How do I know whether my parent is safe living alone?
Look at mobility, medication, meals, memory, home hazards, social contact and how they respond in an emergency.
Key points
- Look at mobility, medication, meals, memory, home hazards, social contact and how they respond in an emergency.
- The goal is to reduce risk while preserving choice and independence.
- A GP or allied-health assessment may identify practical causes and solutions.
Look at mobility, medication, meals, memory, home hazards, social contact and how they respond in an emergency.
Safety is not all or nothing. Small supports may reduce risk while preserving independence.
Consider both likelihood and consequence of harm.
Review cooking, medication, mobility, night-time needs, emergency response, driving, finances and the condition of the home. A professional assessment can identify supports that preserve independence rather than remove it.
Explore only what you need
Start with the sections that feel useful now. You can come back to the others later.
01Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
Identify the two or three most immediate safety or independence concerns.
Discuss them with the GP, assessor or relevant allied-health professional.
Start with targeted support and review whether the risk or function improves.
02Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
03Guide sectionCheck the official guidance
Check current Support at Home guidance. Aged care rules, funding amounts and program guidance can change, so check the current official information before making an important care or financial decision.
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