As parents age, it’s natural for their adult children to worry about their ability to maintain their independence. After all, they’ve been the carers for the majority of their children’s lives, and now it’s the child’s turn to take care of them.
But it’s important to remember that independence is crucial to your elderly parent’s quality of life. So, how can you be sure that you are getting the balance right between caring for them and allowing them to remain as independent as possible? Here’s a quick guide to help!
Consider Assisted Living
At first, this may seem counterintuitive to have your parents remain independent. However, for many people who are older, moving into an assisted living facility or moving into another senior living Glenview placement can help your parents actually retain their independence for longer. After all, such facilities come with built-in adjustments, which means they can move about without hassle, and they will always have access to medical staff who can help them if they become unwell. They can still go about their daily tasks, cook, clean their living space, and more if they want, but they also have the option to accept help should they need it from time to time.
Also, and this is a big one, they will be surrounded by people in their own age group to socialize with. As many elderly people state that they feel lonely, having them surrounded by friends can help them to stay happy and youthful. Feeling happier about where they are living could mean they are healthier, and being healthier means being able to retain independence for longer.
Encourage Exercise and Healthy Habits
Encouraging your elderly parents to engage in regular exercise and healthy living habits can help them maintain their physical health, reduce the risk of falls, and improve their overall well-being. Even a simple daily walk can make a significant difference in their health. Indeed, this becomes more important if they have a familial predisposition for heart disease or Alzheimer’s, as exercise can help to reduce the chances of both of these ailments from developing.
Consider Assistive Technology
Assistive technology can help your elderly parents maintain their independence by providing them with tools and devices that make daily activities easier. A personal emergency response system can give them peace of mind knowing they can get help quickly if needed. However, other amazing devices that have multiple purposes could be a better option. Interestingly, an AI assistant device like Alexa or Google Home can help them to call for help if they fall, all from a voice command, but they can also provide entertainment, get cooking ideas, play games, get reminders, set alarms, and receive news. These AI assistants can also be linked to cameras, so you can check on them if they have not answered your calls..
Encourage Social Engagement
Social engagement is important for your elderly parents’ mental health and overall well-being, as well as keeping them happy and engaged with others. So, try to encourage them to participate in social activities, join a community group, or volunteer in the community. These interactions can be via something as simple as a walking group at their local park, a reading group, or even a gardening group.
