They Call it Home Sweet Home: But is it Safe for People with Memory Loss to Live Alone?

By Laurie White, MSW

Let’s be honest: few of us will want to leave our homes when we grow older, despite some possible safety issues. Our home is not just a house – it is a place that is full of memories and one that symbolizes our independence. The comfort and security that our home gives us is not measurable, yet it is something we all understand.

But when a relative shows signs of memory loss or is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, and her condition worsens, family members often have to determine if their relative is safe living alone at home. A person with dementia may not be aware of the safety and health issues that her living situation presents.

So, what is safe? The answer can vary from family to family and even among family members. Some of us will tolerate risky or uncertain situations longer than others. To help you make the determination if your relative is safe, click here for some questions for you and your family to think about: