Not managing at home alone.

• This is a warning sign that something is medically wrong with the older person.

• The commonest cause that I see of an elderly person not managing at home is due to unrecognised cognitive decline and dementia. 

• Other causes of not managing at home are:

   ·    Undiagnosed or untreated medical conditions including breathlessness from heart failure or lung disease.

  ·       Acute confusion (delirium).

  ·       Acute infections.

  ·       Adverse drug reactions.

  ·    Neurological decline in walking and balance, causing recurrent falls or postural dizziness.

  ·       Deteriorating nutrition with swallowing impairment and progressive weight loss.

  ·       Depression.

  • Chronic pain.

• What is self neglect in the elderly?- those with severe cognitive impairment and dementia who cannot look after their personal care, hygiene, nutrition, hydration, and medications- just too confused to be alone at home!

• Leaving old age parents to struggle alone at home when they have significant dementia is abuse or neglect of an older person and elderly neglect by family.

For more information read Dr Peter Lipski’s book “Your Elderly Parents Failing Health. Is It Ageing Or A Treatable Condition”.