February marks National Senior Independence Month. These four weeks are an opportune time for seniors to evaluate their levels of independence and make changes to meet goals. Home care is an important part of independence, as it preserves aging adults’ desires to live less dependent on others.

The elderly are encouraged to celebrate their independence this month, as it is set aside specifically for determining what is working and what needs adjustment. National Senior Independence Month is also an ideal time to plan ahead to maintain the level independence that seniors currently enjoy.

The ability to live an independent lifestyle is a major contributing factor to older adults’ quality of life. While complete independence may not be realistic or safe, a supportive home environment gives aging people the opportunity to embrace independence—albeit with some help.

Home care offers seniors the chance to remain independent at home. Professional caregivers are an integral component for ensuring their elderly care recipients remain physically and emotionally healthy. Care can be intermittent, such as a few hours per week, every day or ongoing, such as caregivers providing round the clock care

How does home care preserve seniors’ independence?

1. Reduces social isolation

Seniors who expect to live independently for as long as possible must maintain their emotional as well as physical health. Social isolation is an epidemic that, when spiraling out of control, can cause loneliness and bouts of depression in the elderly, especially those who live alone.

Professional caregivers who provide home care, however, are aware of the risks of social isolation in seniors. Companion caregivers make efforts to engage seniors socially through conversations, outings to senior centers and other places of interest, and games, like cards, puzzles, etc. Home care keeps seniors socially active—which promotes health.

2. Supports physical activity

Being independent is more difficult when frailty or illness strike. Professional caregivers from home care agencies provide the motivation seniors need to stay physically active and healthy. Daily exercise schedules are set and transportation to senior exercise classes are provided.

Some seniors may prefer a walk around the neighborhood as their preferred form of physical activity. Professional caregivers not only encourage walks but offer the physical support older adults need to feel confident and stable as they stroll the sidewalks.

3. Encourages healthy eating

Without a sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals, the aging body has limited resources to thrive—which influences a senior’s level of independence. While not all seniors have the physical stamina to cook over a hot stove, home care professionals provide this invaluable service.

Professional caregivers adhere to seniors’ dietary restrictions and prepare healthy meals. They also shop for fresh groceries, ensuring the fridge is stocked with nourishing fruits and vegetables. Hydration is equally important for seniors, and caregivers help their care recipients hydrate daily.

4. Maintains a safe environment

One of the main goals of home care is to maintain a safe home environment. Falls and injuries are common in the aging population, making it vital that the home be kept clutter-free. Light housekeeping, which includes removing clutter from walkways, is a responsibility performed by caregivers.

In addition to removing hazards, home care professionals promote safety in the riskier areas of the home. They may recommend family members install grab bars in the bathroom to prevent slips, lighting in the halls to reduce fall risks during nighttime bathroom runs, or railings on the deck.

5. Stimulates seniors’ minds

Mental stimulation is key to slowing or preventing cognitive decline. Cognitive health is instrumental in preserving older adults’ independence at home. Professional caregivers are trained to support optimum brain health by keeping care recipients’ minds active and alert through various means.

Home care providers encourage hobbies, such as crafting, knitting, or woodwork. The professionals supply the necessary tools to begin or continue a leisure activity. If seniors are interested in taking a cooking class or foreign language class to keep their minds engaged, caregivers provide transportation.

Homebound seniors, too, benefit significantly from home care and live more healthy and independent lives. Companion caregivers converse with aging adults with limited social ties, thereby ensuring their social needs are met on a regular basis. Caregivers also provide transfer assistance for immobile seniors.

6. Boosts self-confidence

Home care is an important resource for older adults who wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible, living independent and fulfilling lives. Caregiving professionals further support seniors by allowing them to perform tasks on their own when it is safe to do so.

Care recipients who take the opportunity to complete tasks independently feel a boost in confidence and self-esteem. But seniors cannot always perform all activities on their own; asking for and accepting help when it is needed is the best way to stay safe and maintain independence at home.

Each February, families and seniors are urged to evaluate care needs and determine where help is necessary. When extra support at home would be beneficial, consider Assisting Hands Home Care. We provide a wide range of non-medical care to the elderly in the comfort of home.

Our home care services are comprehensive and assist seniors from throughout the day and night. Professional caregivers prepare nutritious meals, shop for groceries, and perform light housekeeping. We provide seniors with transportation to the doctor’s office, senior center, social events, or to conduct errands.

Additional everyday responsibilities our caregivers undertake include giving timely medication reminders and ensuring medication compliance, evaluating the home for fall risks, and removing trip hazards as well as assisting with personal care activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.

Care options from Assisting Hands Home Care are flexible. We offer respite care for family members who need a break from caregiving, after surgery  care, hospice home care (non-medical), companion care, live-in care, 24-hour care, and compassionate memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

During National Senior Independence Month or any time of year, contact Assisting Hands Home Care. Your elderly loved one will improve her ability to stay independent at home when our caregivers provide extra support. We serve senior in BallenIsles,  Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, Wellington, West Palm Beach, FL  and surrounding areas. Call (561) 566-5989 today to schedule an in-home consult.