As people get older, staying independent and doing things for themselves can be more difficult compared to in the past. Many seniors will start to require more help and support with completing everyday tasks and some may have additional healthcare needs that mean they need professional care on a regular basis. If you are caring for your parents as they get older, then you may be wondering if there is anything that you can do to help them continue being as independent as possible as they age.
Assisted Living
Speaking to your parents about the possibility of them moving to an assisted living facility might be a good idea if you have noticed that they are struggling right now, or if they have spoken to you about everyday tasks getting harder for them. Assisted living facilities such as this retirement home Dallas are a fantastic option for older people who want to remain independent, as they offer the perfect balance between independence and support when needed. Residents can come and go as they please and do as much as they can for themselves, while having help on hand that is always available at request.
Home Assistance
If your parents are not quite ready to move away from their current home and live somewhere else, then hiring home help for them might be a worthwhile option to consider. This will allow your parents to stay in the home that they love and be as independent as possible while knowing that they have somebody that they can rely on to come and help them with tasks that might be getting difficult for them as they get older. A home caregiver can help seniors age in place while providing support and assistance with healthcare, cleaning, laundry, cooking, bathing, and many other tasks.
Mobility Tools
If struggling to get around is one of the biggest issues that your parents are facing at the moment, then there are lots of mobility tools that can help. For example, electric wheelchairs are a great way for seniors to get around if they are no longer to walk any further than short distances. This can help your parents retain their independence by providing them with a way to continue doing those everyday things for themselves like going grocery shopping or meeting up with friends and family in the local area.
Home Modifications
For parents who don’t want to move out of their home, adapting the home can make things easier for them to manage. It might be a good idea to only use the rooms that they need the most, especially if they have a large home, so there is less housework to do each day. Adaptations that make it easier to move around such as ramps, stairlifts, or moving rooms like the bedroom and bathroom downstairs can make things easier for your parents to deal with, without having to relocate.
It’s only natural to want to help our parents age happily and independently. If your parents are getting older and starting to struggle more, these are just some things to consider to help them enjoy their golden years.