11/03/2024
Is my aging, elderly parent(s) safe to live in their home alone?
This is a very hard and uncomfortable question for many family members. Many elderly have been living alone for years, in a home that has been theirs for years! But yet, you still are concerned, wondering how they are truly doing alone. You are seeing and hearing things that make you worry. But wait...... its Mom or its Dad.........they have always been able to make it work, right?
Does this sound familiar? Well, you are not alone.
This is actually very common.
Truth is, if you are already thinking about any of these points, then you should begin evaluating your parents sooner than later. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for you parents to adjust to the possible needed changes for their life.
Please don't go at this process alone. There are many organizations offering help, from assisted living facilities that are happy to share information to online not for profit groups, even our group at SCOR would be happy to assist for free. Do some google research.
SCOR is not suggesting all elderly need help and living arrangement changes. Fortunately, there are actions or 'flags' to watch for, flags to help you determine how much help your parents may need. If you are seeing several flags, you may to need to act sooner to help your parents. Most likely they are stressing out and worrying way more than they are telling you.
Some sample flags:
My Mom has been cooking forever, but lately, the dish cooked is just not the same at all.
Dad has always mowed the yard, but he says the mower just isn't working right anymore.
You hear on mornings "the house is really cold; that thing on the wall isn't working right."
and / or
in the evening "the house is really hot; that thing on the wall isn't working right."
My phone is not working right.....
The TV is not working right..............
We could list tons of examples. This is just a few to get your attention. Feel free to share your concerns, observations, examples. We would be happy to elaborate and help.
So, are your parent(s) still safe to live alone?
Here is a fact....you should not accept only their answer.
You will need to determine that answer together with them!