How Can You Help Your Elderly Relative to Feel More Independent?

Independence is an important part of life, and it becomes even more important as you get older. Older adults often feel helpless and discouraged when they are co-dependent on others. They worry about doing things for themselves, and they lose confidence in their own abilities.

If you are the carer of an elderly parent, there’s no doubt that you want the best for them. Helping them to stay as independent as possible is essential to improving their quality of life.

It provides them with the freedom to do things that they want, regardless of whether other people are able to help or not. Even if they have limited mobility or mild memory loss, it’s still completely possible for them to continue doing the things that they love.

Aging comes along with a lot of extra challenges. While your elderly relative might need help with certain things in their day-to-day life, you can still help them to live as independently as possible.

We’ve put together a list of things that you can do to promote independence for your older parents or grandparents. 

Use a Medical Alert System

Getting the best medical alert system for your elderly parent is a great way to promote independence. Also known as emergency alarms, a medical alert system can detect when your relative is in danger and alert emergency services immediately.

Some types of alert systems have a two-way communication mechanism where your relative can speak directly with emergency medical professionals. They can describe what is wrong and where they are so that they can receive help as quickly as possible.

Fall alarms can also be used to protect your relative while allowing them to be independent. Fall alarms attach to clothing items and are activated when they feel tension, such as when a person falls to the ground.

When activated, fall alarms emit a loud sound that alerts nearby people. Neighbors or passers-by can then call for help.

When elderly person knows they can help almost immediately if they’re in danger, they will feel much more confident in moving around their home or going on outdoor adventures.

Adapt Their Homes for Independence

Elderly people spend a lot of time in the comfort of their own homes. By adjusting a few things in your relative’s personal space, you can promote a more independent lifestyle.

For example, getting handrails inserted in their home will encourage them to walk independently. They can grab onto the handrails if they feel unsteady.

Getting doorways widened can also help your relatives to feel safer while walking around their homes. You can install a wider bath or one that has a seat so that they don’t struggle to get in and out of the tub.

Take a walk around your relative’s home and see where you can make small improvements to maximize safety and independence. Make sure to remove any clutter or potential safety hazards, like loose wires and cables.

You could also rearrange the furniture with your loved one’s permission to make it easier for them to manoeuvre around the property. Consider which areas they use the most in their home and remove unneeded pieces of furniture to make the space as safe as possible.

Encourage Them to Live a Healthy Lifestyle

For older adults, staying motivated to live healthfully is not always easy. It can be discouraging when they begin to lose mobility and flexibility, and movement becomes more difficult or painful.

Support your relative by helping them to move their body and stay on top of their long-term health conditions. Remind them to take their medications and go with them to the doctors for their regular check-ups.

If you can, take them outside into the garden for some fresh air or walk around the local park to reduce muscular weakness and promote joint mobility. While they might not want to go out as much as they used to, some gentle encouragement might persuade them to get outdoors.

Another important aspect of healthy living is a nutritious diet. Help them with the weekly grocery shopping and encourage them to choose a range of different delicious foods.

If your elderly relative is unable to cook on their own, spend some time each evening creating a delicious meal together. Alternatively, you could arrange a meal service where fresh dishes get delivered to their home each day.

Encourage Social Activities

Often, older adults can become isolated when they aren’t able to go out on their own. You can promote independence in your parent or grandparent by helping them to stay connected with their friends and neighbors.

When they feel like a valued part of the community, they will feel happier and more confident in themselves. Social activity is vital for physical and mental well-being.

Being social doesn’t need to involve anything too elaborate. Something as simple as joining a volunteer group or going to local community events will suffice.

You can also try and set up your own social events. Invite your loved one’s friends around to their home for a buffet or arrange a meet-up in the park. Get your family together for a game night, so your older relative can interact with everybody.

Day to day companionship is important. Simply going round to your relative’s house for a chat each evening can be enough to help them feel confident and independent. You will bring a smile to their face when they see you at their door!

Every so often, arrange to take your loved one on a day trip. Whether you take a trip to the local shopping center or park, you can spend some time bonding with your relatives and catching up with them. Not only can they socialize with you and your other family members, but they can get out of the house and have new experiences.

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