How do you know if it’s time to move your aging loved ones out of their home? If they live alone, they might be experiencing some problems that can easily be fixed or cause more serious complications down the road. It’s up to you to decide when it’s time for them to move into an assisted living community so you can make sure they’re well taken care of and safe from harm in the long run. Here are some of the most common signs it’s no longer safe for your elderly parents living alone.
They Have A Lot Of Unopened Mail At Home
If you are noticing a large pile of unopened mail accumulating in your parent’s home, it could be because they no longer have any interest in reading their mail. This can also mean that they don’t open their mail because they do not know how to use an envelope opener, or their hands are shaky, and they cannot get to what is inside. If you cannot determine why so much unopened mail is piling up, have your parents see a doctor immediately! This can be a sign of dementia. Even if your parents won’t admit that something like dementia might be happening, it would still be wise for them to get checked out by a professional.
Personal Hygiene Isn’t A Priority For Them
If a person cannot care for themselves or one aspect of their life, they are in danger of slipping into a serious decline. If they have been ignoring basic hygiene habits, it’s time to consider moving them somewhere to get help and support. This doesn’t mean you have to find the assisted living right away, but make plans to have a family meeting to talk about your concerns and decide what action steps everyone can take next. Getting your loved one back on track may not be easy — but there are people out there who can help you through it. Even if you don’t know anyone with experience, friends, and neighbors might be able to recommend professionals who can give you advice on how best to handle your situation.
A Sudden Weight Loss Has Taken Place
If your aging family members live alone, sudden weight loss could indicate that they’re in danger. Sudden weight loss in persons in their golden years is a sign of several different ailments, including heart failure and diabetes. If you notice that your parent has lost 20 pounds or more without trying, it may be time to get them checked out. And if they’ve suffered from two or more falls recently, you should also speak with their doctor immediately—they may need to move into a safer living situation.
Wherever They Go, They Get Lost
If your parents get lost in their neighborhood, it means they no longer have a clear picture of where things are or how to get around. The mental map of their environment has changed, and so many cues that used to be reliable no longer are. When you’re older, familiarity with your surroundings is key to feeling safe and secure. Your parents can feel lost even at home without a well-developed mental map, especially when you aren’t there. And being alone only increases your sense of vulnerability when you don’t know how to get where you need to go if someone is waiting for you (or if they aren’t). This is one indication that it’s no longer safe for your elderly parents to live alone.
They Have Changed Their Internet Habits
If your elderly parents have always been Web-savvy, you might not give much thought to how they use technology today. But that changed behavior is a red flag for many signs it’s no longer safe for your elderly parents to live alone. For example, if your mother and father used to check emails and stay current on social media daily but now seem content to check once or twice a week—or even less often—it may be time to worry. After all, adults in their golden years are more likely than other age groups to fall victim to phishing schemes and online scams – especially when they’re out of practice with new technology.
