difficulty collecting medicines from a pharmacy.
While automated solutions such as bubble pack delivery can help, independent living may not be possible without aid from a caregiver or a move into an assisted living facility with appropriate medication dispensing. No one should risk their health by not properly taking medications--help is readily available.
Seniors That Cannot Cook Safely or do not Have the Energy to Cook
If your senior loved one is showing signs of being unable to cook meals safely, it is time to consider senior living options seriously. The inability to cook safely can indicate that the senior is not only at risk from a safety perspective but may also be malnourished and dealing with unwanted weight loss due to an inability to feed themselves properly. Visiting them in their home, observing their kitchen functioning, and inspecting their cabinets and fridge for adequate food can help you assess the situation.
Senior living arrangements are designed specifically for seniors with age-related issues that prevent them from being able to function safely on their own. Evaluating senior living carefully and thoughtfully is key, as it ensures that your senior loved one not only receives excellent nutritional support but is also provided with helpful assistance with other activities of daily living that they may be struggling with.
They Begin Falling and Having Mobility Issues
While independent living may seem ideal for older family members, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in four seniors falls annually. Any falls after the first often result in catastrophic injury or even death. To prevent falls, it is important to understand their causes, such as weakness due to age, vitamin deficiency, blurry vision from poor eyesight, unsafe medications, and household clutter.
While eliminating risk factors can vary depending on home construction - many independent living facilities feature single-level housing (or have elevator access) - stairs remain a constant danger.
Therefore tackling this problem requires creative problem-solving rather than simply hoping the issue resolves itself; if initial attempts fail, then more intervention may be necessary, such as assisted living or significant caregiving help to ensure independent living remains safe and independent.
Their Home Isn't in Great Condition
Is it time to downsize? Senior living can often be challenging for those aging in place. Home maintenance and accessibility modifications may begin to be neglected as a senior's ability to manage the home diminishes, often resulting in an unsafe environment.
Suppose you haven't visited your loved one recently. In that case, it is important to take note of any changes that may have occurred since your last visit, such as accumulating clutter, poor lighting, lack of grab bars or shower chairs, uncontrolled messes, and neglected exterior house upkeep.
These issues should not be overlooked as they can present risks to the ones we love who are living out their days at home.
They Mismanage Finances and Fall for Scams
To protect the financial well-being of your loved one if they cannot manage their bills, assisted living facilities that offer financial power of attorney can help. Unfortunately, getting scammed is much harder to stop. If your family member lives alone, it's non-negotiable to be vigilant against scams - like home repairs and charity frauds, lottery, sweepstakes games, identity theft schemes, and even Medicare ruses.
If you discover any fraudulent incidences, it's best to contact legal advisors, so they can help you uncover other scams that have potentially gone unnoticed. Protecting the financial safety of our elderly family members is paramount.
They Start Having Problems With Driving
Driving is a powerful symbol of independence for senior adults, and for many, it is synonymous with freedom - until driving becomes difficult or dangerous. As senior adults age, it is important to be aware of signs that indicate unsafe driving, such as accidents, unexplained dents, dings, or confusion about traffic signals.
Damaged vehicles and impaired driving are unfortunate events and can indicate that senior living needs to include safe and reliable alternative transportation options. Finding these alternatives allows senior adults to stay connected with their family and friends while avoiding issues around isolation, dependency on others, and admission of decreased functioning. With careful consideration and proactive problem-solving, senior adult family members will have access to senior living independence and freedom - sans vehicle.
They Can't Keep Up With Personal Hygiene
Neglecting personal hygiene can be indicative of a much larger problem. In the elderly population, it could indicate that they lack the cognitive or physical function to bathe or dress alone. Assisted living facilities are important because they offer assistance by having someone help or stand by in case help is needed.
Unkempt clothing and bad hygiene can also point to depression in seniors, which may result from physical decline, loneliness, or even poor mental health. Therefore, when there is a change in an elderly person's usual level of cleanliness and grooming habits, assisted living facilities can provide an extra layer of safety while bringing more joy and contentment into their lives.
They Feel Isolated and Lonely
Loneliness and isolation can be very dangerous for an individual's mental and physical health, especially for older adults. Though some seniors may choose to live alone and enjoy solitude, this isolation can be devastating when forced on someone against their will. Lack of access to workable transportation coupled with cognitive decline often renders older adults stuck at home for long periods with no way to socialize with other people.
For those living in assisted living communities, life may become so quiet that they crave conversation but cannot make it happen due to a lack of mobility or waning memories. Having someone around - even over the telephone or via video chat - has become even more important to bring joy, comfort, engagement, and stability into our lives as we age. Leaving an individual completely cut off from society could prove perilous.
Conclusion
Knowing the warning signs that senior adults may not live alone or safely is crucial. If they have trouble managing medications, taking care of themselves with hygiene, feeling isolated and lonely, or having problems while driving, solutions will always be available. Ultimately, finding the ideal fit regarding care should depend on a personal decision between the elderly and their family members. Remembering everyone deserves a life filled with the utmost quality and joy is essential.
Although we should always aim for seniors to maintain their autonomy, there are numerous ways of guaranteeing they remain healthy, secure, and content even when independent living isn't an option.
