Aging is part of life- it can’t be avoided. However, many adult children find it challenging to watch their parents get older. This is especially true if the parents are showing signs of physical and/or mental decline. In many cases, you may want to allow your parent to maintain their independence for as long as possible- but they may need help that you are not equipped to provide. So is living alone safe for your senior loved one?
If your loved one lives in or near Columbia, SC, let Caring Healthcare help. We offer a wide variety of in-home care services from companionship to medical needs. Our staff is highly trained, and we only hire caregivers we would trust with our loved ones.
In this article, we’ll explain how you can determine if your parent can continue living independently or if they may need extra help.
Signs Your Aging Parent Can Remain Independent
Many seniors are able to maintain their independence throughout their entire life. If your parent is not showing signs of physical and/or mental deterioration, and they can handle activities of daily living, they should be fine on their own. Activities of daily living include:
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Personal hygiene
- Financial management
- Transportation
- Medication management
- Socialization
Even if your parent is managing these on their own, it’s important to check in on a regular basis because decline can manifest at any time. If your parent is struggling with these, in-home support may be sufficient to help them maintain their independence.
When Should You Be Concerned?
There are several signs that indicate you may need to be concerned about your elderly parent living alone:
- They are spending more time alone because socializing is overwhelming
- They are not taking care of themselves or their home in the usual way
- They have clutter or stacks of mail left unopened
- They are overwhelmed by financial obligations and may ignore them until they are sent to collections, or their utilities are shut off
- They begin to unexpectedly lose weight, which could indicate medical issues or an inability to cook/prepare meals
- They forget to do simple tasks, which may also manifest in an inability to manage medications
What are the Options for Aging Parents?
So is living alone safe for your senior loved one? Most senior adults desire to remain independent as long as possible. After all, their home is where they are most comfortable because they are familiar with their surroundings. Plus, keeping an aging parent at home is much more affordable and keeps them connected to their social circle. Thankfully, there are solutions to help your senior loved one remain independent. In-home care services can provide your loved one with assistance in the comfort of their own home.
If you have concerns about your aging parent living alone, consider hiring an in-home caregiver. Caring Healthcare offers a variety of caregiving services from simple companionship to medical care. We understand the importance of family because we are a family owned and operated service. We carefully choose our caregivers and only hire those we would allow to care for our loved ones. Let us show you what we can offer you and your loved ones.
