Living Alone with Dementia

Kendall McMillan, MSW, LCSW

Can you live alone for now?

Many people in early stages of dementia are able to live alone
Safety should be the #1 priority
Consider your daily tasks

What are you still able to do completely independently?
What can you do with help?
What do you need to hand off to someone else?

Do you want to continue living alone?
Do you have a support system?

What tasks can you complete safely and independently?

Personal Care
Housekeeping
Medication Management
Meal Preparation
Transportation
If any of these are a challenge, you may still be able to live alone with supports in place

images of medication containers on shelf, a 'Safety First' and a fall hazard warning signs

images of wall-mounted computer tablet, keys, appliance timer, emergency communication devices

What can help you remain safe?

Medical alert devices
Leave a set of keys with a neighbor
Regular check ins
Automatic shut off on appliances
Smart speaker (Alexa) for reminders

images of toilet tank cleaner, medication dosage boxes

What tools do you need?

Medication – Pill Boxes, Pill Dispensers, Reminders
Meal Prep – Delivery, Frozen, Meals on Wheels
Household Tasks – Calendar, Roomba, Toilet cleaner

images of boxes of commercially delivered food

images of automated vacuum cleaner, and someone delivering a meal tray

images of people mowing a lawn, a family portrait, and a church building

Who is in your support system?

Every person serves a different purpose
Who are your regular, reliable supports?
Who is a good “as needed” or “last minute”

Staying Engaged

Living alone presents a risk for isolation, which can lead to depression

Research has shown that remaining socially engaged may slow the progression of dementia

Think of ways you can remain involved in activities you enjoy

Schedule regular visits and phone calls

Check out the senior center

images of playing music, being with and dining with friends

Planning for the future

Dementia is progressive, so it is important to continue to monitor changes.
You may not need help now, but what if in the future?

How will you know when it’s time to move?

What can you put in place now, to help you later?

Power of Attorney
Supplemental Advance Directive for Dementia Care
Adding family members to accounts
Organize your home and documents

images of signing paperwork, and a file drawer of organized documents

What family and friends should look for

Hygiene and Health

Does this person look clean?
Have they lost or gained weight quickly?

Home Cleanliness

Bad food in the fridge
Mold/Pests
Excess clutter

Safety

Are they having accidents?
Getting lost or wandering?

Sudden changes in mood/thinking/memory

Quick changes can indicate infection or missed doses of medication

Questions?

Kendall McMillan, MSW, LCSW

Kmcmillan@Orangecountync.gov

Aging Helpline

Agingtransitions@Orangecountync.Gov
919-968-2087