Posted on Nov 7, 2017 in Senior Living
Being the child of a parent who needs attention later in their age is difficult. Fears of your mom and dad living alone tend to rise dramatically. Have you ever had a family member fall with no help in site?
It’s a feeling of hopeless regret because you may not have been there to help.
With advanced age, seniors experience memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia that make living at home a challenge. Imagine not remembering where the bathroom is, how to put on a shirt or how to turn on the stove.
An increasing number of seniors are living alone, and have no assistance with personal care, mobility, transportation and medical needs.
Let’s take a look at the dangers of seniors living alone, and what families can do to help.
A report from The Administration of Aging showed that nearly 30% of all senior adults, which is over 11 million, are living at home alone. Of that number, nearly half need help with basic activities, such as meal preparation, getting dressed and housekeeping.
Studies have shown that most seniors prefer to live in their homes as long as they can. We form attachments to our surroundings and take comfort in the familiarity of our houses, material possessions, and neighborhoods. For many older adults, it’s frightening to walk away from their homes.
Starting a new chapter in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility means that you will have to get settled into a new environment, make new companions and rely on the help of others for personal and medical needs.
The quality of your loved one’s life largely depends upon his or her environment. It may be time to have a conversation with your family member about moving into a senior living community. While it’s not an easy conversation to have – it’s essential. Ask questions about the difficulties of performing everyday, simple tasks. Observe their surroundings.
Do belongings seem more cluttered than usual, and does your loved one seem “scatterbrained” or more forgetful? If the answer is yes, it’s time to look into housing alternatives that are comfortable, affordable and safe.
Red flags raise awareness that your loved one likely needs a senior living community. Be watchful for:
You’re ready to have a talk with your loved one about moving to a senior living community. Follow these three simple steps to guide you through the process and make the conversation less tense:
The dangers of seniors living at home are real, and as caregivers we are conflicted between keeping our loved ones safe and preserving their independence and dignity. Have a conversation today with your family member about senior living options that can drastically improve and enrich his or her life.