Looking for ways to empower elderly loved ones or your aging parents? Here are eight ways you can help them maintain their independence, from finding senior clothing to enjoying social events:
Hazard-proof the house
Whether your elderly loved ones live on their own or with you, removing safety hazards from the living space is one of the most important things you can do to empower them and help them stay independent for as long as possible.https://topshealthinfo.com/best-way-to-deal-with-dermatology-issues/
Take care of common trip and fall hazards such as electrical cords and loose rugs. Install support handles in the bathroom to help them use the toilet, shower, and tub.
If your Elderly Loved one has dementia, you might also need to put knives, microwave ovens, and small kitchen appliances out of reach, as well as put locks on the cabinets, to prevent them from getting into cleaning chemicals.
Give them control of personal hygiene
Elderly Loved, One of the least empowering things about aging is losing control of personal care activities, such as showering, dressing, and eating. Do what you can to help your elderly loved ones to keep control of this for as long as possible.
For instance, Elderly Loved you can buy them special adaptive clothing that is designed for those with arthritis and other mobility limitations. Utensils with fat, rubber grips are easier for older adults to maneuver while eating.
Keep them moving
Elderly Loved, Regular exercise is key to maintaining mobility during aging. Even if your loved one is confined to a wheelchair, they can still do chair exercises to work their body. If they have more mobility, gentle workouts such as walking, tai chi, yoga, and stretching are very low impact and perfect for older adults.
Talk to your loved one’s doctor about what types of exercise would be most appropriate for their level of mobility. It’s especially important for older adults to consult a health professional before embarking on any new physical fitness regimen.
Exercise their brains
Speaking of exercise, the body isn’t the only thing that needs a workout — the brain does, too. Elderly Loved, Activities such as puzzles, sudoku, and card games will work new areas of the brain and help them stay sharp even as they age.
New experiences that encourage them to learn new skills, such as art classes or language classes, will also help keep their brain sharp, not to mention keep them entertained and fulfilled in retirement.
Stay on top of health matters
The older Elderly Loved someone gets, the more important it is to keep up with doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and medications. However, older adults can struggle with this.
Their mobility issues may make it harder to get to appointments and they may forget to take medications or do physical therapy exercises. One of the best things you can do to help your elderly loved ones stay healthy for as long as possible is to help them stay on top of their health.
You may need to keep track of their appointments or medications, drive them to the doctor, get them post-surgery clothing, or simply check in with them occasionally, depending on their abilities.
Support their social life
Elderly Loved, Many feel isolated and lonely as they age. This can have significant consequences for their mental health, which can in turn impact their physical health as well. Unfortunately, many adults find it difficult to get out for book club meetings, reunions, and other social events.
You may need to support your Elderly Loved one by driving them to places, or by offering to host people at either your place or theirs so your loved one doesn’t have to get out.
Even just a few social events a month will give them something to look forward to and go a long way toward lifting their spirits. If your loved one is savvy enough, you can also teach them how to use phone calls and video chats to stay in touch with people who live further away.
Give them some responsibilities
If your loved one is capable of it, giving them small tasks to take care of, such as watering a plant once a week or taking care of a small chore, will make them feel reliable and part of the household. Not all older adults — such as those suffering from dementia or those with extremely limited mobility — will be able to do this.
However, for those who still can, integrating them into day-to-day life can be really beneficial too. Indeed, many older adults become really frustrated when their loved ones tell them to “take it easy” and try to do everything for them, so they may actually appreciate being asked to do something.
Consider getting part-time help
If your loved one has been struggling alone at home, or you’ve been trying to take care of them on your own and are feeling overwhelmed, you may want to consider calling in some part-time professional help.
Hiring a home health aide or a nurse can give you a break for a couple of hours or days every week, allowing you to prolong putting them in a senior living facility.
Talk to your elderly loved ones to see if they are open to getting part-time help moving forward and how it could make your lives easier and help them maintain their independence.
FAQs
How can I empower my elderly loved ones to maintain their independence?
Encourage their participation in daily activities, provide opportunities for decision-making, and support their autonomy. Help them develop a routine that allows them to manage their own tasks and make choices about their daily lives.
What are some ways to support their physical health and well-being?
Promote regular exercise by engaging in activities together or encouraging them to join senior-friendly exercise programs. Help them maintain a balanced diet by providing nutritious meals or assisting with meal planning. Encourage regular medical check-ups and remind them to take prescribed medications.
How can I foster their social connections and prevent isolation?
Facilitate social interactions by organizing family gatherings or outings, encouraging involvement in community activities or senior centers, and helping them stay connected with friends and loved ones through technology. Consider arranging transportation or accompanying them to social events if needed.
What can I do to ensure their emotional well-being?
Listen actively to their concerns, validate their feelings, and provide emotional support. Engage in meaningful conversations and activities to promote a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Encourage hobbies, interests, and engagement in activities that bring them joy.
How can I ensure their safety and security?
Assess their living environment for potential hazards and make necessary modifications to ensure safety. Install handrails, grab bars, and adequate lighting. Discuss emergency plans and provide them with necessary resources and contacts for assistance. Regularly check on their well-being and address any concerns promptly.