If a loved one develops dementia it can be difficult not to “helicopter parent” them in the name of keeping them safe. Safely leaving someone with dementia alone depends on the stage of dementia that person has. Someone with mild dementia can be safe on their own but someone with more severe dementia may need around-the-clock care.

As your loved one’s dementia diagnosis progresses, you may find it challenging to talk to them or care for them while respecting their individuality and autonomy for alone time. Educating yourself about dementia and the safety precautions you can take can help ease anxieties you may feel about your loved one’s independence.

When Is Living Alone with Dementia Dangerous?

Although everyone forgets things, dementia encompasses abnormal brain changes that cause a significant loss of memory and other thinking abilities that interfere with daily life. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s but also includes Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s, and vascular dementia, among others.

People can experience a wide range of problems stemming from their dementia, including difficulty:

Remembering medications
Managing personal hygiene
Planning and preparing meals
Tracking a purse or wallet
Traveling out of the neighborhood
Keeping appointments
Paying bills

While there are many ways individuals with dementia can cope with the above problems on their own or with a little assistance, dementia is a progressive disease and there does reach a point where it may be dangerous for someone to live alone. Fortunately, there are signs you can watch out for to track your loved one’s dementia, including:

Excessive disorientation
Aggressive behavior stemming from confusion and agitation
Unusual or increasing desire for isolation
Changes in eating habits
Difficulties navigating familiar spaces
Problems holding a conversation or recognizing familiar faces

Noticing these signs may indicate your loved one needs more specialized care.

How Can I Help My Loved One Safely Manage Mild Dementia?

In the early stages of dementia, many individuals may resist changes to their independence. However, many simple adjustments can be made to their living situation to ease your mind while allowing your loved one to maintain their way of living for as long as possible.

Safety devices like medical IDs, GPS trackers, and fall monitors can help track movement and call for help in cases of emergencies
Installing grab bars in bathrooms or removing hazards in the home like loose rugs can help create a safer environment to reduce fall risks
Creating a consistent daily routine (like scheduled meals, medications, and activities) can build a sense of security and reduce disorientation
Make everyday tasks easier by helping write down to-do lists, setting up automated payments for bills or reminders for appointments, or getting groceries regularly delivered
Have end-of-life conversations to ensure your loved one’s wishes are honored as their dementia progresses (like updating a will, deciding healthcare and financial power of attorney, and care of your body after death)

In large part, managing mild dementia involves grappling with the reality that upcoming changes in thinking will reduce your ability to make rational decisions about your day-to-day needs. Remember that it can be scary to come to terms with having dementia and try to have patience with your loved one.

When Is It Time For Memory Care?

An older adult man in a wheelchair wears an astronaut helmet as a smiling nurse in pink scrubs pushes him through a park.

The progression of dementia in a loved one can be difficult. It’s important to find ways to support yourself as you support them.

However, there can reach a point where you cannot provide your loved one the care and attention they need. Part-time or full-time in-home dementia care can be a great option for individuals who prefer the comfort and familiarity of their own home.

Depending on your loved one’s stage of dementia, a memory care lifestyle may be more appropriate. Fortunately, memory care is more uplifting than many people realize. Adults with dementia can live fulfilling lives with a sense of meaning, community, individuality, and fun.

Today’s memory care communities focus on a whole-person approach, considering who your loved one is and what has meaning for them, in a space designed to reinforce feelings of home.

Memory care staff specialize in a holistic approach to your loved one’s health and wellness, going beyond the basics of dementia healthcare to create a wide array of experiences for adults that connect their individual and meaningful past to their present and future.

Get a fresh perspective on memory care with Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker. Our unique approach, The Peregrine Way™, engages your loved one’s long-term memory on their terms to improve the quality of life for all residents and their families.