How to Help Your Elderly Parent Live Alone
If an elderly parent is living alone, it can put a lot of stress on the family. Everyone worries about how their loved one is doing and how they can help in every way possible.
In some cases, it’s appropriate to adjust your elderly parent’s living situation. Having them live with you or at a senior home may be better options for their safety.
But, many elderly parents insist that they can live alone. They don’t want to accept assistance, fearful that it will threaten their independence.
So, how can you ensure that your loved one is safe living on their own? Here are 7 key strategies you should implement.
1. Talk to Your Parent About Your Concerns
This can be a difficult conversation to have. Some parents may be offended or hurt when you bring up the topic. They may take it personally, thinking that you think they are unable to care for themselves.
However, it’s important to voice your concerns about your parent living alone. Explain why you worry and how you want to help.
2. Listen to Their Needs
While it’s important to voice your concerns, you also need to listen to their needs. This will allow you to come up with a plan that ensures their safety while prioritizing their happiness.
3. Make Modifications to Their Home
As we get older, it becomes more difficult to navigate our homes. We often require modifications to make mobility and everyday tasks easier.
So, when preparing your parent to live on their own, make sure their home has the proper modifications. This will keep them safe and allow them to go about day-to-day life as they normally would.
Some examples of modifications you can make include:
- Install handrails in the shower
- Place non-slip mats in the bathroom
- Install a raised toilet seat
- Build an outside ramp
- Install a stairlift in multiple-story houses. Check out the best used stairlifts online.
Of course, these are just a few examples of modifications to make. Determine your loved one’s specific needs to make the appropriate accommodations.
4. Determine a Medication Schedule
Your loved one may have medications. To ensure their wellbeing, they need to take them when they’re supposed to.
Ensure that they will be responsible for taking their medications. Set reminders, or have them use pillboxes. If necessary, have someone drop in to remind them or call them yourself.
5. Make Sure They Stay Active
As your loved one gets older, it can be hard for them to get out of the house. Too much isolation leads to loneliness and can even exacerbate health issues.
Remind your loved one of the need to stay active. Encourage them to get out into the community. Find events that they can attend. Have family members, friends, and neighbors drop by regularly.
6. Check In Occasionally
It’s important to check in on your loved one. Drop by to catch up and see if they need anything. If you live far away, give them a call every once in a while. They’ll love talking to you and appreciate that you are checking in.
7. Consider Outside Care Options
In some cases, it’s just not possible for an elderly parent to live completely independently.
So, consider hiring outside help. Have a company take care of their lawn. Or, hire someone to cook meals, clean up around the house, or do other tasks that your parent may struggle with.
Just because your parent lives at home doesn’t mean that you can’t use care options. It will allow them to retain independence while receiving the help they need.
