Low Risk (Score: 0)

Your loved one is probably safe and able to continue to live independently or in
the current situation if they are able to do the following:

• Follow instructions on the use of a cane or walker
• Walk steadily alone, or with a cane or walker
• Bathe, dress and groom without assistance
• Eat and go to the bathroom without assistance
• Follow directions and can call for help, if needed
• Provide adequate medical care independently such as giving insulin injections
  or changing dressings
• Take medication properly and on time

If your loved one has recently been in the hospital or is recovering from an
illness, temporary support may be needed. Perhaps family members can help, or a
short stay in a nursing care facility may be needed. If your loved one requires
longer, ongoing help, moving into a nursing care center, an adult foster home, or
an assisted living community may be the best option. A social worker can help your
family decide on the best choice for your loved one and tell you whether you need a
doctor’s orders to get financial assistance with the cost.

Medium Risk (Score: 1–3)

Your loved one is probably OK living independently, but may need occasional
help. Things to look out for include:

• Increased difficulty walking
• Losing balance or falling
• Decreased strength or stamina
• Loss of control over bladder or bowels
• Difficulty handling special medical care such as oxygen, injections, or
  dressing changes
• Difficulty controlling pain
• Need for help taking medications

If your loved one has recently been in the hospital or is recovering from an
illness, temporary support may be needed. Perhaps family members can help, or a
short stay in a nursing care facility may be needed. A nursing care facility can
provide short-term physical therapy for strengthening and basic nursing care.

If your loved one’s health appears to be more than a temporary setback,
you might want to have a professional assessment. A social worker or geriatric care
manager can visit your loved one’s home and look at the current living
situation. They can also assess your loved one’s functional ability. It may
be that some simple home modifications and a few helpful devices can allow them to
live safely. If more assistance is needed, professionals can help you decide which
options best match your family’s needs and finances.

High Risk (Score: 4–6)

It appears that your loved one needs frequent assistance and supervision. It may
not be safe for them to live alone. Consider a change to a more supportive
environment if your loved one is experiencing:

• Frequent falls or dizziness
• Multiple visits to the emergency room
• Frequent hospitalizations
• Chronic and/or uncontrolled pain
• Recurring infections
• No control over bladder and/or bowels
• Chronic and/or disabling illness
• Unable to handle basic self-care such as eating, dressing, and bathing
  without help.

From your answers, it appears your loved one is rather frail. If currently
living alone, or without constant companionship, the living situation probably
needs to change. If living with family, consider hiring non-medical in-home care
providers to help with housework and assist with daily activities. There are other
options as well. An assisted living community would offer some support. With extra
hired help or family help they may be able to get along well enough. An adult
foster home may be able to help depending on how great the needs are. If on-going
24-hour skilled medical care is needed, then a nursing care facility may be the
best choice.