Is Your Elderly Parent Safe Living Alone?
You have a nagging feeling something isn't right. The house seems messier than it used to be. They're repeating stories. There was a “near miss” they mentioned casually. But they insist they're fine. And you don't know if you're overreacting or under-reacting.
This 20-point assessment helps you move from gut feeling to objective evaluation. Answer honestly — for each item your parent fails, the risk to their safety living alone increases. At the end, we'll tell you what the score means and exactly what to do next.
The 20-Point Safety Assessment
For each statement, answer honestly: YES (no concern) or NO (concern identified). Count the number of NO answers.
This assessment is a guide for families, not a clinical tool. If you have serious concerns, contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422) for a professional assessment.
Falls & Mobility
1. They can get in and out of bed, chairs, and the bath/shower without significant difficulty
If NO: Mobility limitation is the #1 predictor of loss of independence
2. They have not fallen in the last 12 months
If NO: One fall doubles the risk of a second. Two falls = urgent intervention needed
3. The home is free of tripping hazards (loose rugs, cords, clutter, poor lighting)
If NO: 55% of elderly falls happen at home
4. They can safely use the stairs (if applicable)
If NO: Stairs become dangerous with even mild balance or vision problems
Cognition & Memory
1. They can manage their own medications without errors
If NO: Medication errors cause 25% of elderly hospital readmissions
2. They can use the phone to call for help in an emergency
If NO: If they can't call 000, they cannot live safely alone
3. They know what day of the week it is and can recall recent events
If NO: Persistent confusion may indicate early dementia — needs GP assessment
4. They are not leaving the stove on, taps running, or doors unlocked
If NO: Fire and security risks that worsen with cognitive decline
Nutrition & Health
1. They eat at least two proper meals a day
If NO: Malnutrition affects 30% of elderly living alone
2. The fridge contains fresh food (not expired, mouldy, or empty)
If NO: An empty or expired fridge is one of the clearest danger signs
3. They are maintaining their weight (not losing unexpectedly)
If NO: Unintentional weight loss of 5%+ is a medical red flag
4. They drink enough water (not chronically dehydrated)
If NO: Dehydration causes 10% of elderly hospital admissions
Social & Emotional
1. They have regular social contact (not just you)
If NO: Social isolation increases mortality risk by 26%
2. They seem engaged in life (hobbies, TV, reading, outings)
If NO: Loss of interest in everything may indicate depression
3. Their personal hygiene is maintained (clean clothes, bathing, grooming)
If NO: Neglecting hygiene is an early sign of cognitive or physical decline
4. They are not expressing hopelessness, being a burden, or wishing to die
If NO: Elderly men especially hide suicidal ideation behind casual remarks
Environment & Safety
1. Smoke alarms are working and tested
If NO: Elderly people are 2.5x more likely to die in house fires
2. They can manage the home (basic cleaning, rubbish, laundry)
If NO: A deteriorating home environment indicates declining function
3. Their finances are being managed properly (bills paid, no unusual spending)
If NO: Financial mismanagement can indicate cognitive decline or elder abuse
4. If they drive, they are doing so safely
If NO: Unsafe driving puts them and others at risk. See our driving safety guide
What Your Score Means
| NO Answers | Risk Level | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Low risk | Your parent is managing well. Start daily check-in calls as a safety net and to catch early changes. Review in 6 months. |
| 3–5 | Moderate risk | Action needed within weeks. Set up daily monitoring calls, arrange a GP health review, address specific risks identified, and call My Aged Care for a CHSP assessment. |
| 6–10 | High risk | Action needed within days. Daily monitoring is essential immediately. Call My Aged Care for an urgent ACAT assessment. Address the top 3 risks first. Consider whether living alone is still safe. |
| 11+ | Critical risk | Your parent may not be safe living alone. Call My Aged Care (1800 200 422) today for an urgent assessment. Arrange daily in-person or phone welfare checks immediately. Discuss residential care or moving in with family. |
Regardless of Score: Start Daily Monitoring Today
Whether your parent scored low-risk or critical, the single most effective thing you can do right now is ensure someone checks on them every day. Because the scariest scenario isn't the one you see coming — it's the one you don't.
Why Daily Calls Change Everything
To set up. No devices, no installation, no waiting list.
Starting price. Less than a cup of coffee.
Maximum time before a missed call triggers a family alert.
No credit card required. Your parent just answers the phone.
Give Them Connection. Give Yourself Peace of Mind.
Start your free 14-day trial today. No credit card required.
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