Senior Guidance; creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Issues For Seniors Living At Home
Most seniors want to live at home for as long as possible. They desire familiar surroundings and want to maintain their independence too. Most seniors also have a fear of being “institutionalized.”
The problem is that many seniors living at home are not as safe, independent, or comfortable as they should be. Many would be better suited for a senior living community.
Below are some of the major risks seniors may face while living at home:
Isolation
Seniors living at home can become quite isolated, especially if they are homebound or live in a rural area. Nearly two million Americans over age 65 are homebound according to a recent report in JAMA Internal Medicine. They rarely or never leave their homes. Another six million are consider semi-homebound. It is either difficult to leave their home or requires assistance. Outings often are limited to doctors’ appointments. Depression is common for many of these seniors. 25 – 33% of the semi-homebound are depressed and nearly 60% of those who are completely homebound.
Living in a senior community allows better access to the community and the outside world. Residents are able to socialize with their peers on a daily basis and they can attend social events without leaving the residence.
Safety Hazards & Injuries
Seniors at home are at risk for falls because of bad eyesight, limited mobility and various minor safety hazards, like loose rugs or tangled electrical cords. If you notice that your parent’s or other loved one’s home is cluttered and messy, has stairways that are too steep, or they are not maintaining the home as well as they once did then it may be time to explore the option of an assisted living facility like the ones we have at Platinum Communities.
You won’t have to worry about your loved one. They will be living and thriving in a safe environment.
Poor Nutrition
Malnutrition is a serious health issue facing seniors, affecting 1 in 4 older adults. There are many factors resulting in poor nutrition and dehydration. Some seniors have decreased appetites, others trouble chewing, and many have a lack of interest in cooking and eating for one. You can take no food in the house or spoiled food in the fridge as a clear sign they are not getting adequate nutrition and need help. If you see any sudden weight loss or other evidence of malnutrition or dehydration, you should seek help immediately.
At assisted living facilities, worries about grocery shopping or meal preparation are things of the past. They can enjoy three healthy meals a day, without fuss or muss.
Missed Medication
The average senior citizen takes seven different medications per day. 58 percent of those seniors make some kind of mistake when taking their meds. Living at home, seniors must be able to remember the correct dosage each day and keep track of their refills. They can be putting their health at serious risk by living at home.
Criminals
Con artists and thieves often target seniors living at home. They prey on the seniors’ vulnerabilities and trusting nature. The Consumer Law Center has found that telemarketing scams make 56 to nearly 80% of their calls to older adults.
Some seniors are quite capable of living and thriving on their own, but many end up living in an unsafe and unhealthy situation. For them we are here for them at Platinum Communities.
