It is increasingly common for seniors to choose to live alone in their own residence, and the increase in life expectancy means that a large percentage of the population opts for this option. And it is that, in Spain, for 2019 the estimates placed the population over 65 years in more than 19% according to the INE (National Institute of Statistics), and is that although this increase is good news, it is not the vulnerability and risks of an elderly person in solitude.
It is increasingly common to see news about the elderly who suffer falls, domestic accidents, and even theft in their homes by those who take advantage of their vulnerability. To this are added the problems, annoyances, and impediments typical of the age. What to do about it? We prepared this post with information on the most common risks of residential loneliness, and the alternative that homes live-in caregiver represents in this reality.
Risks of living alone in old age
During old age, a decrease in balance, vitality, and some health problems is common ... And if the person lives alone, whether or not voluntarily, this can lead to certain risks. The most common are:
- Neglect of the state of health: it is usual that during old age some medications are taken to treat different diseases or particular health conditions. All treatment requires specific medication, and when living alone it is common to forget the time to take it, the amount, and even not request timely medical help.
- Inadequate nutrition: many elderly people who live alone have an adequate diet, neither in terms of nutrients nor in schedules, which is why it is common to observe cases of obesity or malnutrition. This together with the lack of scarce mobility leads to a deterioration of health.
- Poor hygiene: certain physical difficulties or the lack of adaptation of the bathrooms cause daily hygiene to be neglected.
- Domestic accidents: problems with balance, coordination and mobility, the decline in basic faculties, and even memory problems are conditions that many older adults suffer from and are a source of risk that can trigger accidents at home ranging from falls to accidental fires.
Although the state of health, physical and mental, is highly variable from person to person, the elderly entails the deterioration of certain conditions or faculties in different degrees, although independence is preserved, at some point help will be required for certain tasks.
Home caregivers, a great alternative
Regardless of health status, a home care service for the elderly offers a highly valued alternative to support the health and well-being of people in old age. The mere presence of a knowledgeable professional can make a difference to these and other risks that seniors living alone may experience.
And it is that added to the risks that we have listed, loneliness, lack of social activity and accompaniment represents a trigger for emotional and psychological problems that can be prevented with the sole company of one person. It is normal that relatives do not have enough time available to accompany their relatives daily, and in view of this, hiring home assistance represents a good option for prevention, care, and attention.
