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Seniors go through many life changes when they decide to move into a retirement home or seek in-home care. Although they struggle with routine tasks such as cleaning the house or washing the dishes, they still yearn for freedom and independence. Since older adults have been doing household chores for decades, they usually find it hard to accept they need help.
Hiring a caregiver to do everything for the senior parents might seem a good idea, but it denies the senior the much-needed independence. This post highlights proven strategies to balance care and independence.
Encourage Seniors to Engage in Social Activities and Hobbies
Some seniors lead dull lives in isolated places because they give up on their hobbies and social activities. So, families should encourage aging parents to focus on their hobbies even when they move into senior living communities to build physical and mental resilience.
The best retirement communities have book clubs, movie clubs, sports competitions, and art programs to encourage seniors to stay active. They also organize social events such as game days and concerts to ensure senior parents do not feel lonely or isolated.
Interacting with old friends and family members makes the seniors feel in control, fostering independence. They think that their life is enjoyable and fulfilling despite diminishing energy, chronic conditions, memory loss, or financial challenges.
Leave Some Tasks for the Senior Parents to Handle
Some caregivers or family members think they should do everything for seniors with physical or mental health challenges. Assuming that senior parents cannot handle simple tasks such as taking a shower or changing clothes can make them feel like a burden to others.
However, allowing seniors to do some tasks and only assisting them when necessary to nurture a sense of autonomy and independence. So, caregivers should first identify the household chores that senior parents can handle and where they need help. This ensures the seniors are comfortable and do not feel like they are a burden to their family or caregivers.
Provide Support Equipment to Prevent Accidents
As the need for senior care and support increases, family members should buy equipment that can make the lives of seniors enjoyable. Installing handrails and buying mobility aids can help the senior move around and do some tasks alone.
The ability to do simple tasks such as using the bathroom or switching on the lights without involving caregivers fosters a sense of independence, regardless of how weak the senior parents seem. However, one should monitor how seniors climb stairs or use support equipment such as wheelchairs to prevent accidents or mobility issues.
Provide Materials for Physical and Mental Exercise
The body loses physical and cognitive functions due to a lack of physical or mental engagement. However, regardless of age or medical condition, seniors who exercise stay focused, happy, and healthy. Seniors can exercise alone or as a group, especially in a retirement community.
Seniors can jog, run, walk, lift weights, swim, and use spin bikes or treadmills. They can also solve puzzles, play video games, or compete in board games like chess to preserve cognitive functions. Physical fitness and mental stimulation ensure seniors can maintain independence.
These tips can help caregivers and families with seniors to balance care and independence. Senior living facilities understand the need to balance the two, which explains how they create a haven for older adults. So, families with senior parents can consider assisted living that balances support and independence.
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