February is National Senior Independence Month, which gives us the opportunity to celebrate senior independence while also examining the challenges that become present while aging in place as well as maintaining independence. Our goal as Arkansas’s oldest, most trusted name in in-home care service is to help seniors remain independent in their own home and to live their lives on their terms. There are a few tips to help seniors live independently and safely in their own homes.
Maintain a healthy body and mind
Maintaining a healthy body and mind are the main steps to preserve senior independence. Regular exercise and eating well will help keep the body healthy and learning new skills and activities will help keep the mind sharp and healthy. According to a report from the CDC, exercise has been shown to reduce fall risks, improve cognitive function, prevent disease, and support an overall positive well-being in seniors.
Simple exercises like dancing, swimming, or yoga are beneficial for seniors while also being gentle on the joints. Eating healthy meals focused around nutrient dense whole foods is also key for maintaining a healthy body.
Seniors can maintain their mental health by staying active mentally. Engage in activities like; table games, cards, or puzzles. Taking classes or participating in local or online educational seminars to learn something new can also keep the mind sharp.
There are many centers and organizations that offer virtual and in-person classes for exercise, games, and companionship for seniors.
Socialize
Emotional health is just as important as mental and physical health. Many seniors may become depressed if they feel isolated and and miss having an active social life or the companionship of a spouse. Preventing this kind of social isolation is vital to mental and physical well-being. It’s important to keep senior’s minds active, keep their spirits up, and give them something to look forward to.
Schedule visits with friends, family, in-home health caregivers, or volunteers can help fill this void. seniors may also benefit from volunteering for a cause or organization that has meaning to them. Many senior centers have opportunities for seniors to get involved in advocacy work.
If you are a loved one of a senior, be sure to call or visit as much as you can. Offer to drive them to their docor’s appointments or other activities if they are no longer able to drive. Many senior centers also offer transportation services for free or for a small fee. If you are unable to physically help, you can set up services to help your senior loved one to not feel so socially isolated.
Equip the home for senior independence
Equipping the home for seniors is crucial for them to continue living independently. This will help them to stay safe and continue to perform their daily tasks on their own. Installing grab bars, non-slip mats, and better lighting can help prevent falls from happening. Having easy access to a telephone and emergency numbers is also important in case of an emergency or accident.
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Declutter
- Clearing out walkways and other areas for the house can decrease the risk of falls. It’s better to do this before the senior is more at risk of falling.
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Preventative maintenance
- If you notice something, it’s better to take action before it becomes a bigger issue and possibly becomes a fall hazard. Check stair banisters and deck railings for looseness. Add better lighting or motion-sensor lights in dark hallways and closets to prevent falls. With a little foresight, it might be a good idea to install grab bars in the bathroom before they’re needed, so they’re there just in case.
Getting around
For many seniors, their ability to get around by either walking or driving, defines their independence. Some may feel that they have lost their independence when they are no longer able to drive or walk.
Luckily there are modern solutions to help maintain independence. Many seniors can now get just about anything delivered to their home without the need to get in a car. Everything from prescriptions, personal care items, and groceries can arrive at your doorstep with just a couple clicks.
For seniors with mobility issues there are also several options to help continue living independently in their home while reducing their fall risk. Canes, walkers, scooters, and wheelchairs can help seniors get around without walking while also preventing accidents and falls. Adding ramps, better lighting, handrails, and decluttering to remove trip hazards are also important steps to take to help seniors stay mobile and in their own home.
Are you looking for In-Home Care to help maintain your independence?
Superior Senior Care is Arkansas’s oldest, most trusted name in in-home care services. We prioritize your peace of mind. We offer referrals for a variety of levels of elderly care and services, with both short and long-term options. All the senior caregivers on our registry undergo thorough screenings and comprehensive background checks. And they are trained to work with clients in everything from household duties to grocery shopping. We’ve helped families with a variety of chronic conditions including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, lung disease and more.
For more information on our home health services offering, please contact us today at (888) 503-5879 or visit our website at https://www.superiorseniorcare.com/our-services/
As the first accredited registry in Arkansas, we have more than 35 years of experience and thousands of happy customers. Access to our large client registry means stability for you and the best chance to match you with just the right family. Interested in becoming a caregiver on our registry? Fill out and electronically submit our pre-screening referral application here: https://www.superiorseniorcare.com/caregiving-opportunities/