One of the most difficult parts of aging is the loss of independence many seniors feel. When they begin to lose their independence, many older adults experience feelings of depression and frustration. Encouraging your aging loved one to be independent can enhance his or her quality of life and cognitive, social, and physical skills.
1. Make Safety Modifications in the Home
Falling is a serious concern for seniors. The fear of falling, especially if your loved one has fallen before, may make him or her worried about walking, showering, and doing everyday tasks independently. Making safety modifications in the home may keep your loved one safe and encourage him or her to do things without assistance. Grab rails, chair lifts, modified kitchen utensils, and ramps can make it easier and safer for your parent to live at home.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior care. Altamonte Springs families trust Prestige Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
2. Get a Mobility Scooter
Seniors who use wheelchairs often feel isolated when they cannot leave their homes on their own. Mobility scooters allow aging adults to get outside, meet up with friends, and go short distances from their homes by themselves. Your loved one’s health insurance carrier may cover most or all of the cost of a mobility device.
3. Arrange for Social Time
It’s very important for seniors to spend time with family and friends as they age, and it’s common for seniors to become isolated and depressed as they lose their independence. Arranging for social time can help your loved one feel independent as he or she maintains these relationships. Talk with family members and arrange for your loved one to receive regular visits, calls, and letters. Check out local senior centers and encourage your loved one to take a class or join in an activity he or she loves, such as solving puzzles, crafting, or cooking.
For families living in Orlando, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Prestige Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
4. Provide Choices
Seniors have their own opinions and preferences. Encourage your parent to voice these opinions by making his or her own choices. For example, offer several options for what to eat, wear, and do every day, and allow your loved one to choose. Doing so helps your loved one maintain independence while still staying within reasonable, healthy limits.
5. Change Your State of Mind
As seniors age, it’s common for family caregivers to make the mental shift from doing things with their loved ones to doing things for them. Your loved one still deserves your love and respect. Changing your mindset to choosing to do things with your loved one may make him or her feel like less of a burden and feel more independent.
6. Promote Movement
The problem with the loss of mobility is that it causes muscles to atrophy, making movement even more limited and decreasing independence. Talk with your loved one’s doctor and determine what exercises are right for your parent. Encourage your loved one to take the time to move each day to increase muscle and bone strength, boosting mobility and independence over time.
A professional caregiver can help your loved one exercise in safety and comfort. When considering home care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Prestige Home Care at (407) 232-7155 today.