Being Alone at Home: What Does Every Minute Tell?

Perhaps we live in an era where our loved ones feel more vulnerable than ever before. Especially if an elderly family member with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or a similar neurological disease is left alone at home, you may feel the weight of each passing minute in your heart. The worry of "What if something happens?" is a silent guest who sometimes keeps us awake at night. Yet, there are tangible risks that can be addressed with love and solidarity. In this article, we will explore together which risks increase as the time spent alone at home gets longer, guided by scientific findings and your own intuitions.

Primary Risks of Being Alone at Home

Individuals with neurological conditions left alone at home face certain physical and psychological challenges. As this period extends, the frequency and severity of some risks also increase. While these depend on the illness, the individual's cognitive abilities, and their living environment, the main risks are as follows:

• Falls and Injuries

• Medication Management Errors

• Neglect of Hydration and Nutrition

• Risk of Getting Lost or Disoriented

• Delayed Response to Emergencies

• Psychological and Emotional Distress

1. Falls and Injuries: An Invisible Threat

Diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's directly affect balance, movement, and perception abilities. Research shows that one out of every three older adults falls each year and 10-15% of these falls result in serious injuries.1 As the time spent alone increases, the risk of greater health loss and even death rises due to the absence of others to help after an injury. In Parkinson's disease, if a "freezing" episode occurs, the person may remain on the floor for a long time. This also creates additional risks for muscle, kidney, and skin health.

"Once, my mother lost her balance and fell while she was alone in the bathroom. If I hadn’t been home at that time... I don't even want to think about the rest."

- The experience of a caregiver

2. Disruptions in Medication Use: Silent Dangers

Forgetting medication times, taking incorrect doses, or mixing up medications are very common and sometimes life-threatening issues for many neurological patients. Especially during long hours spent alone without an external reminder or observer, this risk becomes much more pronounced. Studies show that up to 40% of Alzheimer's patients take their medications incorrectly, either too little or too much.2

• Poisoning due to wrong medications

• Sudden drops in blood pressure or blood sugar

• Worsening of symptoms due to missed doses

Disrupted medication management is one of the main causes of sudden hospitalization.

3. Neglect of Hydration and Nutrition

Elderly individuals and those with neurological diseases may experience hunger and thirst less acutely than healthy individuals. When alone, they may forget to prepare meals, drink water, or distinguish between hot and cold foods. Prolonged periods of loneliness can lead to:

• Severe dehydration

• Drops in blood sugar

• Malnutrition (inadequate and unbalanced nutrition)

• Blood pressure irregularities

In the short term, this can cause weakness and dizziness; in the long term, more serious metabolic problems may arise.

4. Getting Lost and Disoriented: Stepping Outside the Safe Zone

People with dementia, such as Alzheimer's, can lose their way inside the house or in the nearby surroundings. A study from the United States found that 60% of people with dementia wandered away from home without permission at least once during a certain stage of the disease.3 This situation is risky both physically and psychologically:

• Increased risk of outdoor traffic accidents

• Exposure to cold

• Going missing for an extended period

• Experiencing anxiety and panic

The longer the period spent alone at home, the higher the risk of being missed and getting lost.

5. Delayed Response to Emergencies: Every Minute Counts

Critical health issues such as heart attack, stroke, or sudden shortness of breath become even more dangerous when they occur during times spent alone at home. Especially for neurological patients with reduced verbal ability, reporting emergencies can be impossible. A delay in the initial intervention can worsen outcomes, particularly with head injuries and strokes.

• Delay in calling an ambulance

• Injured or unconscious person being found late

• Critical interventions being performed late (e.g., cardiac massage)

According to Ministry of Health data, intervention within the first three hours can save lives in cases of stroke; these "golden hours" are often missed as periods of being alone increase.

6. Psychological and Emotional Distress

Loneliness causes vulnerability not just physically but also emotionally. Depression and anxiety are common in neurological diseases. In patients who spend prolonged periods alone:

• Restlessness, worry

• Insomnia

• Feeling worthless or forgotten

• A sense of emptiness or lack of purpose

We know that emotional well-being directly impacts physical health. Prolonged isolation at home damages the patient's sense of love, security, and belonging; this can aggravate behavioral symptoms.

When Is It "Too Alone"?

The question, "How long can they stay alone?" has a different answer for each patient. Some basic determinants include:

• Level of cognitive and physical function

• Presence of additional risks such as epilepsy or a history of sudden falls

• The ability to manage medications independently

• Safety of the home environment (e.g., locked doors, gas-stove controls)

Scientific guidelines recommend that most people diagnosed with Alzheimer's require meaningful supervision and that periods alone should generally be limited to 30–60 minutes to begin with. However, the main criterion here is a joint assessment of the person's current functions and risks by the family and physician.

Practical Tips for Caregivers

• Regular calls and check-ins: If you need to leave the house or will be away for a while, make short phone calls from time to time to stay in touch.

• Minimize time spent alone: If possible, ask neighbors or extended family members for support.

• Take safety precautions: Monitor risky areas in the home (bathroom, kitchen) and keep medications and cleaning products in locked cabinets.

• Simple technological solutions: Use uncomplicated voice reminders or automatic outlets if possible.

• Evaluate the safe duration together: Making decisions together helps the patient feel valued.

Lightening the Emotional Load

You are not alone—just like your patient. It's important to remember that your worries are understandable and justified. Sometimes you may think, "Am I being a burden?" or "I’m limiting myself." Remember: Taking responsibility doesn't mean giving up your own life entirely; the key is to set healthy boundaries for care and never hesitate to seek support.

"Since my mother likes to sleep with the lights on, I leave the lamp on when I go out. Creating a safe space for her feels like giving back the love she showed me in my youth."

- A caregiver's story

Conclusion: Alone Hours Can Be Managed

It is clear that as periods of being alone at home extend, both physical and emotional risks increase. However, this doesn't mean we are powerless. Every home adapts to the family’s needs; being informed and taking precautions will make life safer and more peaceful for both caregivers and patients. By considering your limits, feelings, and resources, you can gradually reduce risks step by step.

Resources

• Bergen G, Stevens MR, Burns ER. Falls and Fall Injuries Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years—United States, 2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:993–998.

• Gellad WF, Grenard JL, Marcum ZA. A systematic review of barriers to medication adherence in the elderly: looking beyond cost and regimen complexity. Am J Geriatr Pharmacother. 2011 Feb;9(1):11-23.

• Rowe MA, Glover JC. Antecedents, descriptions, and consequences of wandering in cognitively-impaired adults and the Safe Return (SR) program. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2001 Sep-Oct;16(5):344-52.