Adjusting to the idea of selling a family home can be overwhelming for many elderly individuals, and it often takes years for them to feel comfortable with such a significant change. However, waiting until your aging parent feels ready to move may not always be the safest option. While many older adults can live independently, the risks associated with living alone tend to increase with age. Recognizing when your loved one may need additional support is crucial and can help ensure their safety and well-being.
Here are five dangers that mom may face at home that may indicate it’s time to consider finding a different living arrangement.
1. Dangerous Disorder
Of course, the house doesn’t have to be spotless to be a safe, comfortable environment for mom or dad. However, your elderly parent does have to be capable of specific tasks to live alone. They must be able to:
- Lift and carry trash bags.
- Reach and stoop to clean up crumbs, spills, or clutter.
- Carry laundry baskets and reach into machines.
Even older adults who find it difficult to clean can still live alone safely—with the right amount of assistance. Some elderly people need a weekly cleaning person to come in to clean tubs, toilets, and vacuuming. However, being unable to manage basic, simple chores like taking out the trash or doing laundry means it may be time to reevaluate mom's living situation.
These indications are not a matter of personal cleanliness. They are a matter of safety. Insects and rodents are attracted to crumbs or overfull garbage cans and can carry disease; out-of-control clutter could cause a dangerous fall for an elderly person.
2. Hazardous House Quirks
Bathtubs, stairs, and even throw rugs can present a hazard for an older adult who struggles with balance or mobility issues. While it may be easy enough to take up an area rug, older homes frequently have bedrooms upstairs, and stairs can be difficult for some older people to navigate. Even stepping over the bathtub's rim to bathe or shower daily can become more difficult.
Installing safety features like a grab bar in the bathroom may be a simple stop-gap measure. Still, there comes a time when the little quirks of a house—uneven floorboards, narrow staircases, rooms that sit at a slant—lose their charm and become inaccessible or unsafe for elderly residents.
3. Nutritional Issues
A diminishing sense of taste, overwhelming grocery store sizes, dental issues, and fatigue from cooking and cleaning can all contribute to depriving older adults of the nutritionally balanced meals they need to maintain their strength and health. Some older people may even need someone looking in on them daily to ensure they are eating enough of the right kinds of food.
Additionally, some elders do not routinely throw out expired and outdated foods that may cause sickness. Not getting enough healthy food will make seniors weak and more likely to contract illnesses.
4. Mental Confusion
If your elderly parent is showing the first signs of cognitive decline—it’s more than just their health that will be at risk. They may be a prime target for those who like to prey on the elderly with scams. These shady characters may take advantage of your mom's trusting nature, asking her for "loans" or payment for poorly done work on the home. Untrustworthy house cleaners may steal valuable items like jewelry and collectibles or even take cash from mom's purse. If your mother is getting increasingly confused, she may think she has misplaced these items. Alternatively, mom can lose items and accuse service people of taking them, straining the family’s relationship with these necessary service providers.
Additionally, episodes of forgetfulness can be dangerous if your mom is on certain medications. Some medicines must be taken a certain way before they lose effectiveness or cause an adverse reaction. If mom frequently gets her pills mixed up, it may be time to start looking at senior apartments.
5. Physical Impairments or Diseases
Diseases that affect motor control, like Parkinson's, can make living at home very dangerous for older adults. Recurring strokes, heart problems, and dementia are other conditions that need extra attention. Elderly people facing these illnesses will, very likely, need a progressive amount of in-home care. And if you can’t be on call 24/7 for your loved ones’ needs, an assisted living community or other senior care arrangements is essential.
If your loved one is struggling with one or more of the abovementioned areas, it may be time to consider a different living option. Senior living communities provide a safe and secure living environment and foster a sense of community that helps combat loneliness, a common issue among older adults. These residences are thoughtfully designed with seniors’ unique needs in mind, offering amenities such as on-site dining options, fitness centers, and transportation services, which enhance both convenience and quality of life. Additionally, many senior apartments offer a calendar full of social activities, including group outings, classes, and events, encouraging social connections and active lifestyles. By living in these communities, elderly individuals can enjoy a greater sense of independence while still having access to assistance and support if needed. Families can rest assured knowing their loved ones are in a setting designed to promote safety, well-being, and happiness, making senior living communities an excellent option for aging gracefully.