More families than ever before are choosing professional home care to keep aging-in-place loved ones safe and comfortable. Once eldercare services begin, informal caregivers must continue to play an active role as they search for creative ways to maintain their loved one’s independence. Read on to learn more about how to keep independent seniors in your life active, happy, and healthy long after they’ve started receiving in-home care.
Ways to Support an Independent Senior
One of the biggest fears for the average senior is losing their independence. Even when a professional caregiver is involved, using a team approach will help ensure that your loved one can age in place with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Be sure to include these steps in your caregiving strategy:
Fill in the caregiving gaps
Although a professional caregiver can assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), they can’t do everything or always be around. That’s where you come in. For instance, Mom may need her yard maintained or help paying bills. Form a care team and utilize each member’s time and talents to fill any remaining gaps.
Encourage them to exercise
Seniors that exercise regularly reap many benefits as a result. Once cleared by their doctor, encourage your loved one to stay healthy and fit by participating in low-impact forms of exercise for at least 20 minutes 3 to 5X a week.
Help them socialize more
Many seniors don’t socialize enough because of anxiety, depression, and other issues. Older adults that stay socially active tend to be happier, healthier, and even live longer than those who don’t. Find ways for your loved one to get out and connect with others, starting with family and friends. Involve them in event planning activities, for instance, an upcoming birthday party or holiday celebration.
Prioritize senior nutrition
The nutritional needs of older adults differ from those of younger eaters. Most seniors don’t eat as much or as healthy as they should. For all these reasons, encourage your loved one to eat a well-balanced diet by including plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, chicken, fish, and high-fiber foods on their plate.
Introduce them to new technology
Some seniors are hesitant to use newer technologies, while others are more “tech-savvy.” Once you’ve determined your loved one’s comfort level, introduce them to innovative tools that can help support their independence.
For instance, your mother may struggle with poor eyesight. A vision aid can help Mom maintain her independence. If Dad has trouble driving, encourage him to turn over the car keys for good once you’ve taught him how to use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft.
Telemedicine platforms like Teladoc or MDLive now allow ill, snowed-in, or otherwise immobile seniors to get many of the healthcare services they need without leaving the privacy and comfort of their homes.
Complete home modifications
Whether or not your loved one uses an assistive device (cane, walker, etc.), go around the home and look for ways to make the environment more senior-friendly. Home safety modifications you might want to consider include:
- Improving the lighting
- Eliminating trip hazards
- Installing grab bars in the bathroom, along with a walk-in tub and shower seat
- Adding a wheelchair ramp
- Widening doorways
Help them manage their meds
Medication errors send scores of seniors to hospital emergency departments each year. Sadly, some lose their independence permanently as a result. Help yours remain independent by creating a medication management program that helps them take their meds as prescribed.
Your Family Trusted Home Care Partner in Fort Wayne, IN
Helping an aging loved one find a reputable home care provider can be challenging. Senior1Care is your trusted partner in providing quality, compassionate home care services to seniors living in Huntertown, Leo-Cedarville, Grabill, Auburn, Bluffton, and the greater Fort Wayne area. Our experienced caregivers are trained to deliver professional, reliable care in the same respectful and friendly manner that they would treat their family members.
At Senior1Care, we understand that having a caregiver in your loved one’s home is a decision that requires trust. Our goal is to build relationships with clients by listening to their needs and providing the highest level of quality care possible. We are committed to helping your loved ones maintain their well-being, independence, and comfort. To learn more about our flexible caregiving options or schedule a FREE assessment for a senior in the greater Fort Wayne, IN, area, visit us by clicking here now.
