5 Tell-Tale Signs of Danger for a Senior Living Alone

Aging brings a new and challenging set of trials to deal with — both for a senior adult living alone and the people who care for them. Additionally, it can be challenging to differentiate between normal age-related changes and those that need extra attention. Those who head home for the holidays may notice a dramatic and alarming decline in their senior loved ones.

You might be tempted to assume that it’s not something serious. However, some signs clearly show that your aging parent needs more assistance.

HERE ARE FIVE SIGNS THAT YOUR SENIOR LOVED-ONE MAY BE IN DANGER AND THAT COULD INDICATE IT’S TIME TO BRING IN ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR YOUR LOVED ONE’S SAFETY AND WELFARE.

1. LACK OF BATHING AND POOR HYGIENE

You should check whether your senior loved one maintains a healthy hygiene routine. If they cannot take a bath or dress accordingly, it shows that they may require more help. As people age, they may develop body aches and pain and well as limited mobility, making it difficult to do simple tasks like changing clothes. If an older person has Alzheimer’s or dementia, maintaining proper hygiene can be problematic. If you are noticing signs of lack of proper hygiene, please seek help because poor hygiene can lead to other health problems.

2. MALNUTRITION AND KITCHEN MISHAPS

When loved ones are no longer able or desiring to prepare meals for themselves or have trouble operate kitchen appliances, you should seek specialized caregiver help. Kitchen mishaps like leaving the stove on or placing a gallon of milk in a dishwasher instead of a refrigerator are red flags to be on the look-out for.

3. MOBILITY AND FALL RISKS

Your loved one might be finding it challenging to move around their home. It could be that they have fallen severally or struggle to take the stairs. As we age, loss of muscle strength and the ability to balance can also lead to stumbles and falls.  Besides equipping their home with safety tools and giving them mobility aids, they should not be left alone.

4. CONFUSION AND BEHAVIOR CHANGES

If you loved one is struggling to recognize familiar places like the grocery or places of worship, it’s time for extra support. If they often get lost or wander off in well-known places, these are tell-tale signs that your parent cannot navigate on their own. They may also become defensive and aggressive when they are lost and afraid. This happens because they cannot differentiate between the people they come in contact with or become disoriented by their surroundings.  They may feel as if they are constantly under threat.

In addition to that, memory loss in general should also raise the alarm. If you notice that your loved one easily forget their belongings or frequently repeats themselves, you should have explore additional professional help .

5. PILED UP PAPERWORK

Finally, piled up paperwork can be a sign that your senior loved-one is struggling living alone. These could be unopened mails or bills from creditors and charities you are unfamiliar with. Your elderly loved one could be uncontrollably spending money, leaving them in debt. Besides, if their level of general house cleanliness has dropped significantly, say, there is an unusual odor in their house, they need a help.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you notice any of these signs, please consider your loved one may need help. You can raise these issues first to the person’s physician and subsequently consider additional in-home care.

Family Tree In-Home Care provides traditional and non-traditional in-home care services such as meal preparation, personal care, transportation, and Alzheimer’s care, to name a few.

So, whether the needs are daily, weekly, temporary, or long-term, Family Tree In-Home Care is here for you. Contact us and let our compassionate and professional caregivers take good care of your senior loved one.