Independence in the Home: National Wellness Month

As our loved ones get older, sometimes there can be a struggle for independence in the home. Here at Reflections Management and Care, we know that maintaining independence as we age is important to many seniors who want to stay in their home as long as possible. It’s comforting for many people to be able to live in familiar surroundings and feel like they can still take care of themselves.

We understand how important independence in the home can be for elderly loved ones. As well as for those who care about them, of course, we want their happiness plus some peace of mind for ourselves.

At Reflections, we’re focused on aging well in every aspect that can be challenging for seniors and their loved ones. This article is dedicated to the importance of independence in the home for seniors, as well as practical options for maintaining that independence without compromising safety.

Here are some ways to help the seniors in your life maintain their independence:

1. Support their Social Activities

If your elderly loved one can no longer drive, offer to take them to some of their regular social activities such as going to church, craft club, bingo, or visiting with relatives. Spending time with loved ones, especially children, can boost mood, feelings of connection, and keep their memories sharp.

Even just regularly inviting them to lunch or dinner can help your loved one feel that they are still social and not facing the loneliness that is linked to serious health conditions.

2. Encourage Exercise

Whenever you can, encourage exercise around or outside of the home. Things like gardening, walking to a nearby park, or spending some time at a pool can be helpful for maintaining good health and aging well.

Exercising as a family can be a fun activity for everyone! Even an impromptu dance party is good for the mind, body, and soul.

3. Keep the Brain Busy

Feeling like we have a purpose is a huge part of functional growth as a human and is especially important for the elderly. Keeping our brains busy is a good way to improve cognitive function and memory.

There are lots of brain games available via apps, but family board and card games are a fun way to keep it social and boost your brain!

4. Safety First

Making sure the surrounding home area is safe for an elderly loved one is crucial to maintaining independence in the home. Stairs, rugs, and wet floors are all hazards for falls. Ensure you are following best practices to ensure your home or the home of a loved one is free of fall hazards.

5. Electronic Caregiver

Electronic Caregiver is a revolutionary new technology that allows your elderly loved one the freedom and safety of having 24/7 care at the push of a button. At Reflections Management and Care, we offer two different options for the Electronic Caregiver services: the Premier, and the ECG Pro Health. Both options have round-the-clock physicians available and medication reminders.

The Premier series offers GPS location services and automated health surveys. The microphone available on the device allows operators to hear clients anywhere the device is. The ECG Pro Health includes in-depth analytics and trend monitoring to alert you if a health issue is arising. This can promote early and more accurate interventions. 

Give your family some peace of mind when it comes to your elderly loved one maintaining their independence in the home. Electronic caregiver is the way to know that your loved one is taken care of and can monitor their health through technology, which is especially helpful if you live in a different city or state than your aging family member.

Need some help navigating other areas of senior health care?

Here at Reflections Management and Care, we are aging life care specialists and we excel in all aspects of senior health care, whether it is in-home or in-patient. We care about your elderly loved ones and know how stressful and difficult it can be to navigate through the chaos of doctors, treatments, and care.

We’re here to help guide you through the right options for your aging parent(s) to age well and live their best life for the rest of their years. Support and peace of mind are our specialties – let us give you both! Give us a call or contact us here to start the conversation of how we can help you give your elderly loved ones the best care possible.