Is there a certain age or state law that determines when living at home becomes unsafe? by Dori Laack, Arbor Terrace Crabapple

Many of us all have aging parents, family members or even family friends who are now in their mid to late 80’s or even in their 90’s and are still living in their home. 

You might be asking yourself…are they safe?  Is there a state law that decides when seniors should not be living on their own without oversight or monitoring?

Georgia’s elder protection law can come into effect when a caregiver overlooks signs of a health decline or pays less attention to the aging person due to being on their phone, watching TV, etc. and not providing constant and consistent oversight.  If this occurs, it could lead to the caregiver receiving a felony charge of neglect and they would face 1-20 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $50,000, or both.  To prevent unintentional neglect, everyone should know the age limits for aging people being left home alone and understand the signs of physical and/mental health decline. There are other options to living alone that everyone should be made aware of as well.

Let's first discuss how old an aging person should be before oversight and/or supervised care becomes an option or a necessity.  There is no 1 answer to this question because the answer ranges based on the individual.

Did you know that muscle mass tends to take a steady decline around 65 years old for women and 70  years old for men, according to studies by the National Institute of Aging.  What this means is that walking, standing, sitting, jumping, running, etc will change because of the lack and regression of muscle strength with the progression of age.  Please do understand that the lack of these motor skills can start as year as 30 years old and can lead to falls and other accidents.  When a physical decline occurs, the family, friend, neighbor, caregiver, etc., needs to address it.

Besides a natural physical decline and age related health challenges, a study by AARP, shows that nearly a 1/3 of people 65 years old or older suffer from some kind of cognitive impairment.  Those who suffer from a cognitive impairment should not be left at home alone and could potentially require either a part time, 24/7 care.

Some signs of a health decline include:

• Balance

• Hearing

• Eyesight

• Digestive Challenges

• Cognitive abilities

• Memory

• Mental Health Challenges ( anxiety, depression, mood swings, etc.)

Any and all of these signs can have an enhanced effect if the aging person used or consumed alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or any other harmful substances in the past or in recent years.

There are several ways to help those you love and know that might not be safe in their home anymore.  Many aging people want to maintain their independence for as long as possible as well as maintain their everyday lifestyle in their own home.  Another trusted individual or a company that specializes in caregiving are ways to provide the support and care an aging person may need.  Regardless of the direction you take for the aging person, please make sure and check that they key points of their needs will be met so that there will be no additional risk. 

If you opt to hire a trained professional to come into the aging person’s home, remember it can be for a select number of hours or for 24 hours.  Fees will be based on the number of hours and care provided.

Another option would be a senior living community, personal care home or a nursing home within a proximity to the family of the aging person.  These entities will provide around the clock care/24-hour care for the aging person.  If you would like to learn more about assisted living and memory care, please contact Arbor Terrace at Crabapple at 770-649-1009.

And of course, remember that if an aging person needs help or in case of an emergency regarding suspected or confirmed elder abuse, please first call 911.  For legal assistance, please contact Elder Legal Assistance Program and your local Area Agencies on Aging.