How Can Your Aging Loved Ones Stay Independent?

As people get old, many things surely change. Sometimes the changes connected to aging occur slowly, and there will be time for injuries, accidents, or worsening of a previous medical condition. The ability to stay independent is something that most seniors say they wish and want. However, what does independent exactly mean? How do Senior Buddies help in making it possible? Let us look at what seniors define as independence and the research that strengthens the psychological and physical benefits of remaining independent. 

Aging at Home is the Best Choice of Most Seniors

We know with no doubt that most seniors wish to age in place. 76% of older adults age 50 say they choose to stay in their current home. Yet, as people age, they find it more difficult to age in place because of medical conditions and the need for help and support. Approximately 2 out of 10 adults over 70 mention that they either cannot or find it challenging to live independently and perform their daily tasks without help from a care specialist or family support. This is why considering a career in caregiving is a growing trend and an excellent option. Additionally, as the demand for specialized professionals increases, so do caregiver pay rates. Continue reading to learn more about how a caregiver can help seniors live with greater levels of independence.

• Many years at home are perhaps independent for seniors who have spent many years in the same residence and neighborhood. Home is where seniors created families, raised children, and built careers.  
• Many seniors have strong attachments to their neighbors and neighborhoods. 
• Home is where family celebrates small and big achievements. Also, this is where they gathered for life events such as having grandkids and spending most holidays. 

Staying in place during older age is preferable and possible for most people. Caregiver assistance and consolidated efforts from the family can ensure success when it comes to staying independent at home. For instance, about one-third of seniors expect considerable changes at home as they get older. A mix of home safety and caregiver help will encourage independence for seniors. 

What Do Senior Loved Ones Say Independence Implies to Them?

Each individual has a distinct description of independence. Senior Buddies values the individual point of view of each client. We aim to assist the client in achieving the best version of freedom in their mind. The first step in supporting our clients is to get to know them well and reach their potential. A person may see freedom as healing from a fall with the assistance of an in-home caregiver to strengthen physical therapy exercises. For another one, it may mean getting to the senior facility or doing other activities since they cannot drive any longer. 

Senior Buddies is here to support older adults to get the best definitions of their independence. The more we get to know them, the better strategies we can employ to provide them quality services. 

How Can Independence Affect Physical and Emotional Health?

Studies explain a complicated relationship between physical and emotional health and independence. It is a cruel cycle that begins with a loss of physical movement that leads to depression, causing the increase of problems remaining motivated to improve. 

For instance, we understand that seniors with physical conditions like mobility issues and heart disease are more prone to anxiety and depression. As seniors become more feebled, they lose social engagements. Socially active seniors prevent the early onset of cognitive decline and other physical conditions. Also, having a caregiver can help them stay socially active and engaged. 

Social activities and early support are crucial to assisting seniors to remain at home and keep as independent as possible. 

How can Family Caregivers Support Senior Loved Ones?

As a family caregiver of an aging loved one, you want to do and give everything to help their well-being and keep them healthy. At Senior Buddies, we consider the relationship between your senior loved one, your family members, and our in-home caregivers as partners. We have some recommendations on how to help your senior loved ones with our assistance. 

Improve Physical Safety and Independence

• Our in-home caregivers strengthen good physical habits and monitor safeties. 
• Safety features and home accessibility guarantee a homey environment that promotes independence.
• In-home caregivers provide transportation for senior loved ones who should not be driving. Transportation assistance enables senior loved ones to see friends, go to doctor’s appointments, and do chosen activities.

Promoting emotional and mental health

• In-home caregivers give companionship and help the client with obtaining social functions.
• In-home caregivers can check and report on emotional and mental health changes. 

Supporting social synergies and engagement

• Monthly scheduled family visits in person or virtually make senior loved ones feel cared for and engaged. 
• In-home caregivers help your senior loved ones to stay mentally active as they learn a new set of skills, participate in games, and support ongoing challenges such as learning new technologies.

Encouraging Independence for Seniors 

At Senior Buddies, we aim to give the needs and wants of your senior loved ones that they deserve. The challenges you and your aging loved ones face are attainable with enough planning and help. Supporting and strengthening independence is our goal. And with the help of the family, we can make everything possible for them. Call us now!