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Written by Millie Jones, Senior Wellness Info

No matter our age, we all would like to hold onto independence for as long as we can. However,
this can be more and more challenging to do as we age and our health starts to play a more
significant role in how we live life. Here are some tips on how to help your senior loved one
maintain their independence.

 

 

Teach them about tools to help them enjoy their independence

If your loved one is still able to get around alone, then you could connect them with tools they can use to enjoy it.

● Encourage them to become even more familiar with their immediate environment.

Google Maps should ease the stress involved when traveling alone.
● If they need assistance that you aren’t available to provide, have them contact Suzy’s Senior Companionship Services.

● Help them to meet friends. This could end up being their support group when no one’s
around. Amintro is a good app for meeting people.
● Help them to navigate the internet, so they can search for services, products, and help
when needed.
● If they need to keep several digital documents together, this may work.

Help them tie up loose ends

If your loved one is planning on moving to a retirement community, they may need to let go of their current property first.

● Show them how to calculate if they can make a profit from the sale of their property.
● Help them to sort through their belongings to get rid of items they don’t need anymore.
● Point out storage facilities they could make use of in the area.
● Set up meetings with moving companies in the area, so they can introduce themselves
and explain their wants and needs themselves.

Help them deal with stress

Stress can become a problem when we fail to take a breather now and again because we don’t realize the signs and symptoms of an overworked mind until it’s too late.

 

● Encourage them to participate in a fun hobby that will help melt away the stress.

● Help them stay on top of their checkups to maintain their health.
● Show them that change can be a good thing.
● Even if their situation looks slightly different from what it was, it can still be exciting and
even liberating.