Nursing Homes in Wilmington NC: 5 Signs an Elderly Person Shouldn’t Live Alone

Making the decision to start a conversation with your aging loved one about nursing homes in Wilmington NC is something that is not easy to do. At some point, even the most independently-spirited person will need more assistance than what their family can provide. This juncture is usually reached when a family member starts noticing that their loved one is incapable of performing certain simple tasks or their loved one starts showing increasing signs of mental confusion.

Here are five common signs an elderly person shouldn’t be living alone.

#1 – Increasing Disorderliness in Their Home

Is your loved one’s life starting to become increasingly disordered when they used to be very particular about things? Common warning signs to watch out for include:

Their home becomes more and more disorganized or uncared for
Unopened piles of mail throughout the home
Stale or expired foods in the home
Broken appliances
Bathroom grime and clutter throughout the home
Kitchen sink full of dirty dishes
The yard is neglected
Pets or plants are poorly cared for

#2 – An Increase in Health Problems

If your loved one has suffered a noticeable weight loss or weight gain, it could be a sign that they are starting to experience forgetfulness. They may be forgetting their meal times or they may eat too frequently because they can’t remember the last time they ate. Other signs of declined health can include:

Increased frailty
Personal hygiene issues
A chronic condition worsens
Recent accidents or falls
A slower than average recovery

#3 – Increasing Financial Problems

When an elderly person starts suffering from dementia, one of the first signs is that their finances will be out of order. The elderly are also much more susceptible to charity solicitors, evangelists and home shopping networks. Signs of financial problems will usually include:

Utilities being turned off for missed payments
Poorly managed bank accounts
Letters from banks, creditors or insurance companies
Thank-you letters from charities or television ministries
An increase in new magazine subscriptions
Unopened boxes from home shopping networks

#4 – Inability to Drive Safely

If your loved one is still driving, then have them take you for a ride so you can gauge their ability to drive safely. Before getting into the car, check it for any recent dings or dents, then during ride, watch for the following:

Did they remember to fasten their seatbelt?
Are they easily distracted?
Do they become irritable with other drivers too quickly?
Are there any warning lights illuminated on their dashboard?
Are they driving safely?

#5 – Decline in Social Connections

If your elderly loved one was once a social butterfly but they are starting to show signs of a loss of interest in their favorite social activities, then they may be starting to suffer from depression. This type of withdrawal can lead to an increase in the previous four warning signs.

Nursing Homes in Wilmington NC Can Help Elderly People Live a More Fruitful Life

If your loved one is showing signs that they shouldn’t be living alone, then it may be time to have a serious conversation about nursing homes in Wilmington NC. Approach the subject from a positive and loving place and you may be surprised to find that your loved one has the same fears about their safety and security that you do. Discuss your loved one’s fears, including those about moving, before sharing your own worries and what you think would be best for them.

The Davis Community offers aging adults an engaging and active lifestyle. Research actually shows that the elderly feel and act younger when they live among people their own age, and this connection may be exactly what your loved one needs at this time. If you have any questions about the elder care services offered at our rehabilitation center and nursing home in Wilmington NC or you would like more information about the Davis Community nursing homes and mental care facilities, please give us a call at 910-566-1200 today.