How to Help Seniors Living Independently: 7 Essential Tips
Watching a parent grow older is a unique experience. As older adults enter their golden years, adult children may find themselves moving into the role of caregiver and primary support provider.
Being a caregiver often means allowing aging parents to maintain their independence while ensuring they feel supported, happy, and safe. It's a tricky balance.
Although aging parents may need more assistance, they don't want to feel coddled or controlled. Seniors want to feel capable of going about daily life without constant hand-holding.
Whether you're a caregiver or a senior aging place, there are some easy ways to maintain a sense of autonomy while still receiving assistance as needed. We've gathered a few tips for helping seniors live independently while keeping safety and happiness at top of mind.
7 Tips for Helping Seniors Live Independently
Seniors living independently face a unique set of challenges, including potential social isolation, mobility issues, limited access to transportation, and chronic health concerns. Nonetheless, many older adults want to stay in their current home and live independently for as long as possible.
Aging in place successfully is totally possible with some careful planning, the right resources, and assistance from family and friends when needed. Below, you'll find our top tips for helping seniors live independently.
1. Safety First
Safety should be the first priority for seniors living independently. Aging in place often means spending significant time at home, so it must be a safe place, free of potential hazards.
Making home modifications, such as adding chair lifts or access ramps, is the first step to ensuring that seniors can maneuver safely around their homes and complete activities of daily living independently. Clearing away clutter is also essential for preventing trips and falls.
Look for potential safety hazards like step-in tubs, cluttered walkways, or poorly lit areas that could use some updating. Here are some easy safety modifications that can make a huge difference:
- Remove Loose Rugs and Add Non-Slip Mats: Remove or secure loose rugs and carpets that could cause trips and falls. Place non-slip mats in the bathroom, kitchen, and other areas where the floor is likely to be slippery or wet.
- Install Grab Bars: Install grab bars in the tub or shower, near the toilet, and in other areas where extra support might be needed when sitting or standing.
- Ensure Proper Lighting: Update the lighting in poorly lit areas, and consider adding bright, motion-activated lights in areas like stairs, hallways, and bathrooms to prevent falls during the night. Motion-activated lighting in outdoor areas like entryways and walkways can also enhance security and safety.
- Install a Home Security System: Installing a home security system is essential for easy access to help when needed. Look for one that includes a ring camera to allow seniors to see who's at the door without opening it. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are also a must.
- Adjust Furniture Placement: Rearrange furniture as needed to create clear, wide pathways to reduce the risk of trips and falls. Ensure easy access to doorways and other high-traffic areas.
- Upgrade to Lever Handles: Consider replacing traditional doorknobs with lever handles, which are easier for seniors with arthritis or limited hand strength to operate.
2. Embracing Technology
Modern technology has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for caregivers and seniors living independently. From dementia care technology to caregiver apps, there are numerous innovative solutions to choose from.
JubileeTV is a great example of how modern technology can help seniors live independently. Made to simplify the TV experience for older adults, the JubileeTV Hub also includes an all-in-one voice remote that allows aging adults to navigate easily from Netflix to the Hallmark channel without having to deal with tiny buttons.
For seniors who need a little extra assistance with the TV, the JubileeTV App allows approved family members and caregivers to control the TV remotely, adjust the volume, navigate streaming apps, or change the channel.
The app can also be used to set reminders for medications, doctor's appointments, and daily check-ins. Reminders will pop up automatically on the television for peace of mind.
Smart home devices, wearable health monitoring systems, and other adaptive equipment can also greatly enhance independence and quality of life for seniors.
3. Maintaining Connections
For seniors living independently, maintaining social connections is key to good mental health and preventing loneliness and isolation. With JubileeTV's easy video calling feature, family members can video call their senior loved one's television from anywhere using the mobile app.
The calls pop up loud and clear right on the TV screen, so seniors don't have to worry about visibility and hearing issues. Seniors also have the option to turn on the video or complete the call with audio only if they're not camera-ready.
Beyond video chats with family and friends, there are many opportunities for seniors to engage with the community. Senior centers and community centers offer daily activities specifically for older adults. Organizations like the YMCA also offer senior swimming classes, dance classes, and other experiences that allow socialization and exercise.
Explore clubs, groups, volunteer opportunities, and online communities to meet new people with similar interests. School mentoring programs or shared reading programs that connect seniors with younger generations can also be rewarding.
4. Staying Mobile
One of the biggest adjustments seniors living independently may have to make is stepping away from the wheel and into the passenger seat. Losing the ability to drive themselves can make it difficult for seniors to run errands or maintain social connections, but it doesn't have to be that way.
Do some research to see what safe public transportation options are available in your area. It's one of the most affordable and easiest ways for seniors to get around independently. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft may cost a little more, but they're easy to use, reliable, and available on demand.
GoGoGrandparent is another excellent option, offering screened and monitored services from Uber, Instacart, and more for seniors with or without a smartphone. It's a great choice for seniors who struggle with technology!
Beyond that, many senior centers offer safe transportation to social events and activities. And don't hesitate to ask if nearby church or club members might be willing to offer a lift to weekly events and services.
5. Prioritizing Health
Maintaining good health is essential for seniors who want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Regular fluid intake helps to prevent dehydration, which can lead to health issues like kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Walking, swimming, yoga, and other gentle physical activity improves strength, balance, and flexibility and reduce the risk of falls and other health issues. Fitness classes for seniors offer social interaction and a safe exercise environment!
Meal and grocery delivery services can help ensure seniors have access to healthy, balanced meals, even if they can't do the shopping themselves. And staying on top of medical care and routine doctor visits is key for monitoring overall health and managing chronic conditions.
Use pill organizers and set medication reminders on the TV to help seniors manage their medications and avoid missed doses. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist regularly to adjust medication doses if needed or avoid potential interactions.
6. Having a Plan for Aging In Place
Whether you're a caregiver or an older adult who wants to maintain your independence in your golden years, the best time to think about aging in place is before additional care and assistance are needed.
Planning ahead allows seniors to make their own decisions based on their personal preferences. Start by thinking about what assistance is needed now and how much assistance will likely be needed in the future.
Then, begin researching in-home care options, senior programs, and other services that are available in your area. Consider potential costs and look into assistance opportunities.
This is also the time to think about setting up the home to meet changing needs over time. From access ramps to outdoor lighting, there's a lot to consider, especially if limited mobility or chronic health conditions might make it difficult to manage daily tasks in the future.
Share the plan with family, friends, and other potential caregivers so that they know what to expect and what additional support may be needed. Be realistic and flexible, as seniors' needs often change over time.
7. Finding Resources and Support for Seniors Living Independently
From community programs to nationwide organizations, a wealth of resources and support opportunities are readily accessible for seniors living independently. Start by exploring local Facebook groups, senior centers, community centers, and programs like Meals On Wheels to learn about what's available in your area.
Nationwide organizations like AARP and NCOA can also help you connect with local resources that offer support for older people and their caregivers. From financial assistance and respite care to transportation and social activities, there are many opportunities out there if you're willing to do the research.
Empowering Seniors to Live Independently
Helping seniors live independently may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and resources, it's totally doable. Even small changes can have a big impact, and there are many resources and organizations available to help.
By focusing on safety, assistive technology, and social support, you can help seniors living independently stay active, healthy, and happy while aging in place. Jubilee TV can simplify daily life for seniors with its intuitive features and family-friendly support. Here's how to get started!
