Although living alone may make seniors independent, the risks of living alone can be very harmful. Increased chances of falls and injuries, overwhelming daily household chores, and lack of moral support are just a few disadvantages of living alone in golden years. Cleveland at-home elder care experts have identified the following risks of living alone for the elderly.
1. Falls and Injuries
With increasing age, seniors may experience limited physical mobility that can make them prone to falls and injuries. Falls can cause many serious issues and it can turn even more harmful if there is no one present to help the senior. After falling seniors may be unable to call anyone if they are living alone and this can cause many more issues such as unconsciousness. Caregivers should either try to stay with their loved one or consider hiring 24-hour home care. Cleveland experts are trained to help your loved one do daily tasks and to manage any serious situation such as a fall and injury.
2. Isolation
Living alone may lead to reduced social interaction and many other complications such as depression and anxiety. Seniors often need someone with whom they can share their concerns. However, if they are living alone, they might experience loneliness and lack of moral and emotional support. Plus, social isolation may also increase the chances of many other chronic health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive decline. Isolation may make seniors feel unsafe and helpless, that’s why family caregivers should stay in touch with their loved one on a regular basis.
3. Malnutrition
Anxiety and social isolation can cause malnutrition in seniors as they may make poor lifestyle and dietary choices. Seniors with limited physical mobility may choose unhealthy packed or processed food over fresh home-made food which can cause malnutrition. Seniors who live alone focus less on their diet, which increases the chances of various chronic conditions and diseases. Family caregivers are recommended to spend more time with their loved one so that they can take care of their loved one’s diet and enhance their health.
4. Financial Burden
Retired seniors who are living on pensions may find it difficult to manage their finances. Apart from buying food, they may also need to spend heavily on medicines and health care which may exceed their budget. Plus, if seniors don’t have enough savings then they are unlikely to maintain a high-quality lifestyle in their golden years. As a family caregiver ask your loved one about their financial issues and try to solve them by helping them financially or by making an appropriate expenditure plan for them.
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