Even if finances are in reasonably good order, some seniors prefer to earn a little extra income. Because of current global health concerns, it’s not as easy for older adults to go outside their homes to find supplemental sources of income. Also, some seniors have mobility issues that make it difficult to do “traditional” work. The good news is there are some great work-from-home opportunities, like the five mentioned below, that can be ideal for members of the silver generation.
1. Selling Items on E-Commerce Sites
Amazon, eBay, and Etsy are just some of the e-commerce platforms your senior loved one can use to sell unwanted or unused items for extra income. Online store pages can also be set up if your loved one regularly makes arts/crafts items or other things that can be easily created at home and shipped. One other possibility is to use a template from sources like WordPress to set up a personalized e-commerce site. If items are being made, your loved one will benefit from stimulating multiple parts of the brain, since both physical and mental skills are typically needed for such tasks.
If your parent does work at home that requires sitting for long periods, it’s important that he or she still makes time to exercise, and a home caregiver can help. Tucson home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. Offering Home Sewing/Mending Services
If your loved one has sewing skills, he or she may be able to maintain good hand-eye coordination while mending clothes for others. An easy way to get started with this work-from-home endeavor is to spread the word to your loved one’s friends and neighbors. Ads can also be placed in local publications or put up at neighborhood grocery stores. Homemade quilts may be sold as well, since they tend to be highly valued.
3. Cooking, Baking, or Catering from Home
From selling cupcakes and other homemade goodies to local shops or restaurants to setting up small catering services, there are many ways for seniors to make some extra money while doing something that helps them remain focused and coordinated. Just keep your loved one’s capabilities in mind. For instance, if catering services will be offered, determine what kind of help might be needed for deliveries or the setup and cleanup duties. You don’t want your loved one to become overburdened.
4. Offering Home-Based Lessons
Some seniors are retired from professions that involved teaching certain skills. If this is the case with your loved one, he or she may be able to transfer this ability to home-based lessons. The way lessons are offered from home will depend on what’s being taught. For example, cooking lessons tend to be more productive when given in person. However, other types of lessons, such as ones involving musical instruments or various artistic techniques, may be teachable online via a video connection. The process of teaching also creates a sense of purpose for seniors.
Seniors who work from home may benefit from having a caregiver help with everyday tasks such as grocery shopping and preparing meals. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Tucson, AZ, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
5. Doing Freelance Writing for Blogs/Websites
Seniors with a flair for writing may be able to conveniently supplement their incomes by contributing advice, stories, and words of wisdom to blogs, websites, or online platforms. There are many senior-specific blogs and websites that warmly welcome contributions from older adults. Potential earnings vary, but typically, compensation is for each piece that’s accepted. This type of creative work can also help seniors maintain cognitive capabilities.
Continuing to work can alleviate anxiety about finances and give aging adults a sense of purpose that provides a significant boost to their overall health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (520) 276-6555 today.