Adjusting to the idea of selling a family home can be overwhelming for many people and can often take years to decide on such a significant change. However, waiting until your loved one 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 warning signs that may indicate your loved one is no longer safe living at home.
1. Difficulty Maintaining a Home
Of course, the house doesn’t have to be spotless to be a safe, comfortable environment for your loved one. However, seniors do have to be capable of some specific tasks to live alone safely. For example, they must be able to:
Even older adults who find it difficult to clean can still live alone safely, with the right amount of assistance. Some seniors need weekly help to clean tubs, toilets, and vacuum. However, being unable to manage basic, simple chores like taking out the trash or doing laundry means it may be time to reevaluate your loved one’s living situation.
These indications are not a matter of personal cleanliness—but a matter of safety. Insects and rodents that can carry disease are attracted to crumbs or overflowing garbage cans. Significant clutter can also cause a dangerous fall for senior adults.
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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 to remove trip hazards, many homes have upstairs bedrooms, and stairs can be difficult for some seniors to navigate. Even stepping over the bathtub's rim to bathe or shower daily can become hazardous.
Installing safety features, such as a grab bar in the bathroom, may be an easy option to optimize the home for those looking to age in place. But other aspects, such as uneven floorboards, narrow staircases, or rooms that sit at a slant, can be issues that are harder to fix. Characteristics that once brought a familiar home charm and uniqueness can become inaccessible or unsafe for senior residents.
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A diminishing sense of taste, feeling overwhelmed in the grocery store, 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 seniors may even need someone checking in on them daily to ensure they are eating enough of the right kinds of food.
Additionally, some older adults do not routinely throw out expired and outdated foods that may cause sickness. Not getting enough healthy food, or eating food that’s gone bad, will make seniors weak and more likely to contract illnesses.
It’s common for people of all ages to occasionally misplace items or forget things. In its early stages, memory loss can resemble this everyday forgetfulness. But if you notice a recurring pattern, it may signal something more serious. If memory lapses become frequent, it’s a good idea to consult your loved one’s doctor.
Issues with memory can also be dangerous if your loved one is on certain medications. Some medications have precise dosages that can result in harmful side effects if taken incorrectly. Mismanagement of medications may be a sign that your loved one needs additional help.
Unfortunately, seniors are often the subject of various scams that can cause financial and mental harm. Criminals may take advantage of your senior loved one’s willingness to help and ask for payments or personal security information. Older adults experiencing memory loss are especially vulnerable of falling victim to these crimes.
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Diseases that affect control of motor skills, like Parkinson's, can make living at home dangerous for older adults. Recurring strokes, heart problems, and dementia are other conditions that need extra attention.
Seniors facing these health issues will likely need an increasing amount of care as their needs change. Family caregivers may not be able to provide the level of care needed to safely support their loved one. A transition to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) can help ease this caregiver stress and provide peace of mind for the whole family.
CCRCs provide a safe and secure living environment and foster a sense of community that helps combat loneliness, a common issue among older adults. Marjorie P. Lee’s (MPL) assisted living and memory care communities are thoughtfully designed with seniors’ unique needs in mind, offering amenities such as on-site dining options, community events, and fitness centers, which enhance both convenience and quality of life.
MPL offers a calendar full of social activities, including group outings, classes, and events, encouraging social connections and active lifestyles. By living in a CCRC like MPL, seniors can enjoy a greater sense of independence while still having access to assistance and support if needed. The continuum of care ensures that as care needs change, your loved one will have everything they need—today and tomorrow.
Families can rest assured knowing their loved one is in a setting designed to promote safety, well-being, and happiness, making senior living communities an excellent option for aging gracefully with dignity.
Don’t wait. Schedule a complementary tour of Marjorie P. Lee today. Contact Jenn Schlotbom at 513.533.5000 or jschlotbom@erslife.org.