As your parents or any older relatives become older, they can face health issues which prove to threaten their independence. When you love and respect your parents it can be difficult to watch this happen, especially when they were once so independent and lived their own lives, on their own terms. However, health issues or not, there are some things that you can do to help them maintain this, and allow them to have autonomy over the way that they live. Here are some things that you can do to help promote independence for the elderly.
Listen to What They Want
Unfortunately, some people deny the elderly their independence simply by not listening to what their wants and needs are. Even when facing the difficulties that come with dementia and Alzheimers, your parents are likely to make it clear what they require. Sometimes, you just need to listen a little closer or ask them questions when they’re having a good (or better) day. Patience is key and listening is just as important.
Independence For The Elderly: Make Their Homes Safe
More often than not, elderly people want to stay in the comfort of their own homes. In fact, leaving these homes can be quite distressing, especially if this is where they have so many memories of your family’s time together. Do all that you can, then, to make their homes safe to live in so that they have as much autonomy as possible. Installing a stairlift is a great help here, and there are many other options, too.
Look Into Live-in Carers and Visiting Carers
Most people can access care from their homes, and if you’d prefer to ensure that your parents or other family members are safe at all times then you can look into live-in care, too. This will help to put your mind at ease, but if you want to assess the other options available then visiting care is also worth considering. This takes a little bit of the strain off your family, whilst still allowing your parents their independence at home.
Independence For The Elderly: Consider a Personal Alarm
When you’re helping someone to maintain their independence, it most likely means that they’re going to be alone at some point. To make sure that they’re safe and to make you feel secure in the fact that they’re OK, why not get them personal alarms? If anything happens – for example, if they fall over – they can be connected with you in an instant, so that they can get the help and support they really need.
Install a Key Safe
A key safe is vital if you want to support your parents whilst they live at home, and they’re pretty affordable, too. Getting one of these installed means that you can get into the house if they aren’t responding, or there is an emergency situation. On top of this, you can let yourself in, which is ideal if your parents struggle from limited mobility or any other issues. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so be sure to get a key safe installed.
These are just a few things to consider promoting independence for the elderly. Speak to relevant healthcare and community group for further localised support on practical help and support for yourself. Being a carer, even part-time, is a big job.
