Aging in Place: 5 Tips To Help a Loved One Live Independently
It might not always be easy or pleasant to think about the living arrangements and home modifications a loved one will need as they age. However, with the right tips, you can support the aging in place and independent living of a senior loved one – and even improve their quality of life!
In this guide, you’ll learn about the basic steps to take to ensure that an aging parent, spouse, or family member is safe, healthy, and engaged when living independently. But, don’t forget that every person’s circumstances and needs are unique, and the first step is always to consult a specialized healthcare professional.
Partner With the Right Home Care Professionals
While a growing percentage of Americans take on the role of unpaid caregivers, caring for an aging loved one isn’t an easy or quick task. And, for many, taking on this role might mean that they’ll have to leave behind other important aspects of their lives.
That is why it is crucial to partner with a senior home care agency who can match your aging loved one with a specialized professional. In this way, you can ensure that your family member is safe, well looked after, and in good company.
Invest in Medical Alert Devices or Jewelry
It is normal for seniors to want to live independently and in their family home for as long as possible. At the same time, these are also the individuals who should wear an adequate medical alert device!
Indeed, as your loved one continues to age, injuries, falls, trips, and other health problems become more likely. And, if they live alone or independently, even a minor trip can turn into a medical emergency. A medical alert device will give them immediate access to the medical care needed.
Assist a Loved One With Their Daily Activities, i.e.: Taking Their Medications
While aging in place is certainly a choice to be encouraged for as long as possible, you should also make sure to assist your senior loved one with essential daily activities, such as cleaning, personal hygiene, cooking, and taking medications.
As your loved one gets older, even the simpler activities they have been performing their whole life can become complex and challenging. That is where your help will help them maintain high standards of living.
Support Healthy Lifestyle Choices
To remain healthy and safe while aging, your loved ones will need to keep up with some healthy lifestyle choices. These include engaging in broad social interactions, maintaining a healthy diet, practicing daily physical activity, and eating a nutritious and balanced diet.
Make sure they are able to keep up with these lifestyle standards, which will help them maintain their mental and physical health for longer.
Adjust Their Home Environment
Even the home they have lived in for decades can become hard to navigate as soon as your aging loved one starts experiencing mobility issues.
Luckily, there is a lot that you can do to ensure their safety and well-being, starting with getting in touch with a home care professional and investing in necessary home modifications.
Be sure to consult an experienced healthcare professional to ensure that the needs of your aging loved one are met.
