Does “Mom” or “Dad” Live Alone? (Reducing Household Risks for Seniors)

Many people worry about the well-being of aging loved ones. Independent-minded parents and relatives often insist they are perfectly fine. But concerned families realize these assurances cannot always be taken at face value. “After all,” some adult children reason, “dad always took pride in being self-sufficient.”

But what’s the answer to reducing risk for older relatives who wish to remain home and independent? They cannot be forced into an assisted living facility against their will. And who wants to disrespect the wishes of their own mom or dad?

Here are 6 common dangers for vulnerable seniors who live alone, and ways families can mitigate the risks!

1) Extreme Temperatures – Weather and extreme seasonal temperatures can prove unhealthy or even deadly at both ends of the spectrum. Summer heat can be dangerous since many seniors lack proper air conditioning or refuse to use it effectively due to concern over utility bills. Unfortunately, dehydration and heat stroke can sneak up on unsuspecting victims.
 
Cold temperatures, on the other hand, present multi-faceted danger. An under-heated home can lead to freezing, which is deadly. But methods of heating may also present fire risk. Sadly, countless seniors die in America every year due to house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Solution – “Smart home” technology empowers vulnerable seniors to control their home’s temperature remotely, and climate control can maintain temperatures at the right level. Family members might also be able to monitor home temperatures from afar via smart phone apps. And a home care agency in Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Brentwood, or the surrounding communities can provide caregivers to supervise and assist an aging loved one in their home.

2) Self-Neglect / Diet – Older folks are often susceptible to self-neglect and poor diet for a variety of reasons. For example, they sometimes no longer drive and lack transportation to go grocery shopping. Or they might have physical limitations that make cooking, cleaning, and personal care challenging.
 
Cognitive decline can also contribute to self-neglect. It is well documented people with advanced Alzheimer’s literally forget to eat. But even seniors with early-stage dementia might miss meals or substitute nutritious dinners with unhealthy snacking.
 
Uncleanly homes also pose a risk. Months and years of neglected housekeeping can result in dangerous mold growth, rodent infestation, and food-born illnesses. Personal hygiene and a well-kept house are not just issues of vanity but directly correlate with healthy living.

• Solution – Food delivery services can deliver groceries and meals to most seniors. And housekeepers have become more affordable with “Uber”-type phone apps that crowd-source maids. Finally, a Santa Monica caregiver company can provide a well-matched aide for cooking and light housekeeping services as well as additional help with showers, toileting, personal care, and general supervision.

3) Medication Non-Adherence – There are a variety of reasons many seniors fail to take medications as prescribed. As with diet and grocery shopping, transportation issues sometimes prevent them from filling prescriptions. But cognitive decline and a resistant attitude are also culprits. Sadly, medication non-adherence is a major contributor to medical emergencies, hospitalization, and even death.

• Solution – Prescription delivery services are widely available and will ensure home-bound seniors without transportation still get their medications. For folks with memory challenges, an affordable “medication reminder” technology can fix the problem. And the most effective solution is professional caregiver services since home care aides can hand clients pills at scheduled interviews and actively encourage adherence.

4) Depression / Mental Health – Studies routinely show seniors are at high risk for depression and mental health challenges. Indeed, older folks are often burdened with stresses that affect mental health, such as physical decline, cognitive impairment, poverty, and isolation.

• Solution – Since isolation and loneliness are major contributors to depression and poor mental health, Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, and Brentwood home care services can prove greatly beneficial. Regular caregiver visits promote social engagement. And home care aides can facilitate safe outdoor and community activities, which improve mental well-being.

5) Falls – Any healthcare professional who works regularly with senior patients knows that accidental falls are a primary cause of hospitalization, injury, and death. In fact, many older folks return to the emergency room multiple times within a single month due to repeat falls. Sadly, even one fall can prove deadly for someone of advanced age.
 
Falls can result from muscular atrophy that comes with aging and a sedentary lifestyle. Or they can be a consequence of syncope (passing out) related to medication side effects or poor cardiovascular health. Often, falls have a clear cause—they occur with patients who generally struggle to stand or walk unassisted due to disability or disease.

• Solution – Fall prevention is tricky since technology solutions are more reactive than proactive. However, families can help prevent falls with certain home modifications, such as the installation of “grab bars” in bathrooms and the use of non-slip flooring surfaces. And fall-alert devices can at least ensure timely emergency response if a fall occurs. But ultimately, caregiver services from a Santa Monica home care agency are most effective and preventing and responding to dangerous falls.

6) Medical Emergencies – Anybody can suffer a surprise medical emergency regardless of age. But older folks and those with preexisting conditions are clearly at higher risk. Seniors frequently experience medical emergencies, and response time is critical in these situations. Prompt medical attention can improve the odds of survival and mitigate the risk of long-term side effects in the event of stroke or other health events.

• Solution – Emergency response technology overlaps with fall-alert devices and can be used to call paramedics in the event of a medical emergency. But ultimately, a tentative caregiver provides a more holistic approach to prevention and response. Seniors with home care aides are more likely to eat healthy and adhere to medication regimens. And caregivers can also monitor risk signs that lead to medical emergencies, such as elevated blood pressure, diabetic reactions, and difficult breathing.

Conclusion

Seniors who live alone face greater risks than younger family members and peers residing in assisted living facilities. But many older folks prioritize their independence and are willing to accept the tradeoff. This preference can present a dilemma for concerned relatives who feel obligated to look after their loved ones’ safety.

Fortunately, Santa Monica home care services, and those in the nearby communities of Marina del Rey, Brentwood, and Pacific Palisades, can offer a good compromise between independence and safety. Regular caregiver visits improve mental heath and promote physical well-being. While they do not guarantee safety 100%, they greatly mitigate risks and help everyone sleep better at night!

If you’re seeking home care solutions for a vulnerable loved one, friend, or patient in Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Venice, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, or the nearby communities, be sure to call BrightStar Care today for a free assessment from our Director of Nursing!