Living alone with dementia becomes progressively less safe as the condition advances, though many people do manage independently in the early stages with the right support in place. Key safety considerations include the risk of falls, leaving the cooker on, not eating or drinking adequately, becoming confused and leaving the house at night, and not being able to summon help in an emergency. Practical measures such as telecare systems, medication dispensers, key safes for carers, gas shut-off devices, and regular check-in calls can extend the period during which living alone is viable. As dementia progresses into the moderate stages, living alone is generally no longer safe without intensive daily or live-in care support.
