Can an AD (Alzheimer's disease) Person Live Alone?

By Diana Wilson, M.A., Family Resources Coordinator, Alzheimer's Association. Courtesy of St. Louis Chapter.
Living day to day with Alzheimer's Disease requires a delicate balance between a person's independence and his or her safety. This balance is difficult to maintain when the AD (Alzheimer's Disease) person lives alone, and you, the caregiver, have to monitor the safety of this living arrangement.

Before making a change, caregivers need to first evaluate how well the AD (Alzheimer's Disease) individual handles daily tasks. It is important to directly observe the person performing these routine activities. Do not rely on the person's report, because it may not truly reflect the problem at hand.

Use the following questions to help determine how well the AD (Alzheimer's Disease) person is functioning independently and to identify safety concerns. One or more "Yes" answers in a category may indicate a need for more supervision, support or a change in living arrangements.


Safety Concerns

Does your loved one:

• Have driving accidents, even minor ones? [ ] Yes [ ] No
  
• Get lost driving or walking? [ ] Yes [ ] No
  
• Burn pots on stove or forget to turn off burners or oven? [ ] Yes [ ] No
  
• Forget to extinguish cigarettes? [ ] Yes [ ] No
  
• Let strangers into the house or lock herself out often? [ ] Yes [ ] No
  
• Forget to secure the house at night or when going out? [ ] Yes [ ] No
  
• Demonstrate mood swings and suspicious or paranoid behaviors? [ ] Yes [ ] No
  
  

Personal Care

Is the person unable to:

• Eat well-balanced meals and drink plenty of liquids? [ ] Yes [ ] No
  
• Bathe and dress properly? [ ] Yes [ ] No
  
• Use the bathroom when needed? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Other Tasks

Is the person unable to:

• Keep up with housekeeping duties and home repairs? [ ] Yes [ ] No
  
• Pay bills on time, balance checkbook and use credit cards? [ ] Yes [ ] No
  
• Shop for, store and cook food correctly? [ ] Yes [ ] No
  
• Use the phone, handle an answering machine and remember important
  phone numbers? [ ] Yes [ ] No
  
• Take medication on time and in the right amount? [ ] Yes [ ] No

If your AD (Alzheimer's Disease) loved one passes the test in all three categories, remember to reevaluate on a frequent and regular basis. Any sudden changes in ability could indicate a potential health problem. Consult a health professional when necessary. If your loved one is having difficulty in one or more of these categories, it is time to consider making some changes to ensure safety. For more information on options available to you, please contact us at one of the phone numbers listed below. Together, we can discuss your situation and help determine what changes will be most beneficial to you and your loved one.

Compiled by the Lincoln/Greater Nebraska Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 1999.