If there is a senior in your life that is trying to maintain their independence as long as possible, help them out with a few simple strategies that may preserve the senior's autonomy, and that may help to decrease any resistance to change.
Some tips for helping seniors maintain their independence include:
Give your senior some respect.
Respect the lifestyle choices of seniors, and strive to find ways to preserve or increase the individual's independence. Never chastise a senior simply because they don't agree with your preferences or point of view; give respect as you will want others to give you when you are a senior.
Create a network.
Keeping an eye on a senior and checking-in with them frequently can be challenging for one or two people. Develop and incorporate a network of caring individuals that will check in or on your senior. For instance, perhaps the mailman will begin delivering mail to the door or a neighbor will stop by for coffee.
Take advantage of available resources.
Most cities have agencies dedicated to the elderly or the aging population; call around to see what types of services they may offer that are suited to your senior. For instance, meals-on-wheels provide beneficial socialization, in addition to a hot meal, and this service is often free in many regions for senior citizens.
Meet the senior where they are at.
Try to resolve one issue or obstacle at a time when helping seniors live independent lives; try not to predict or assume what the future holds. For example, if your senior needs a railing for more ease coming and going in their home, don't suggest more extreme measures like ramps. Install a railing and meet the individual where they are at, rather than try to anticipate future needs that may or may not come to fruition.
Create a safe environment.
Don't think about major changes or renovations; rarely, these are the issues that impact a senior's independence. Instead, try to put yourself in their shoes and run through the activities of daily living to get an idea where their surroundings come up short. For example, rugs or floor coverings could cause trips and injuries from a fall, poor lighting could result in kitchen mishaps, or invest in a phone system with a louder-speaker or with a light to alert hard-of-hearing users. These are the areas to focus on.
Sometimes simple adjustments can make a big difference in the safety and comfort of the home. Try these strategies to preserve a senior's independence and help them to maintain autonomy as long as possible. For assistance, talk to a professional like The Village At Morrisons Cove.
Share20 November 2015
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