According to research, about 29% of elderly lived alone in America and approximately 12% of those aged 65 and older, required some form of assistance to perform daily tasks and activities. It is understood that most mature adults would want to stay home as they age but for every situation, there are some consequences of elderly living alone. If you are looking for an alternative place to live, then a senior living community is a great choice. With its amenities and selection of programs and activities, your loved ones can always be safe 24/7. If you or your loved ones are currently living alone, then this article would help you better understand the dangers of that.
The Cons of Your Loved Ones Living Alone
As much as we value freedom, we still need human interaction. There are many dangers of living alone, especially for your loved ones advancing in age. They are not self-reliant and would need assistance in their day-to-day activities. They need help with dressing, cooking, and showering. Below are some of the dangers that could happen if your elderly loved ones would live alone.
- Social Isolation
Humans need interaction with one another. The dangers of social isolation could be compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day as is cited by the American Association of Retired Persons. If your loved ones are living alone, they might feel detached psychically and mentally from their family and friends.
- Financial Strain
One of the biggest investments you could make is homeownership. And if you are living alone, the responsibility falls solely on you. Financially, this can be hard in many aspects. From maintenance and unexpected repairs to daily upkeeps can put a strain on your financial situation. Furthermore, as you get older, it might be a little harder to manage your cash. Bills and debts might be mounting as you lose track of the payments.
- Accidents
As we grow older, our body tends to be weaker. Our muscles and bones will put a strain on our body and that will put us at risk for accidents at home. If you are living alone, this will not be good as there will be no one to help you. Two of the most common risks for mature adults are medication errors and falls.
- Malnutrition
Having proper nutrition is essential for your loved ones. Their body would need certain nutrients and their digestion and appetite might be affected by chronic conditions and medications. When living alone, your loved ones might skip their meal times or might forget to take their medication.
Consider Living at Seaton Springwood
Living alone can be hazardous to the health of your loved ones and being isolated can lead to many mental health conditions. A good solution to avoid any of these dangers is to either have a family member living with them or to relocate to a retirement community. If you are looking to relocate, we would like to recommend our community. Seaton Springwood is an upscale retirement community with many programs and activities. We have stylish homes and state-of-the-art amenities, providing residents with quality services and personalized care. If you are interested, do contact us to schedule a tour.
