As our loved ones get older, it can be tricky to figure out if they need extra help. Are they doing okay on their own, or is it time to think about other living options? In this post, we'll look at signs that show an older person might not be able to live alone anymore, and we'll share tips for handling this change.
Noticing Warning Signs
It's important to pay attention to signs that show an older person might need more help. Things like not taking care of themselves well, forgetting things, or having trouble moving around are some common signs. These signs can make it hard for them to live on their own, so it's important to notice them early.
Changes in Personal Care
If you notice changes in how your loved one takes care of themselves, like not showering or dressing neatly, it could mean they need more help. This might be because they're having trouble physically or feeling down emotionally.
Forgetting Things
Forgetting things often could mean your loved one is having trouble with their memory. This could be a sign of a bigger problem like dementia, which makes living alone unsafe. Getting help early can make a big difference.
Trouble Moving Around
If your loved one is having more trouble moving around or falling more often, it might be time to get them some help. This could make it hard for them to do everyday things and might put them in danger.
Withdrawal from Friends and Activities
Withdrawal from friends and activities can indicate depression or you may be living with pain and no longer feel like going and doing things anymore. See my article on chronic pain and get this fixed.
We no longer live in a world of pain. There are ways to find a solution so let the hunt begin.
Mood Swings and Irritability
Mood swings and irritability can be signs of cognitive decline, depression, or pain. Dementia is an umbrella term for many cognitive decline diseases. It’s important to be evaluated as some diseases show a rapid decline in personality. Irritability is one of these personality changes.
Checking Their Home
Making sure your loved one's home is safe is really important. Looking for things that could cause accidents, like loose rugs or poor lighting, can help keep them safe.
See my FREE 2024 Senior-Proof Home Comprehensive Guide. It has everything you need and a time table for you to reduce accidents one room at a time so you won't get overwhelmed.
Example 1: Changes in Personal Hygiene
Take the example of one of our members. She’s a committed super-ager. As a vibrant and independent 75-year-old widow. her family noticed a sudden decline in her personal hygiene habits. She was often seen wearing wrinkled clothes, neglecting her hair care, and skipping showers. Concerned about her well-being, her daughter, Sarah, initiated a conversation to understand the underlying reasons behind these changes.
Sarah discovered that our member was experiencing joint pain, making it challenging for her to perform daily tasks like showering and dressing independently. Additionally, because we got Sarah and her mom talking and trusting each other, our member admitted feeling overwhelmed by the thought of managing household chores and personal care tasks alone. Recognizing these warning signs prompted Sarah to explore potential solutions. Both parties found the support they needed and agreed upon.
Example 2: Memory Lapses and Forgetfulness
Memory lapses and forgetfulness are common signs of cognitive decline, which can significantly impact an elderly person's ability to live independently. For instance, if we repeatedly forget to turn off the stove or take our medication, it could pose serious safety risks. These memory lapses may also extend to forgetting important appointments or events, causing frustration and confusion for us. The first thing we start thinking is, “Is this dementia, or am I just tired?”.
Consider the case of Mr. Anderson, (our member is his son, James) an 80-year-old retiree living alone. His family noticed a pattern of forgetfulness, particularly concerning his medication routine. Despite reminders, Mr. Anderson frequently missed doses or took incorrect medications, increasing his risk of health complications. Because we teach in our membership that there must be one designated carer to “watch” a parent, James’s sibling came to him with the concerns. James immediately spoke to his dad and set up an appointment with a pharmacist to see if the medications were the problem. If this were not the case, he would move on to the other options we gave him. Fortunately, it was as simple as a medication interaction.
As we seniors age, it becomes increasingly important to pay attention to signs that may indicate we need extra support. From physical changes to cognitive shifts, various indicators suggest we need help. This does not mean we are losing our independence. It simply means we need help.
