As elderly people transition to the final stages of life, they slowly relinquish different responsibilities, such as work and household chores. While this gives seniors time to relax, many people find strength and pride in these responsibilities. Without them, seniors may lose some of their independence. They lose more independence as physical limitations make decisions for them. Use these tips to help your parents maintain independence as they age.
1. Move Your Parents to a Senior Living Facility
Senior living offers increased independence for residents. All facilities are handicapped-accessible and on the first floor. Most apartments also have alarms in case they trip and fall. Medical professionals are always on-site in the case of an emergency. With these safety features in place, your parents can feel free to make the most of the amenities. Senior living offers different types of apartments based on the tenant’s needs. Independent seniors can enjoy apartments to themselves and upgrade to apartments with more assistance when the time comes.
2. Encourage Hobbies and Social Interaction
Independence requires cognizance. However, the brain doesn’t get as much stimulation in older age. Encourage puzzles, games, television shows, and video games for stimulation. Senior living may host different events, such as Bingo, knitting circles, and movie nights. These hobbies stimulate the mind, and social interaction stimulates the mind even more.
Senior living puts peers together in one place, making it easy for residents to make friends and find people to communicate with. If that’s not an option, make sure to stop by or call whenever you can.
3. Utilize Technology
Seniors can use technology to increase independence. In order to communicate with others, seniors should have a cellphone. With a cell phone, you can feel comfortable that the senior can call someone or search for directions if they get lost. Other medical technology that can allow seniors to travel further with more confidence include heart monitors, medication apps, emergency bracelets, location apps, and breathing devices. Medical technology has been making great strides, and sometimes investigating for a solution can reveal many options to help your parents continue living their best lives.
4. Consider Your Parents’ Opinions
Help your parents maintain independence by giving them a voice in your family. Ask your parents for opinions about family issues, such as holiday plans. Take their opinions into consideration to make them feel heard. As they lose the ability to make decisions for themselves, give them a say in smaller things, such as dinner plans and movie choices.
Your parents will enjoy their golden years more if they have some sort of independence. It starts with a safe place to live. Look at senior living options together. Make sure you take their opinion into consideration.
Written by: Meghan Belnap / Blogger, Researcher, and Freelance Writer
About the Author:Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being outdoors and researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
