Three Ways to Help When You Think Aging Parents Can’t Live Alone
Are you concerned that your aging parents can’t live alone? This is a common question among families when elder loved ones reach a certain season of life. When processing this decision with families, we like to ask a few questions, such as:
- Does your loved one want to stay in their home?
- What exactly does your loved one need help with?
- Why do you think your loved one can’t live alone?
Sometimes, children of older parents don’t realize that there are options that address many concerns about their parents living alone. The truth is, many senior adults can remain in their homes if that is what they choose to do. There are a variety of support systems and resources for seniors living alone, from assistive technology and private in-home care to government-guided programs.
Use Technology To Keep Your Parent Safe and Healthy
We often hear concerns regarding seniors’ managing their health concerns and staying safe. Technology can be a tremendous help for seniors living alone.
If a senior needs help managing medications – there are many tools that can remind them when to take medications and even dispense exactly what they need when they need it.
If the concern is safety, a variety of options can provide seniors with help if they fall or face a medical emergency. For instance, the Apple Watch will actually detect a fall and summon emergency services. Other options have a button that a senior can use to call for help.
Ask your doctor or a senior care specialist for suggestions about how technology like apps and devices can help.
Learn About Community and Government Resources
Social isolation and loneliness in older adults is a major concern that is often a result of health conditions, lack of transportation, and other factors. According to the National Institute for Health (NIH), “Adults who are lonely or socially isolated are less healthy, have longer hospital stays, are readmitted to the hospital more often, and are more likely to die earlier than those with meaningful and supportive social connections.”
It’s important to help your senior parent stay connected with family and friends within the community, especially if they have limitations that make it difficult for them to leave home.
If you’re not sure where to find resources for seniors living alone, our team would be honored to help your family navigate this decision.
At a national level, the Eldercare Locator is a fantastic federal government website that will help you find and connect with local senior centers and other community activities. Just enter your zip code and you’ll get a list of services in place to support your senior parent. Also, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has this helpful resource about aging in place.
If you’re local to South Central, PA, we invite you to visit our community to learn more about the options available for your family.
Non-Medical Home Care Can Support Your Senior Parent
Non-medical home care can lighten the load for a senior who is struggling to maintain the daily demands of self-care, cooking, cleaning, or running errands.
At Menno Haven, our caregivers are an extra pair of hands to help seniors with care at home. Plus, in addition to providing practical help for seniors living alone, our team members take the time to build relationships, and this service can help seniors feel less isolated.
If you find yourself asking, “Can my senior parent live alone?” – we’d like to help. Contact us today to learn how Menno Haven can support your parent who prefers to live alone.