Physical and Mental Disabilities: Signs that a Senior Should No Longer be Living Alone
The number of physical and mental disabilities that can potentially rob a senior of their ability to live alone is indefinite. It is indefinite because the assertion is generally not made on the basis of a diagnosis alone. The cause itself can be anything as long as it’s severe enough to significantly interfere with the senior’s ability to take care of their own needs without assistance.
Whether it’s a stroke, Alzheimer’s, severe arthritis, Parkinson’s, clinical depression, or any of the several other possible physical and/or mental disabilities, the cause does not change. If a senior is physically or psychologically disabled to such a degree that it compromises their wellbeing, they should not be living on their own. However, the real question is, how does one determine that? What are the signs and symptoms that indicate partial disability in seniors? Let’s find out.
Uncharacteristic Lack of Personal Hygiene and Home Maintenance
People past a certain age do not generally change their personality type and start living shabbily all of a sudden, at least not without a justifiable cause. If you find an aged family member is living with overgrown lawns, piles of trash, malodorous indoors, dish piles in the sink, and other signs of homeowner’s neglect, further investigation should be considered a priority. Additionally, it is common to find that the senior is not paying enough attention to their own personal hygiene either. All of this could be a result of them:
- Simply forgetting to do their chores.
- Being too weak to complete their chores.
- Experiencing too much pain to complete their chores.
None of the reasons mentioned above or any other applicable ones are to be taken lightly. Talking with them and getting a medical opinion after that should provide better clarity about the situation and possible options down the line. At best, they will only need temporary assistance, but sometimes, more long term solutions will be necessary. For both short-term and long-term care with assisted living facilities, contact the Fort Lauderdale Senior Housing Community.
Repetitive Forgetfulness
Repetitive forgetfulness is a common and a serious sign that a senior needs immediate medical assistance and they might no longer be fit to live without daily aid. For example, they may ask the same question within a short span of time, without any prior memory of the fact that you answered that question a few minutes ago.
These are often queries about the present time, date, and location. It can just as well be a query about who you are, despite the individual knowing the answer from the day you were born. Repetitive forgetfulness is more prominent once someone has reached the more advanced stages of dementia, but it can be noticed early on as well. Since an afflicted senior may forget that they completed a task already, the forgetfulness will also be accompanied by repetitive actions.
We all forget things and make silly mistakes, which only grows a bit worse with age. However, when a condition like Alzheimer’s, Vascular dementia, or a cerebral stroke afflicts the brain, people will often experience different and significantly more serious types of amnesia. They may even forget how to chew, swallow, or in worst case scenarios, how to breathe. If you find anyone in the family is struggling with even the most basic memories, don’t ignore them.