Pew Research reports that almost 3 out of 10 older adults live alone.
Some live with a spouse or significant other, but there are older adults who share their home with no one else. If something happens, how soon would anyone know?
Elder care services are a supportive way to help older adults age at home. It does pose questions. How are families supposed to know when their parents need elder care? These are the signs families should look for.
A Messy Home
As mobility and strength change, keeping a house clean and organized becomes harder. Piles of laundry build up because the laundry room is not easily accessible. Stairs are covered in pet fur and dust because it’s hard to vacuum while also carrying the unit up and down the stairs.
An older adult may grow tired of scrubbing a bathtub and let the stains and mildew build up. Keeping a fridge clean and organized may be too hard, so items that are expired remain in place create foul odors.
Loneliness
Living alone can be lonely. Someone may be fine for a week and suddenly want to see others. Aging adds to this as people move to new locations after retirement. Some seek a warmer climate, others want to be closer to grandchildren. Some move to new countries for a lower cost of living or cultural experience.
As friends move away, older adults find their social circle shrinks. Soon, there is no one left to socialize with. That impacts health and happiness. Finding new companions is essential. Elder care companionship services make sure seniors have people to talk to.
Forgotten Medications
Many older adults are taking at least one prescription medication each day. Some take multiple medications. Add over-the-counter vitamins and supplements to that. It can be hard to keep track of.
A skipped dose every now and then can be detrimental.
Isolation
Living alone is isolating. Some do better than others, but you’re still alone. Those who live in a remote area can feel especially isolated. If they no longer drive, it’s worse.
Elder care aides can drive their clients to stores or simply take them on a scenic drive for a change of pace. Transportation services also cover trips to appointments and area stores for grocery shopping and other necessary purchases.
Make arrangements for elder care by picking up the phone. Call a specialist, ask about the range of available services, and decide which help the most when it comes to aging at home.
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