The clues often start small: a phone call about a lost car, a stove left on or finding expired food tucked in the fridge. Add stumbling over clutter or a recent fall and the question becomes unavoidable: Is it still safe for my aging parent to live alone?
When age-related changes start to occur, many older adults resist help at first. Yet signs like memory lapses, home safety hazards and limited mobility suggest it’s time to explore in-home support, assisted living or memory care.
As a child, relative or friend, you can guide the conversation with empathy and a plan of action. Avon Health Center has practical tips to evaluate needs, address activities of daily living (ADLs) and outline the next steps toward safer, more confident living.
Does My Loved One Need More Assistance?
You notice your loved one struggling to lift something, but when you offer to help carry groceries or reach a box on a high shelf, you’re told, “I can do it.”
Natural changes in strength, balance and coordination – factors often influenced by lifestyle, genetics and overall – affect our abilities as we age. While doctors may recommend adaptations like occupational therapy or balance classes, certain daily habits can indicate that your loved one needs more attention:
- Declining hygiene, such as noticeable body odor, unwashed clothes or uncombed hair.
- Frequent falls or recent injuries.
- Home neglect, including clutter, dust buildup, stacked dishes or hoarding behavior.
- Kitchen accidents like burns, dropped utensils or dishes, spoiled food or repeatedly leaving the stove or gas on.
- Decreased dexterity, making dressing, buttoning clothing or gripping objects a challenge.
- Unsafe driving, such as missing stop signs, not seeing objects or getting lost on familiar routes.
- Memory lapses, including forgetting names, locations or common objects.
- Social isolation, possibly from depression, embarrassment or mobility challenges.
- Difficulty managing finances, missed bill payments or vulnerability to scams.
- Medication confusion, even with a pill organizer or reminders.
- Home safety concerns, such as dark hallways, loose rugs or trip hazards.
- Progressing dementia symptoms, including agitation, wandering or aggression.
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, it’s time to speak with your loved one’s primary care provider. They may order evaluations of activities of daily living (ADL) and neurological function to determine how much help is needed and the safest environment for their ongoing care.
What Care Options Are Available?
It’s natural for older adults to want to stay in their own homes; a place full of memories, routines and familiar surroundings. Many families support this by moving in, rotating visits or coordinating regular check-ins to ensure safety and comfort.
However, when round-the-clock care or medical supervision becomes necessary, a long-term care facility may be a better fit. Skilled nursing and assisted living centers provide professional oversight, help with mobility and hygiene, medication management and nutritional support.
- Independent Living: Keeps your loved one at home but often requires a group effort. Create a plan for grocery shopping, medical visits, cleaning and yard work. This option works best for those who are mobile and managing few chronic health conditions.
- Living with Family: If their home poses safety risks or is too difficult to maintain, moving in may allow for closer supervision of diet, medication and daily activities.
- Long-Term Care: Provides professional, round-the-clock support, ensuring your loved one receives attentive, specialized care tailored to their medical and personal needs.
Still uncertain of how to proceed? Explore our article on long-term care considerations and review our home safety tips to prevent falls.
Preparing to Move an Aging Loved One
If you’ve decided your loved one will move in with family or a long-term care facility:
- Have Open Conversations: Involve them in the decision-making process and discuss how the move supports their safety and well-being. Emphasize benefits like less household maintenance and easier access to community activities.
- Help with Packing: Sentimental belongings can make the new space feel like home. Sort through items together to decide what to keep, donate or gift to other loved ones.
- Coordinate Medical Care: Arrange introductions with the new care team before the move. Transfer prescriptions and alert their insurance provider to prevent interruptions in treatment.
- Organize Finances: Determine who will oversee finances and consider assigning power of attorney for medical and legal matters. Update banks, insurance providers and the Social Security Administration with the new address.
- Support the Transition: Once settled, help your loved one navigate their new environment, showing them key areas like the bathroom, dining room and activity rooms, and review the community calendar together to encourage engagement.
Avon Health Center provides the compassionate, comprehensive care your loved one deserves. Learn more about our long-term care services or contact us with your questions today.