Many elders like to spend their golden years in familiar surroundings, where they may continue to feel secure in their own homes. However, for certain older people, living alone can be pretty risky.

Millions of seniors live alone, and it continues to soar. Most elderly individuals who live alone express a strong desire to keep their independence, even if you may support them or get home care services to help them live more comfortably.

Despite the difficulties, many nevertheless want to live alone out of fear of being too dependent on others.

If an elderly family member is set on maintaining their freedom by continuing to live independently, you should be mindful of a few potential threats.

• Higher chances of falling accidents

  As we age, we will immediately have a significantly increased risk of falling. Many factors contribute to the prevalence of falls, including an unsafe walking environment, bad lighting, an unstable gait, messy carpeting or rugs, and more.

  A healthcare professional’s house assessment can help determine whether a loved one needs to put safety measures as necessary to address potential falls and other hazards.

• More prone to isolation

  According to studies, many people who live alone often report feeling lonely and isolated. Seniors residing alone are at increased risk for mental health and several physical health problems, including high blood pressure and cognitive decline, which can develop their vulnerability to infections and other health complications.

  Regular visits from loved ones and opportunities for companionship and interaction are crucial to an older person’s health and happiness.

• Getting less energy and nutrition

  Depending on the situation, your loved one could constantly be losing pounds due to not eating sufficiently on their own or putting on weight in an unhealthy way due to switching to fast food and other unhealthy options for all of their meals.

Any senior living alone runs the danger of malnutrition and bad eating habits. Even though seniors rarely consume a large amount of food in a single sitting, ensuring they have access to nutritious options is critical.

Personal Care Services MidSouth provides reliable and skilled care professionals dedicated to assisting your loved one with their day-to-day tasks and ensuring they encounter less to no danger in the comfort of their home.

Don’t hesitate to reach our contact lines for more information!