5 Ways to Encourage Senior Independence

As our loved ones grow older, caregivers might wonder if their loved ones will be better taken care of in a senior living facility rather than at home. In reality, most seniors prefer to live alone to secure their independence. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 12 Million seniors live alone in the United States. Visit Impact Supplements if you’re looking for a supplement.

5 Ways to Encourage Senior Independence

Although many caregivers want to do as much as possible to support their loved one, there are benefits to encouraging your loved one to be independent. By encouraging seniors to live independently in the comfort of their own home, they will enjoy a number of benefits. This includes better protection from possible diseases or illnesses that are more prevalent in shared spaces, allowing them to live their life at their own pace, and keeping them close to family and friends. 

By showing your loved one that you value their independence, they’ll also be less likely to experience depression, enjoy their daily life, and will trust you to support them. As a caregiver, this will allow you to put less pressure on yourself and enjoy an open and empowering relationship with your senior. 

Here are five ways to encourage senior independence: 

1. Talk and plan together. – Find out how to help encourage your senior to live independently by talking to them. Learn what ways they may need help whether physically or cognitively, listen to their needs, and make a plan in case they require assistance, but you are not around to help.
2. Avoid jumping in to help. – We might see our loved one needing help doing regular tasks but do not jump in to help them right away. Instead, give your loved one some time to try and figure out the task at hand. If they continue to struggle, ask them if they need assistance.
3. Encourage their choices whenever possible. – Older adults might not always feel like they are in control of their own life, especially when there is a caregiver present. Allowing your loved one to make their own choices in clothing, food, and even shows they watch can make them feel in control of their life. Remember to listen to your seniors and consider their choices.
4. Find a weekly activity for your loved one. – While there may not be as many chances to socialize due to COVID-19, we can encourage our loved ones to set up a weekly call with their close friends, find a socially distant workout class, or take them out to sightsee around town. This will give them something to look forward to and they may make some new friends along the way!
5. Provide the care your loved one wants. – Being a caregiver means providing your loved one with the best care possible. However, this also means listening to your loved one about certain ways they want you to support them. Many older adults have strong opinions and might not accept support. As a caregiver, you can find a balance between letting your seniors live independently while also ensuring that their needs are being met. 

Is it safe for seniors to live alone?

If you are not sure if your loved one is safe living on his or her own, pay attention to signs that may provide clues that it might be time to hire an in-home caregiver. Some of these signs include: 

• Changes in mood or behavior.
• Struggling with meals.
• Falling behind on daily tasks such as paying bills or staying in touch with family or friends.
• Recovering from illness or surgery. 
• Personal hygiene is being ignored.
• They become disoriented when visiting a familiar place.
• They’re defensive.

In-home caregivers are a great option for individuals who want to continue to live independently while in the comfort of their own home.  Whether for just a few hours a day or as live-in support, an in-home caregiver can provide your loved one with:

• Free time to rest and enjoy their hobbies and social recreational activities 
• Reduced stress regarding getting things ‘done’ in an effective manner
• Reduced risk of injury and falls associated with physical chores
• Dignity and self-esteem in having an orderly, clean home and personal appearance through personal care

At 24/7 Nursing Care, we offer a variety of in-home placement services that can tend to your loved ones’ needs such as Certified Nursing Assistants, Companion Care Nurses, Post-Surgery Recovery assistance, and many more. We make it a priority to ensure your loved one is in safe hands. We screen all of our placement nurses and make sure they follow all safety measures to keep your loved one protected and healthy. 

When you can’t be left alone, invite us into your home.® Contact us today for a free in-home consultation to ensure your loved one is receiving excellent care. Call (786) 518-3622 for Miami-Dade or (954) 949-1332 for Broward county. You can also send us an email with any questions, and we will strive to answer all your questions promptly at info@24-7nursingcare.info