Independence Day: 4 Ways to Help your Aging Parent Maintain Their Independence

One of the joys of being an adult is having the freedom to do as you please. Many seniors prefer to age in place in order to maintain as much of their independence as possible. But with aging, some tasks can become more difficult. You may worry about your aging parent’s safety in certain scenarios.

Just because they are getting older and need some additional help does not necessarily mean it is time to move into assisted living just yet. There are some ways that you can support your senior’s continued independence in their own home.

Organize their home accordingly.

Identify potential hazards that may pose a fall risk and try to correct them. This could include modifications around the home such as:

• Improving lighting in hallways or stairwells.
• Adding grab bars and slip-resistant mats in the bathroom.
• Tying back cords so they are out of the way.
• Tacking down rugs or carpet so there are smoother transitions and they don’t shift out of place.
• Arranging furniture in a way that enhances mobility and ease of navigation.

It can also be a good idea to place commonly used objects within easy reach so they don’t have to reach up or bend down to get them all the time. Assistive devices such as grabbers can help too.

Check In Regularly

Your loved one may not need someone there 24/7, but regular communication can let you know that they’re okay. Ask if there is anything they need, or anything you can do to help. Even if there isn’t, they know that you are there should they need something.

In addition to calling on the phone, consider using video conferencing software as well. This can allow you to actually see your aging parent and not just hear them. You can take note of their appearance and if anything seems concerning. It can also be good for their mental health to have regular interaction, even virtually.

If your senior would like a routine check-in call, we have the perfect program called Always In Touch. It’s a complementary telephone reassurance program that offers a daily or weekly check-in socialization call. Our associates have available openings right now for the summer.  For more information on this program, please click here.

Keep Them Active

Both physical and social activity are beneficial. Go for regular walks together, or sign them up for exercise classes at the local gym or senior center. Encourage them to make plans with friends, join a club, or volunteer in the community. Being out and about, using their mind, can keep them sharper and enhance balance and coordination.

Let your aging parent pick activities that interest them so they’re more motivated to stay involved. If they want to try something new, help them find a way to do it. This can empower them to feel more confident and in control.

Get In-Home Care

One of the great things about in-home care is that it can be adjusted to fit your senior’s specific needs. Perhaps they only need help in the morning getting up, or in the evening getting ready for bed. Maybe they could benefit from someone coming by to help prepare meals or straighten up. Or maybe they just want some companionship and someone to escort them in the community.

An in-home caregiver can be there a few hours a week or several hours per day. They are able to meet your loved one where they are at and support them with areas of need while allowing them to do what they are able to independently. Contact Always Best Care today at 403-812-0778 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how in-home care can benefit seniors.