How To Know When It’s No Longer Safe For A Parent To Live Alone

At Vista at Simi Valley, we recognize that aging presents unique challenges for seniors. For older adults living alone most of the time, caring for themselves becomes a challenging task. While they may feel it’s best to look after themselves and receive occasional assistance from family members when needed, it is not always effective. In the absence of a professional caregiver and a specialized environment, they may become more prone to falls and accidents, or may start needing constant assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

This is when an assisted living community proves beneficial for them. Let’s look at some signs that show that it’s no longer safe for your aging parent to live alone at home and require professional care.

Physical & Health Indicators

One of the significant signs that your aging parent is at risk of facing various complications while living alone and needs a professional care setting in the form of assisted living is a decline in their physical health. Their mobility might be diminishing, or they might start needing additional assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Difficulty With Daily Tasks

It’s one of the significant signs stating that your loved one needs extra help. If they’re facing difficulties with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, or cleaning, assisted living may be the best option for them to turn to.

Falls And Mobility Issues

If your parent has started experiencing frequent falls or difficulty walking, it may mean their home environment is no longer safe.  Mobility decline refers to a reduced ability to move around, as even minor trips can lead to serious injuries.

Weight Loss And Poor Nutrition

Unexplained weight loss or difficulty maintaining a balanced diet are other signs that your loved one is facing a gradual decline in their overall health. This decline may be linked to forgetfulness or an inability to prepare meals, which in turn affects their energy levels.

Worsening Chronic Conditions

Arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes are some of the chronic health issues that worsen over time. For their management, consistent medical attention is crucial. So if you see your parents’ condition is becoming unmanageable, it may be time to explore assisted living or other options to ensure they get proper care.

Cognitive & Mental Changes

Cognitive and mental health issues show that your parent has begun facing mental decline as well. Facing issues like these affects their ability to live independently.

Memory Problems

Memory problems, such as forgetting important events, appointments, or daily routines, are early signs of cognitive decline. Facing these issues affects your parents’ ability to manage their daily life, resulting in dangerous situations such as leaving the stove on or forgetting to take essential medications on time.

Confusion And Disorientation

Seeing your parent frequently confused or disoriented, especially in familiar environments, is another clear sign that they need professional help in the form of assisted living. Know that seemingly simple issues, such as disorientation, can become complex quickly.

Difficulty With Decision-Making

Noticing that your parent is facing issues with decision-making in everyday life, such as managing finances or choosing between food items, is another sign that they may not be able to continue living at home.

Home & Financial Cues

The condition in which your parent is living and how they are managing their finances can tell you a lot about their ability to live safely at home. With aging, both physical and financial challenges may begin affecting their ability to live independently at home.

Unsanitary Or Cluttered Home

An untidy space invites disease and other potential health issues. If you notice your loved one is living in a place that’s cluttered with items that they don’t even need, know that they aren’t able to take care of themselves. This could be a sign of physical health decline, lack of motivation, cognitive decline, or a combination of all, which then points to a change in environment.

Financial Difficulties

If you notice your parent struggling to manage bills, pay for necessities, or keep track of their finances, be aware that it may be due to memory loss, confusion, or a lack of motivation. Financial mismanagement can easily lead to concerns like fraud, which necessitate the introduction of professional assistance.

Appliance Or Cooking Issues

Facing trouble operating appliances or cooking meals is another strong indicator that your parent may struggle to maintain the home properly. Be aware that failure to operate an appliance properly can lead to safety hazards or poor nutrition, which may then result in malnutrition.

Social & Behavioral Shifts

Families often fail to notice behavioral and social changes in their parent while determining whether they need professional help or not. Suppose you see your parents withdrawing from social activities or showing signs of emotional distress. In that case, it may be time for them to transition to a professional care setting, such as an assisted living community.

Social Isolation

Your parent would begin isolating themselves from social gatherings or social interactions. It may be due to emotional or cognitive decline that can lead to depression, loneliness, and a reduced quality of life when overlooked for a while.

Mood Changes

Sudden or severe mood swings may manifest as irritability, sadness, or anxiety and may cause mental health issues like depression or dementia. Seeing these issues can be unsettling for both the parent and the family, and thus requires professional attention to ensure your parent gets the necessary support and care.

Vista At Simi Valley—Here To Help Your Loved One Live Well, Age Well

At Vista at Simi Valley, we understand the importance of family members monitoring their loved ones’ health status. Things can change drastically in a matter of moments, and your aging parent may end up needing emergency treatment if not provided the proper care and support. We believe that the key to identifying whether your aging parent truly needs a professional care setting, such as an assisted living community, is to look for the signs mentioned above. Remember, health is the real wealth, especially when it comes to your parents’ later years.

For those seeking a professional, caring environment where their loved one can live comfortably in their golden years, Vista at Simi Valley is here to help. We’ll support every aspect of their well-being. From nutritional care to diet plans, fitness programs, personal care, social activities, and their emotional needs, we would take care of it all. Contact us to discover how we can support your loved one in aging gracefully.