How to Help a Senior Relative Live Independently and Safely

As people get older, living independently can become harder for them compared to in the past. If you have an elderly relative, then you may have noticed some signs that they are struggling to do the everyday tasks that might have normally been easy for them. Perhaps they are struggling to remember to take their medications or need some extra support keeping their home clean and tidy. Independence is recommended for seniors as it gives them a sense of purpose and can be good for their health. But in some cases, it can be necessary to provide some support to help your relative continue living as independently as possible.

Assisted Living

Assisted living communities are a great choice for seniors who want to continue living independently for as long as possible but need some assistance with everyday tasks. Many assisted living communities such as this assisted living Glenview, Belmont Village, offer smaller and more manageable accommodation types along with caregivers on hand throughout the day and night to offer support with anything your relative might be struggling with. This allows them to retain as much autonomy as possible over their own life, while giving relatives peace of mind that help will be there if they need it.

In-Home Care

Many seniors are reluctant to leave the home that they have built for themselves over the years and move to somewhere else like a retirement or assisted living community. This can be understandable, as many people struggle to deal with change at the best of times and it can be difficult to move from the environment that you are settled in and comfortable with. In this case, an in-home caregiver can be an ideal choice. This could be a live-in caregiver who resides with your relative to support them, or a caregiver who visits daily or multiple times a day to help with tasks and personal care.

Home Adaptions

Another option to consider if your senior relative wishes to remain in their own home instead of moving is to adapt the home to make it easier for them to manage. For example, fitting a downstairs bathroom can make life much easier for them if mobility issues have made it difficult for them to climb the stairs.

Mobility Tools

Providing tools that help your senior relative stay more mobile if they are struggling to get around can be a very helpful option to consider. Many older people struggle to drive due to poor eyesight or physical pain, for example, making getting behind the wheel of a vehicle dangerous for them. In this case, an electric wheelchair or scooter might be a helpful choice that allows them to get around locally without walking, reducing the risk of them becoming isolated in the home for long periods of time.

As our relatives get older, we may notice that they are having more trouble doing everyday things. While independence is important to many seniors, it’s crucial to ensure that they have the support they need to continue living a safe and fulfilling life.