Ways for Aging Adults to Hold on to Their Independence

The desire to maintain independence is a common wish among aging adults. People want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible and can often keep a safe environment with little in-home support.

With the right systems, aging adults can enjoy their independence while still accessing extra assistance when needed. Here are a few ways you can help a loved one maintain their freedom at home while ensuring their health and safety at the same time:

Healthy Lifestyle

Regular exercise and a healthy diet are key factors in reducing the risk of severe health problems. Since a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of many diseases, aging adults need to maintain physical activities.

Talk to a healthcare provider about ability-appropriate physical activities. Examples include walking outdoors, water aerobics, physical therapy, and more. Pair these exercises with healthy eating to maintain an ideal weight and support proper nutrition.

Home Care Services

Eventually, aging adults have a hard time keeping up with responsibilities around the house. Bringing in-home care services can be helpful to take care of the necessary household tasks, such as cleaning, yard care, meal preparation, medication reminders, and more.

These supportive services are great resources as an alternative to assisted living facilities. A person can stay at home with the reassurance that everyday tasks and self-care services are handled.

Mobility Support

One of the main reasons people lose independence is because of mobility concerns. When mobility functions decrease, it can be a significant challenge to stay at home. Providing the person with a walker, cane, or wheelchair helps them get around the house safely and with minimal assistance.

Other mobility supports can also be placed around the house strategically. For example, a person can maintain independence more effectively when tripping hazards are removed, support bars are installed in the bathrooms, and the property is wheelchair accessible.

Personalized Support for Maintaining Independence

If you or an aging loved one needs help maintaining independence, then our team at Bonita Springs Healthcare Services is here to help. We offer customized support for people who want to age safely at home. Contact us to learn about available services.