Aging Relatives Can Remain Independent

By Care at Home | August 8, 2022

Older adults want to hold-on to their independence for as long as possible.

Getting older does not mean living at home or being independent is no longer an option. On the contrary, many seniors desire to remain home during their golden years. They can also be very passionate about maintaining as self-sufficient a lifestyle as possible. Independence is among the liberties valued most because it often represents holding onto dignity and being respected by others. After all, how one thinks they are perceived contributes to their emotional and physical well-being.

Maintaining independence as a senior has its challenges. We slow down. We begin to experience health issues. No one wants to let their age define what they can or cannot do. The aging process is unavoidable and requires a strong will to fight. But seniors do not have to battle this on their own. A bit of creativity by family members and friends can help encourage independence and make it an achievable goal.

Check-In Regularly

Try to visit an aging relative as often as possible. A frequent visiting schedule creates opportunities to identify issues and resolve them quickly. If visits are too scattered, problems can go unnoticed and evolve into serious situations. A fall can happen, and an injury can take place. Short visits, more often, are a good rule of thumb to support older adults in maintaining a level of independence.

If visiting often is not possible, reach out to people in the neighborhood. Ask if they are willing to check in on your loved one when it’s convenient. Also, consider leaving your contact information so they can call with any questions or concerns.

Create A Functional Environment

There are a variety of household aides on the market to help make life easier for seniors wishing to age at home. Identify what a loved one considers to be restrictions and research solutions available to assist them in getting around those limitations. Items like reaching tools, remote controls, and doorknob grips are some daily living aids that help achieve self-sufficiency. Even appliances and electronic devices with large text and numbers are helpful.

Leave Written Reminders

Lists or reminders are valuable tools for those with declining memory issues. They can help keep daily routines and upcoming appointments from being forgotten. Plus, checking off completed reminders can promote feelings of personal achievement and help to build self-confidence.

Support Their Social Life

Help an aging loved one continue to participate in activities they like. Do they enjoy visiting with friends or neighbors? Are they involved with any groups or organizations? Is attending local community events a favorite thing to do? No matter the activity, encourage a senior to engage with others. Social interaction can bring happiness to their lives and is a morale booster for their mental health.

Consider A Caregiver

Older adults struggling to remain independent at home do not always need to transition to an assisted care facility. Hiring an experienced caregiver can be an excellent solution to keeping a loved one at home. Caregivers can reduce pressures and responsibilities, enabling relatives to age gracefully at home. The need for increased assistance or alternative care arrangements will likely happen in time. But until that day arrives, seniors can keep as much independence at home as possible with help from family, friends, or a caregiver.