As you or a loved one gets older it’s only natural to want to prolong independence for as long as possible. At Care24Seven we understand that moving to a care home can feel like the opposite of maintaining independence. It is for these reasons that we aim to provide you with tips to maintain independent living in the senior years for as long as possible.
1. Adapting the home to match you or your loved ones level of mobility
The average house can become harder to get round as somebody ages, however, this doesn’t have to be the case. There are a number of adaptations that can be made around the home to make getting around a lot easier. Things like a handrail or ramp if there are steps to enter the house can make entry and exit a lot easier, as well as a stair lift inside the house if stairs become difficult. Another way to make independent living easier is to install motion sensor nightlights which can help with navigation from the bedroom to the bathroom at night and reduce the risk of falls.
2. Personal alarm devices
There are a number of personal alarm devices on the market which are great for promoting peace of mind for seniors and their loved ones. Many personal alarms can be worn around the neck or wrist so they are always present. This means in the event of a fall you or your loved one will easily be able to alert someone for assistance. These devices can also be beneficial if the wearer feels unwell or gets lost.
3. Look into part time care
There are so many options for care which don’t involve moving to a care home that you can look into, and there’s sure to be something that works well for everyone. For example, if you or a loved one can comfortably live independently for the most part, but need assistance with specific things like bathing or eating then a part time carer can be hired to visit the home when needed and help with these tasks.
Choosing a carer, however, can be difficult when it comes to finding someone reliable with all the necessary paperwork. At Care24Seven we can assist with this, as an agency we look after the carer vetting process for you,and ensure they are trained to the highest standard. By going through an agency you can also be sure that care will always be available when needed, as if the usual carer is ill or needs to take time off we will be able to send back up.
4. Keep the body healthy
Staying active with regular exercise can ensure independence is maintained in the senior years. Keeping active is critical for good health and even those with reduced mobility can benefit from exercise. Things like yoga, gardening, walking and chair exercises are a great way to keep the body active, they can also help with coordination and reduce the risk of falls.
5. Keep the mind active
Much like the body, the mind should also be kept active. Playing board games, doing puzzles and even video games can help keep the brain busy. Studies have shown that keeping the brain active can contribute to better processing power, memory, reasoning and communication.
Maintaining independence for as long as possible is important to many seniors and there are a number of ways that this can safely be done, from working to maintain mind and body functions to making sure help is available when needed. Not only can Care24Seven help with providing care, we can also advise on other personalised ways to maintain independence. Get in contact today to find out more.