How to Help Older Adults Maintain Their Independence

It’s important for seniors to retain a sense of independence. When older adults have the freedom to pursue their favorite activities and do things for themselves, it boosts their self-esteem, mental health, and overall wellness. Here are a few ways caregivers can help their senior loved ones stay independent for as long as possible. 

Encourage Doing Day-to-Day Tasks without Assistance

When seniors are coddled, they often lose their sense of independence. In some cases, extensive assistance is necessary, and you shouldn’t compromise your loved one’s health to cater to his or her desire for freedom. In other instances, seniors simply aren’t given the opportunity to do things for themselves. If your loved one wants to brush his or her hair, button a sweater, or make lunch, these small acts of independence should be encouraged. 

Aging adults who need help to live at home independently can benefit from having in-home caregivers. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care Las Vegas. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Extol the Virtues of Exercise 

Regardless of their physical fitness or mobility levels, most seniors can find ways to stay active. For aging adults with mobility issues, chair yoga and aerobics are ideal. Active seniors might enjoy taking weekly water aerobics classes or going for brisk walks in local parks. 

Favorite hobbies can also be forms of exercise. For example, gardening and bird watching are great ways to stay active. Exercise is essential for seniors who want to maintain their independence, as it increases balance, strength, flexibility, and mobility. If your loved one is in good shape, he or she is less likely to trip or fall.

Older adults who need help exercising should consider professional Home Care Las Vegas. home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.

Make the Home Safer 

As adults age, home modifications sometimes become necessary to ensure their safety and boost mobility. When installed correctly, these modifications can be integral to independence. 

To prevent your loved one from slipping and falling in the bathroom, install grab bars and nonslip mats. If your loved one needs brighter lighting to see well, replace all current light bulbs with higher-wattage options. In the event your parent has difficulty with meal preparation, rearrange the kitchen to enhance accessibility. 

Invest in Assistive Devices 

There are plenty of devices designed to make everyday living easier for seniors. If your loved one needs a daily medication reminder, find a pill organizer equipped with a voice alert system. Seniors with arthritis may have an easier time dressing themselves with the help of button hook aids. Look into seat assist devices, which help seniors transfer from a seated to a standing position. Consider investing in bed handles that make getting out of bed simpler. 

Provide Opportunities to Engage in Favorite Hobbies 

When seniors no longer have access to their favorite activities, it negatively impacts their self-esteem. To promote feelings of independence, make sure your loved one has the time and opportunity to pursue hobbies. 

If your parent needs a ride to the local senior center to take a weekly ballroom dancing class, provide the transportation. In the event your loved one’s reading habit has been hindered by poor eyesight, help him or her select audiobooks from the library. By helping your loved one participate in favorite activities, you can help him or her maintain a sense of purpose. 

Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Las Vegas, NV, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call 702-919-0231 today.