Whether your senior loved one lives on their own or in a retirement community, they may require a little assistance from time to time. This need for support can make people feel a loss of freedom and self-confidence, which can hurt their overall well-being. To help your loved one maintain a sense of independence as they age, here are a few tips to keep in mind. 

How to Help Your Senior Loved Ones Maintain Independence 

1. Co-facilitate Care

You may feel that you should swoop in and take care of everything for an aging person. However, taking over tasks like ordering groceries, picking up pharmacy orders, and scheduling dental appointments can slowly chip away at the person’s independence. It’s essential to handle these tasks with your loved one, so they have a say and are involved in managing their needs.

2. Personalize Home Safety

The individual may not want to move to a retirement community. If this is the case, make sure their home is set up appropriately to cater to their personal needs. For example, add railings near the bathtub and toilet so they can safely navigate the bathroom. Hire someone to handle the landscaping to help them enjoy their house without worrying about addressing yard maintenance.

3. Encourage Physical Activity 

For many people, movement is vital in feeling independent. Whether it’s walking, jogging, or attending a low-impact fitness class, encourage your loved one to seek physical activities that cater to individuals with similar mobility and balance. Many gyms, retirement communities, and neighborhood parks offer senior-focused classes that will provide attendees with opportunities to lubricate their joints and increase their heart rates enough to feel that post-workout mood boost.

4. Promote Socialization

Keeping in touch with friends and family can play a crucial role in improving your loved one’s happiness and self-confidence. The National Institute on Aging found that socialization is linked to improved quality of life for seniors. Having a social life may reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and memory loss as well as minimize depression and anxiety. Drive the person to spend time with friends in their homes or at their retirement communities. Visiting creates connection and promotes feelings of well-being, key features in maintaining a senior’s independence.

Fostering a sense of independence starts with a comprehensive health care plan. That’s why the compassionate team at WyndRidge Health & Rehabilitation Center in Cumberland County, TN, is here to help. They’re committed to creating personalized treatments to help seniors reach recovery goals through home care, outpatient rehabilitation, and assisted living. If it’s time for your loved one to move into a retirement community, they’ll help you make the transition as easy as possible. For more information on these and other services, visit their website. Work with your loved one to set up an appointment today by calling (931) 707-5687.