As people age, they may need help with basic tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or getting dressed. That’s why some seniors shouldn’t live alone. But how do you know if your elderly parent or loved one falls in that category? Here are a few signs they shouldn’t live alone and may need professional senior care.

How to Know if Your Loved One Needs Senior Care

1. Poor Hygiene

Unkempt hair, dirty clothes, and other signs of poor hygiene could signal memory impairment. Often, people with memory loss forget why, when, or how to shower, change their clothes, or brush their teeth. By living with someone else, they can be reminded to perform these tasks and receive assistance if necessary.

2. Sudden Weight Loss

Weight loss may indicate that your parent has forgotten how to buy groceries, cook, or feed themselves. You may also find spoiled food (or a lack of food) in the kitchen. In these cases, your parent probably requires senior care to stay well-nourished. 

3. Falling 

Has your parent mentioned falling over while walking up the stairs or attempting another simple task? This common senior care issue indicates it’s no longer safe for your loved one to live alone.

Even if they haven’t discussed falling, keep an eye out for bruises and other mild, unexplained injuries. They could be a sign of accidents due to mobility issues, which means your parent requires assistance navigating their home. 

4. A Messy Home

Over time, your loved one may find household chores challenging. If they have memory loss, they may forget to even attempt them.

Pay attention to dirty floors, sinks overflowing with dishes, and other signs of messiness. Since an unclean home increases the risk of bacteria, bugs, and clutter that may lead to falls, your loved one shouldn’t live alone if they have trouble tidying up.  

5. Unopened Mail

Stacks of unopened mail may indicate memory impairment, as your parent could be forgetting to tend to their mail each day. If the stacks include unpaid bills or late payment notices, this behavior may leave your loved one without water or electricity. Prevent this by reconsidering your parent’s living situation.

Are you concerned about your senior parent’s ability to live alone? Contact Visiting Angels Toms River in NJ. These fully bonded, licensed, and insured caregivers provide in-home senior care throughout Ocean County and Monmouth County. Available on an hourly, daily, or live-in basis, they offer assistance with a variety of tasks, such as housecleaning, meal prep, medication administration, and bathing. Learn more about their commitment to personalized, compassionate care online. Call (732) 240-1050 to discuss your loved one’s needs with a caring team member.