Assisting Seniors in Maintaining Independence in Logansport

As our loved ones age, it's difficult to watch them lose their independence. This is a critical time in their lives when their self-confidence can erode, and their frustration can change their outlook on life. But there are ways to help them maintain their independence and feel more in control of their lives with a little help and encouragement from you. Here are some strategies to consider: 

Make Safety Upgrades to Their Home

When seniors choose to live independently on their own or as members of their family's household, make some changes to the residence to ensure their safety. Improve lighting, reduce trip-and-fall hazards, and make alterations to steps and stairs to make them easier to navigate. Add features such as grab bars and handrails, and organize household items to be within reach. All of these allow seniors to "age in place" rather than prematurely move to an assisted-living facility 

Encourage Physical Activity

Physical activity is essential for maintaining physical and emotional health, and seniors greatly benefit from regular exercise. Encourage your loved one to get moving by suggesting activities they enjoy, such as walking, swimming, or dancing. If they can, consider joining them for a walk or other activity or encouraging them to join a senior fitness class. Your senior loved one will increase their coordination, balance, muscle strength, and bone density, and experience better mental wellness. 

Promote Social Engagement

Social engagement is also important for seniors' well-being [2]. Isolation and loneliness can lead to depression and other health issues, so it's important to help your loved one stay connected to others. Encourage them to participate in activities that interest them, such as joining a club, taking a class, or volunteering. If they cannot leave the house, consider arranging a regular phone call or video chat with a friend or family member.

Help Them Stay Organized

Many seniors struggle with organization, especially when it comes to managing their medications and appointments. Help your loved one stay on top of things by setting up reminders for them and offering to assist with scheduling meetings. You can also help them organize their medication by creating a schedule or using a pill organizer.

Assist Them With Home Maintenance

Maintaining a home can be daunting for seniors, especially if they have mobility or health issues. Offer to help your loved one with cleaning, laundry, and yard work. If they cannot do specific tasks independently, consider hiring a home health aide or handyman to assist them.

Respect Their Decisions

It's important to remember that your loved one is still an adult and capable of making their own decisions. Taking over and making decisions for them can be tempting, but this can harm their independence. Instead, involve them in decision-making and allow them to express their opinions and preferences.

Are you concerned about your loved one's capacity for making decisions? Speak to them or to a social worker about having them take the Cornell-Penn Interview for Decisional Abilities (IDA) [3]. This evidence-based survey will help determine their cognitive skills as they pertain to important life choices. 

Encourage Self-Care

Self-care is essential for maintaining independence and overall well-being. Encourage your loved one to care for their physical and mental health by eating well, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.

Self-care includes trips to the salon or barber, therapeutic massages, and other activities that make seniors more self-confident. 

Help Them Access Resources

Many resources are available to seniors and other adults in Logansport, but they may not know how to take advantage of them. Help your loved one access resources such as meal delivery programs, transportation services, financial assistance, and home healthcare.

Be Patient, Compassionate... and Accessible

When you empower senior loved ones to remain independent, you bolster their self-confidence and help them enjoy their lives to the fullest. But remember that we all rely on others to one degree or another, and the senior in your life will require you and your family members to commit to assisting them as necessary. But being there for them can benefit you as much as them. Looking after loved ones is a fulfilling endeavor, and your bond will likely grow stronger. 

Sources: 

[1] consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/aging-in-place-home-modifications.html

[2] nia.nih.gov/health/participating-activities-you-enjoy-you-age

[3] geriatrics-palliative.weill.cornell.edu/innovative-programs/IDA