Aging adults are reluctant to give up the familiarity and comfort of their own homes even when changes in mobility, cognitive functioning, and overall health make self-care a challenge. Fortunately, there are many ways families can make independent living both easier and safer for their elderly loved ones.
Make Essential Changes to the Home
Making minor modifications to your loved one’s living space can minimize the likelihood of tripping and falling and simplify a number of essential tasks. These changes can include installing grab bars in the shower, removing floor mats or rugs, and getting rid of clutter. Adding a few assistive devices in the kitchen can make cooking easier and safer, and installing walk-in bathtubs or automated medication management systems may be necessary as your loved one’s mobility and cognitive functioning changes.
Identify Resources
There are numerous free and low-cost resources designed specifically for helping seniors. For instance, many communities have meal delivery services for the elderly, and some health care plans might pay for the cost of senior care in Tucson. Resources like these can simplify your loved one’s life by offering increased access to the services he or she needs.
Create a Transportation Plan
Seniors who are no longer able to drive should have a solid transportation plan in place. In addition to signing up for door-to-door transit from municipal bus companies, your loved one can receive transportation from family members or Tucson caregivers as needed. Having multiple ways to get around can help your loved one maintain a robust social life, make it to all of his or her medical appointments on time, and bolster his or her sense of autonomy.
Make a List of Local Social Activities
One of the major risks seniors face when opting to age in place is isolation. Keeping your loved one connected with others in as many different ways as possible can be beneficial for both physical and mental health. Your loved one can take part in local volunteer opportunities, dance or water aerobics classes, book clubs, knitting clubs, and much more. Though your loved one’s social schedule shouldn’t be overwhelming, it should be diverse, enriching, and fun.
Ask for Regular Updates
Having a solid plan for aging in place is only the start of ensuring your loved one’s long-term independence. This plan should be updated on a regular basis as new changes in his or her health arise. Strategies that work today may need to be revised several months from now. Make a point of checking in with your loved one frequently to determine if he or she needs new forms of support.
There are many ways a caregiver from Tucson Home Care Assistance can help your loved one live independently. Our care plans are customizable and can include assistance with tasks like meal prep, bathing, grooming, and exercise. For more information on 24-hour and respite care Tucson families can count on, call a qualified Care Manager today at (520) 276-6555.