How old is too old to be living alone?

If your loved one lives alone in their own home, you probably find yourself wondering how long their living arrangements can continue. There is no definite age that signifies the end to independent living, however there are a number of warning signs you can look out for.

Rapid weight loss is a red flag

Rapid weight loss is an important warning sign that your loved one isn’t coping at home alone.

Rapid weight loss can be a medical red flag, warning of a serious change in their health such as the development of cancer or chronic illness.

Sudden weight loss can also warn of a change in your loved one’s mental state. Weight loss can signify they have loss the desire and will to cook for themselves and prepare meals, signifying depression. Or, it can be a sign they aren’t able to cook for themselves anymore due to physical of cognitive impairments.

Whatever the reason, if your loved one has suddenly lost weight, ensure you involve their health team to understand the reason behind it.

Unopened mail and unanswered emails could signify growing debt

Unopened mail and unanswered emails can be a sign your loved one is drifting into debt, as most bills will be sent via mail or email. If your parent’s mail is consistently unopened, chat with them to discover why. It could be due to a momentary phase of busyness or laziness, or it could be a sign they’re having trouble completing everyday tasks.

If possible, discuss your loved one’s bill paying strategy with them as they may want to change the way they pay their bills. For example, it may be better for your loved one to pay bills at their local post office as it gives them a goal outside the house, and others will know when they have missed a visit, and can let you know.

Another option is to decide together if you can have access to their accounts, as this helps you monitor their payments and ensure they stay on top of their bills. Regardless of the reason behind it, unopened mail and the inability to stay on top of bill payments can be a sign your loved one is getting too old to live alone.

Clutter or disarray can point to a number of health issues

If you know your parent is a huge fan of cleanliness but you notice the house is becoming a mess, it can be a sign your loved one should no longer live alone. A messy, disorganized home could mean your loved one isn’t able to stay on top of their cleaning due to fatigue. In this case, living alone may have become too tiresome, in which case discussing an easier living arrangement together could be just what they need.

A messy home can also signify your loved one is confused and can’t remember where things belong. If you find things in strange places, like the milk in the washing machine, it’s time to discuss their living situation together. If you notice their confusion has become extreme, it may be more helpful to involve health professionals to help you both understand your parent’s cognitive changes. This will help you both decide if living alone is still the best arrangement for your loved one.

Medication management issues are dangerous

Did you know 3% of hospital admissions are caused by medication errors each year? Medication mismanagement is a serious issue, and can be dangerous for your loved one. If you have noticed your loved struggles to understand how much or when to take their medication, it may be time to discuss their living situation. While your loved one lives at home alone, the responsibility of correct medication management is completely in their hands. If they are struggling, making other living arrangement can make medication management easier for them.

Many elderly people well into their 80’s and even 90’s live alone, but each person is very different. If your loved one is showing any of the warning signs above, it’s important to talk with them to see why these issues are happening. Whether from fatigue, depression or confusion, helping them explore a different living situation may make their lives easier and safer, while also reassuring you they are in a safer living environment.