May 31, 2024
If you have a senior parent that is living alone, 24-hour home care is a great option if you are worried about them being alone at night. With 24-hour home care, you can rest assured that your senior parent is protected and doesn’t have to be alone anytime of the day or night.
Falls are a major risk for seniors, particularly at night. At seniors may have more trouble seeing where they are going if they try to get up to go to the bathroom or get a drink. They also may have poor balance because they are tired or because of side effects from medication. A fall at night can lead to serious injuries such as fractures, sprains, or head trauma. And, if your senior parent falls at night and they are alone they may not be able to get the immediate help they need.
Doing things like making sure hallways are clear, installing nightlights, and using non-slip mats can help lower the risk that your senior parent will fall at night. But, having someone with them at night is the best way to protect your senior mom or dad from falls.
It’s always scary when your senior mom or dad has a medical emergency. And unfortunately, they often happen late at night. As they get older seniors have an increased risk of sudden medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, or severe hypoglycemia. These emergencies can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Being alone at night without quick access to help increases the likelihood that your senior parent will have long-term health effects from a medical emergency. Medical alert systems and regular health monitoring can provide some level of security, but the best security is having a caregiver with your senior parent overnight.
Seniors with cognitive impairments, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, may experience confusion, disorientation, or wandering at night. It’s very common for seniors with Alzheimer’s to become confused about the time of the day and get up in the middle of the night. This can lead to dangerous situations, such as leaving the house, getting lost, or encountering hazards within the home.
Installing devices like door alarms, motion sensors, and code locks can help prevent your senior parent from getting outside and getting lost. But it’s much more effective to have someone in the house with them who can soothe them and get them safely back to bed.
Nighttime can be associated with an increased risk of fire, especially if seniors use space heaters, electric blankets, or other heating devices. Seniors with memory issues might forget to turn off appliances or may not react quickly enough if a fire starts. Smoke detectors, fire alarms, and regular safety checks of electrical appliances are essential precautions, but the risk of fire and the potential for slow response remain significant concerns.
Being alone at night can contribute to feelings of loneliness and anxiety, particularly if your senior parent is already experiencing social isolation during the day. This emotional distress can affect sleep quality and overall mental health.
Chronic loneliness and anxiety can lead to depression and other mental health issues. While technology and occasional check-ins can provide some reassurance, the emotional impact of being alone at night should not be underestimated.
