Seniors and independent living: how to make it work for your loved ones

As our loved ones age, it can be difficult to see them become more dependent. However, there are ways to make sure that they are still living their best life possible. Here are a few tips on how to make independent living work for your loved one:

Encourage them to stay connected with friends and family

One of the best things you can do for your elderly loved ones is to encourage them to stay connected with friends and family. Social interaction is crucial for their mental and emotional wellbeing. If they live alone, consider arranging regular visits or setting up weekly video calls so they can stay in touch. Helping loved ones with new technology and sharing experiences of new things can help them to stay connected as life moves on.

Help them stay active

Independent living doesn’t mean that seniors have to stop being active. In fact, it’s important for them to stay active in order to maintain their health and independence. There are plenty of ways to help them stay active, such as taking walks together, joining a local seniors’ group, or signing up for a fitness class designed for older adults. Our What’s On page shows some of the activities available in the Guildford and Farnham area.

Make sure they have the right support

As our loved ones age, they may need more support from us than they did in the past. That’s why it’s important to make sure that they have the right support system in place. This could include hiring a carer at home to help with activities of daily living, arranging transportation to and from appointments, or providing emotional support when needed.

Take care of their appearance

While it may seem like a minor thing, appearance can actually be quite important for seniors. Maintaining their appearance can help them to feel good about themselves and remain independent. It’s important to encourage them to keep up with their grooming habits and perhaps even try new styles. This could include getting a new haircut, trying out different makeup looks, or picking out some new clothes that make them feel great.

Encourage them to pursue their interests

Independent living is all about pursuing your own interests and living life on your own terms. This is especially important for seniors, who may have more time on their hands than they did when they were working. Help them to find new hobbies or interest groups that they can enjoy. This could be anything from learning a new language to taking up painting or gardening.

Remember to share memories, laughter and fun

One of the best things about independent living is that it allows seniors to continue living their lives in their own homes, surrounded by their belongings and memories. It’s important to encourage your loved ones to share their memories with you, as it can be a great way to connect with them and understand their life experiences. It can also be a lot of fun! Hearing stories about their youth, their travels, or even just everyday life can be a real treat. What’s more, laughter is one of the best medicines, so try to enjoy some good belly laughs together whenever you can.

Independent living can be a great option for seniors, but it’s important to make sure that they have the right support in place. Home care can be a great way to support seniors who want to live independently. Having a carer helps them with things like cooking, cleaning, personal care, and transportation can enable them to maintain their independence in their own home. It can also provide much-needed companionship and support for your loved one in the areas they need it most.

These are just a few tips on how to make independent living work. It’s important to encourage your loved one to stay active, connected, and supported so they can live their best life possible.

Links to related blogs: 

5 important things to consider when choosing homecare for your elderly parent

Home care or care home? Weighing up which is right for your loved one