Nobody can predict what the future will hold. If your parents choose to live alone instead of moving to a retirement community, it can impose added stress on you as a caregiver who would constantly need to ensure they are safe. If your parent lives alone, we have compiled a list of challenges you should anticipate as preparation for any potential emergencies down the road.
Poor Nutrition
Researchers have found that older adults who live alone are at heightened risk of malnutrition as they often lower their daily intake of vegetables, fruits, and protein while reducing the number of daily meals they eat. If your elderly parent lives alone and rarely shares meals with others, they are also less likely to prepare nutritious meals and may decide on fast food options or quick snacks. Ensuring your parents receive sufficient sustenance and nutrition can directly impact their overall health and well-being.
Higher Risk of Medication Overdose or Underdose
Memory-related conditions, fatigue, or mental illnesses can often cause older adults to forget to take their medication. If your elderly parent lives alone, it is also possible that they may overdose as a result of forgetting whether or not they have taken their medication. If they are experiencing serious deteriorating health issues, overdosing or underdosing can rapidly worsen the situation. There are many ways to counter this issue, but having another caregiver around to monitor your loved one’s actions is best.
Falls in an Unsafe Environment
There are hazards and dangers in nearly all homes. However, this issue only grows more serious as the occupants age with time. When your elderly parents live alone, they have a higher risk of slipping on a wet surface or tripping over an upturned rug. This issue is made worse by the fact that many older adults have impaired vision and poor balance. Falls may not matter to younger individuals since they usually walk away with a scrape, cut, or bone fracture, most of the time. However, falls can be very fatal for elderly individuals as they may not have the energy or strength to get up and call for help once they have fallen. Ensuring there are solutions in place to counter such issues can mean life or death for many families.
Emotional Challenges
Human beings are social creatives. Our connection to others enables us to survive and thrive. As we age, social circles naturally shrink due to various reasons like growing apart from a friend or people in your life passing on. Such a drastic lifestyle change leaves us more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which is linked to many imperative health issues like heart disease, depression, and even cognitive decline. Ensuring your parents have a good network of support is critical as they age.
Enjoy Senior-centered Living at Morada Cy-Fair
Enjoy the benefits of our retirement community which offers senior-centered living and 24-hour assistance with daily living tasks. At Morada Cy-Fair, residents can expect chef-prepared dining thrice daily, stimulating events and activities, as well as many other clubhouse amenities for a high-quality retirement lifestyle.
