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A guide for assessing the risks of the elderly living alone
Developed by the University of Iowa College of Nursing
We all want our loved ones to be safe, secure, and supported — especially when they live alone. These are also driving factors in a conversation about when it’s time to consider a change in a loved one’s living situation. The checklist below highlights signs that could impact safety and behaviors that signal additional care may be needed. The most pressing issues are first. The experienced team at Calyx can serve as a welcomed resource for families who are entering this transition.
Download a copy of this checklist
Section A
If one of these situations is present, the person should not be alone and needs help immediately.
□ Weight loss of more than six pounds or 10 percent of body weight in six months, loose clothing, evidence of wasting, such as protruding bones.
□ Agitated paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, suicidal thoughts, aggression.
□ Weapons present, especially loaded.
□ Evidence of fire or misuse of appliances, such as placing aluminum in a microwave.
□ No food in house or only rancid food.
□ Falling, especially when the person remains down more than two hours. Also, evidence of injuries, unexplained bruises, substance abuse.
□ Medication mistakes or poor care for serious conditions.
□ Reports that the person is neglecting basic care, such as medical treatment or is being abused.
□ Repeated emergency room visits, hospitalizations, physical complaints.
□ Evidence of domestic violence, including the person injuring a caregiver.
□ Frequent calls to police or emergency services.
□ Wandering outside the home.
□ Eviction notice has been served.
Section A/B
These behaviors could be classified as A or B behaviors, depending on how severe they seem to the reviewer:
□ Malfunctioning plumbing, such as lack of water or a stopped-up toilet, when the person has caused the problem or neglected to get it fixed.
□ Thermostat set inappropriately for weather conditions.
□ Chronic anxiety or worry, panic attacks, depression.
□ Unsafe driving with refusal to stop.
□ Law enforcement officers ask that the person be evaluated because of repeated calls
Section B
If two or more of these behaviors are present, you may wait a few weeks, but should work toward providing care in the home or moving the person to another living situation:
□ Poorly managed continence.
□ Repeated calls to the family to ask what to do next or express concern about planned activities.
□ Dirty or infested household that poses health risk.
□ Accumulation of garbage.
□ Food stored inappropriately, such as ice cream in a pantry.
□ Person is being exploited by someone, such as a neighbor or relative.
□ Resists personal care for long time periods.
Section B/C
These behaviors could be classified as B or C behaviors, depending on how severe they seem to the reviewer:
□ Person makes statements about needing to move or not being able to cope.
□ Neighbors or others complain about person’s dependence on them.
□ Community members, such as neighbors, advise that help is needed.
Section C
If some of these behaviors are present, especially three or more, consider giving the person help and re-evaluate monthly.
□ Socially isolated behavior, such as sitting all day in front of the TV.
□ Losing belongings, hiding things.
□ Poor grooming, soiled clothing, wearing the same clothing all the time.
□ Post-it notes throughout the house.
The Calyx Team is equipped to help families and loved one evaluate care options. We have connections and resources throughout the community and can connect families with senior organizations. Our team can provide information on assisted living and memory care and invite families to take a tour at any of our Triangle communities.
Source: G. Hall, A. Bossen and J. Specht, University of Iowa College of Nursing