Supporting independence: The importance of assessing if your patient lives alone

Older adults typically have more comorbidities than younger adults, and those who live alone tend to have higher healthcare needs compared to those living with others.^7,14

Over 1.1 million New Zealanders are aged over 60 years, making up nearly 25% of the total population.¹ This ageing demographic is contributing to the rise of single person households,² with one quarter of New Zealand adults aged 65 years or older living alone,³ whether due to loss of a partner or a conscious lifestyle choice.⁴ However, living alone has been shown to be significantly associated with a higher risk of emergency department admissions and unscheduled hospitalisation among older adults.^5,6

In a survey of older New Zealand adults with complex healthcare needs living in the community, nearly two-thirds of respondents had multiple comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease,⁷ which is linked to a higher risk of hospitalisation and mortality.⁸ Older adults living alone who experience a stroke are more likely to face delayed hospital arrival and receipt of medical therapy, and they require long term care if hospitalised compared to those who live with others.⁹ This situation can put their ability to live independently in the community at risk. Additionally, seniors living alone are at a higher risk of functional decline and loss of independence following hospitalisation for an acute medical event compared to those who live with others.¹⁰

Older adults who live alone understand the importance of being prepared for a health emergency and the value of assistive technologies in maintaining their independence, such as a personal medical alarm.¹¹ Evidence shows that the typical users of personal medical alarms are older, with complex medical histories and often living alone.¹² These alarms not only enable older adults to access help quickly but also provide reassurance, allowing them to remain active.¹² To support ageing in place, older New Zealanders who wish to continue living in their own home should have access to interventions that facilitate this goal.¹³

Older adults typically have more comorbidities than younger adults, and those who live alone tend to have higher healthcare needs compared to those living with others.^7,14 Therefore, determining your senior patients’ living arrangements (e.g., by asking 'Do you live alone?') should be part of a health risk assessment. Referring a St John Medical Alarm to individuals who live alone, particularly those at risk of acute medical events, can help to instil the confidence to continue to live independently. This is because they know they can access help at any time should a medical emergency occur.

Making a referral is as easy as clicking a link in your Practice Management System, via either Healthlink or ERMS.

A FREE trial is available to all patients.

For full details visit: stjohnalarms.org.nz/hcp