Many people live on their own. Everyone, especially those with dementia, values living in a safe, familiar, and pleasant environment. A dementia diagnosis does not automatically imply that a person is unable to live alone. Some people may be able to live independently for some time after their diagnosis. Others may be deemed too vulnerable to continue living alone, which is a difficult decision to make. There are strategies available to assist a person with dementia who lives alone. These tactics should be updated as the disease progresses to fit the person’s abilities. It is crucial to remember that some dementia patients may be able to live independently for some time after their diagnosis. Other living arrangements may be considered as the disease advances and their abilities alter.
According to estimates, one-third of people with dementia and one-seventh of those with Alzheimer’s disease live alone. A dementia diagnosis does not automatically imply that a person is unable to live independently. Some patients may be able to live independently for some time following their initial diagnosis. Others may be in too much danger to live alone.
People living with dementia frequently advance through a succession of stages, from complete freedom to living with someone or requiring long-term care placement, as the disease progresses. When a person who has lived alone must consider other options, the transition to living with someone can be challenging for all parties involved. Some people with dementia may try to conceal or compensate for their problems. Others with dementia are unaware of their difficulties and blame family members.
Many people in the early stages of dementia are able to live at home and enjoy life as they did before their diagnosis.
Following a dementia diagnosis, you should have received guidance on how to continue doing what is important to you for as long as possible, as well as information on local support and services that may be of assistance.
However, as the sickness progresses, you will most certainly find it more difficult to care for yourself and your home. You may then require further assistance with regular chores such as housework, shopping, and home modifications.
What are the key factors that determine if someone with dementia can live independently?
A dementia diagnosis will have a significant impact on you and your life. You and your family may be concerned about how long you will be able to care for yourself, especially if you live alone. If you are a family member or carer for a person with dementia, it can be difficult to determine whether a person living alone requires assistance. When assessing the issue and gathering facts to communicate with other family members, some of the following questions may be useful to ask yourself.
Changing Habits or Personality Traits:
- Is your loved one withdrawn, apathetic, pessimistic, suspicious, or abnormally afraid of crime?
- Are they adamant that everything is alright, or do they refuse to recognize any problems when confronted?
- Is your loved one capable of caring for themself and grooming themself? Are they wearing soiled clothes, failing to bathe or clean their teeth, or displaying other signs of self-neglect?
- Are they feeling lonely? Are they lying when they say they’re heading out?
Meals and Medications:
- Is the person eating well and taking medications? (A person suffering from dementia may not eat or may only eat sweets. They may forget to take their prescription or take too much.)
- Is the person forgetting to switch off the stove or is the food burning?
- Are they no longer cooking?
- Are the individuals utilizing candles or matches?
Email or Written Communication:
- Have they stopped emailing or using social media (such as Facebook or Instagram)?
- Is their writing rambling in an unusual way?
- Is their handwriting different now?
- Is it tough for you to understand what they’re saying?
Phone Call Behavior:
- Have their talks gotten hazier?
- Do your chats veer off-topic? Are they forgetting what they’re saying or are they repeating themselves?
- Do they get tense when they’re on the phone? Are they more tolerant of annoyance?
- Are they repeating the same conversation as if it were the first time?
Other Warning Signs:
- Has the individual ever gone away from home?
- Have friends or Neighbours contacted you regarding the behavior or safety of a loved one?
- Have they given you conflicting information about a mishap or automobile accident?
- Have they missed appointments or neglected to attend family gatherings?
- Is the person maintaining the residence somewhat clean and tidy?
- Are they too warm or too cold?
- Is the person acting because of “paranoid” thoughts or unjustified suspicions?
- Is the individual exercising sound judgment?
- Are they up to date on her payments?
- Are they donating to every charity that sends out a mail-in appeal?
The ability to live independently with dementia is influenced by several factors, including the stage and type of dementia, the individual’s overall health and cognitive abilities, the presence of a support network, and the provision of safety precautions in the living environment.
What support systems are available for individuals with dementia living independently?
Individuals with dementia who live independently can access a variety of support networks. Home care services such as support with daily routines, meal preparation, and medication administration may be included. Community programs, support groups, and respite care services can also provide emotional support and social interaction.
Some dementia caregiver resources in India are listed below:
- ARDSI (Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India)
- Dignity Foundation
- Helpage India
- Dementia Day Care and Respite care
- Dementia Helplines
- Elder Helplines
- Helplines when distressed/ depressed
- Palliative care resources
Additionally, join an online forum like Alzheimer’s Society Talking Point. Your experiences of living with dementia and suggestions on how to maintain your independence can be shared in online forums.
What challenges might individuals with dementia face when living independently?
Dementia patients talk about losing things that endanger their independence and capacity to contribute to society. They frequently require assistance because they struggle with direction, lose their ability to roll, and are afraid of the future. A growing corpus of scholarship also focuses on how persons with dementia look for purpose in life, preserve their quality of life, and develop coping mechanisms. It is necessary to evaluate the scientific literature on coping and dementia so that healthcare professionals and decision-makers may get advice and information on how to support and plan for the best healthcare services for persons with dementia.
Individuals living alone could be more vulnerable to injury, falls, roaming, and/or starvation. Additionally, you might struggle to manage household chores or personal hygiene, which could make your home insecure. Make a plan for how you will take care of your fundamental necessities, such as housing, food, and medical attention. 5 major challenges that may be faced by the dementia patient living alone are:
Wandering or Becoming Lost
Throughout the course of the illness, including the very early stages, when it could appear that your loved one is getting lost in the grocery store or on the walk home, this is a regular difficulty. Wandering during the middle stages of the illness might refer to unsupervised wandering across the home or neighborhood. Wandering is dangerous and unsettling in any case.
Agitation and Anxiety
All phases of dementia progression are characterized by mood disturbances, some of which are more severe than others. Agitation and anxiety can drastically reduce the ability of your loved one to engage in daily activities, such as taking a shower, preparing meals, and hosting guests.
Poor Nutrition
Daily tasks become practically impossible as dementia worsens. Even those who are in the early stages of the condition may struggle with multi-step tasks like making a meal, eating it, and properly preserving leftovers. More than simply weight loss may result from poor nutrition; it may also hasten the healing process and reduce immunological response.
Isolation
Seniors who are experiencing the early stages of dementia frequently are aware that they are forgetting things, which can cause them to feel ashamed or insecure. As the illness worsens, people can lose the ability to strike up conversations with their neighbors, acquaintances, or family. Isolation can, in any event, happen swiftly and cause melancholy or even hastened cognitive decline.
Unable to Live at Home Safely and Successfully
For the duration of the disease, the majority of elderly people who have a type of dementia cannot live alone or with a companion at home. Living at home is not a wise choice in the long run due to safety issues, social isolation, and other health issues. Fortunately, senior living facilities can give your loved one the framework and security they require to stay healthy and content.
If you or a loved one has just received a diagnosis, arm yourself or them with knowledge. Living at home is not a wise choice in the long run due to safety issues, social isolation, and other health issues. Fortunately, senior living facilities can give your loved one the framework and security they require to stay healthy and content.