There are several ways to determine if your loved one can still be left at home alone. The most important advice we can offer is to remind you to be very observant of any slight changes in your loved ones behavior. Often times we hear something like, Yes, I noticed it (the change in behavior) but I didn't think anything of it. It is the little changes you need to be aware of. Here are just a few questions you may want to consider before leaving him/her home alone:
Given an emergency situation, could your loved one use the phone and call 911?
Does he/she know where the door is and if he/she went outside would he/she wander? Would he/she be able to find his/her way back home?
Is he/she on medication and could he/she administer these medications to him/herself?
If someone came to the door would they know if that person should be let in?
If there were a fire or smoke or some other dangerous signal would he/she know what to do?
Could he/she get to the bathroom without any help?
Could he/she prepare something to eat?
Have they expressed fear at the suggestion of staying home alone?
If you do not believe they would be safe at home without you, consider these options:
Home Companions. Call some non-profit organizations and see if they have any elderly volunteers that may want to provide some company for your loved one. Perhaps they may be able to provide you with someone, like a housekeeper, who can actually help your loved one with some basic daily living activities.
Home Heath Aides. This may be an option if you can afford it. You will have to contact a home health agency if you would like to employ a home health aide. They are usually licensed and would be able to help your loved one with bathing, dressing, eating and some basic medical functions like checking blood pressure and taking temperatures.
Nursing Services. Again, this may be an option if you can afford it. Contact a home health care agency and see if this is an option. A home nurse often is called in after an acute illness or hospital stay. Make sure you understand what is covered by Medicare and any other insurance your loved one may have.
Rehabilitation Specialists. A home heath care agency will be able to tell you which specialist your loved one may need.
Hospice. This service is for patients that have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, wish to stay at home and are likely to pass away within six months.
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