Independence is an important part of anyone’s wellbeing, but it can be more difficult to maintain it as you get older.
It can be just as hard to see our parents or elderly loved one’s struggle to do the tasks they have always done in their life as it might be to try and encourage them to keep pushing for their independence and helping to facilitate that.
You might be wondering how you can encourage independence in the elderly, so this piece will hopefully offer you some good ideas that you can implement.
Make The Home Safe
First and foremost, safety is the most important priority. A lot of the time, seniors lose their independence because of mobility issues or not being able to take care of themselves properly, and this can cause them to be a danger to themselves. If they are of sound mind and are not experiencing any symptoms of dementia or likewise, then making modifications around the home might be an excellent solution for any small physical difficulties.
This could be anything from putting in a ‘wet room’ instead of having a shower, installing a disability-friendly bath, having a chair lift put in over the stairs, or even having some wheelchair ramps installed. Whatever it is, if you can make reasonable modifications to make the house safe enough for them to live in by themselves or with minimal care, that would help them keep their independence.
If you find that they cannot be at home safely, consider assisted living that could extend independence while keeping them safe.
Keep it Social
Independence is fostered by strong relationships and friendships, going out and trying new things, and engaging with activities – just to name a few.
This can be particularly difficult for people who are getting older due to a number of different reasons. Perhaps someone is no longer able to drive to go to social activities. Perhaps friends have passed away, and it is difficult to find new friendships, or maybe aging has knocked someone’s confidence. Whatever it is, if you can help them keep social, you can help them keep their independence.
Look for local classes in your area that are designed for seniors and accompany your parent or family member. Bring them to any events and parties that are suitable for them to participate in, or even just make a weekly arrangement to see them for a cup of tea.
Invest in A Mobility Scooter
If the person in question has a difficult time walking or getting around but is still really keen on joining in on all of the fun, a mobility scooter might be a perfect choice. In fact, it might just be issues such as arthritis or osteoporosis that make getting around difficult, but otherwise, they feel perfectly fine. In this context, a mobility scooter can be a life-changer.
They can be expensive, so it is worth shopping around to find the best deal.
