As your senior loved ones grow older, it can be difficult to know if living alone is the best option for them. From health problems to a declining quality of life, there are a number of concerns to deliberate when it comes to elderly care. If you’re trying to determine whether your senior loved one is in danger by living alone, consider the following risks.

The Disadvantages of Living Alone 

Deteriorating Health

One of the biggest factors to consider when deciding if your loved one needs elderly care services is their current health condition and future outlook. If the loved one in your life is experiencing a decline in their health, consider the severity of their issues. Chronic conditions that require multiple doctor trips or medication can put your loved one at risk if they’re living alone. Studies show 30% of elderly emergency room visits are the result of medication errors. Living alone with serious health issues could result in more frequent trips to the hospital because of medication errors or worsening health conditions.

Poor Emotional Well-Being

Another aspect to consider when assessing the risks of your senior loved one is the status of their emotional well-being. Living alone can cause an elderly person to become socially withdrawn, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. If your senior family member spends most of their days alone and without many visitors, hire an elderly care service to provide companionship and reduce the risk of isolation.

Difficulty of Daily Tasks

In addition to your loved one’s physical and emotional health, you should also consider the complexity of their daily tasks. If your loved one struggles to remember things, everyday duties like cooking can pose a threat if they forget to turn off the stove or burn something. Not only could they injure themselves, but they could also cause damage that requires costly repairs. If your loved one struggles to complete everyday tasks, consider how dangerous mistakes could be when they’re living alone.

Deer Valley Home Health Services offers elderly care and disabled living assistance to individuals in Berkeley, St. Charles, and St. Louis, MO. These professionals allow seniors to remain in their homes while helping them complete daily chores, assessing their health, and providing emotional support. To find out more about this service and how it can help your loved ones, call (314) 355-3679. To view a list of available solutions or learn more about the company, visit their website.