5 Ways to Encourage and Provide Support While Promoting Senior Independence
Independence is a critical element of the aging process among seniors. Most seniors view it as an essential element in maintaining their respect and dignity. The loss of this independence may lead to depression, frustration, and accelerated health concerns.
As a caregiver, you can support your loved ones while also promoting their autonomy and independence. However, there are times when you may be tempted to take over and do more, which might lead to caregiver burnout.
At Senior Helpers of Greater Oklahoma City, we offer non-medical, in-home care services and companionship that help ensure your loved ones stay home safe and independent. Here are some practical tips that may be useful as you support seniors' independence:
1. Encourage Collaboration in Daily Tasks
Encourage your loved one to assist you in performing certain household tasks, such as folding laundry and helping to set the table for dinner. If the activities involve many steps that could overwhelm them, you can ask them to keep you company.
2. Encourage Physical Activity and Exercise
Appropriate physical exercise is good for the mind and body. It can help improve the lives of seniors, particularly those with Alzheimer's Dementia and Parkinson's. It also promotes strength and balance, which can reduce the risk of falling. Exercising together is a great activity with many health and cognitive benefits.
3. Invest in Technology
Advanced technology is continuously providing new and useful resources for seniors and people with disabilities. Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, among others, offer voice-activated home devices that are useful for seniors who are struggling with vision and movement.
They can alert for falls and medical emergencies, give medication reminders, and allow virtual family and medical visits. They also assist with playing music, reading stories, and switching on lights and heating/cooling systems.
4. Talk and Plan Together
Over time, the physical and mental abilities of your loved one may change. Many seniors don't like to admit when they need help - or don't even know. Encourage conversations early on to learn how your loved one wishes to be supported when their health requires physical or cognitive assistance.
Being open, realistic, checking in often, and being present will enable you to know the support levels that your loved ones need and what they are comfortable with.
5. Make Safety Modifications
Slippery floors and stairs are among hazards that become increasingly dangerous with age. The fear of falling may have serious effects on the independence of a loved one. You may consider installing assistive devices such as shower rails, chair lifts, shower chairs, and ramps. You should also secure rugs and clear pathways throughout the home to help prevent falls.
Encourage Seniors' Independence
Maintaining independence promotes a sense of achievement that generates a great deal of self-worth and well-being among seniors. Senior Helpers of Greater Oklahoma City applies a holistic approach focused on interactive in-home professional caregiving that helps to ensure seniors age in place as independently, happily, and safely as possible.
We focus on what our seniors CAN DO, not on what they can't. To learn more about how we can help, please contact us today at 405 608 4339 or email us at greaterokc@seniorhelpers.com.