Remaining Independent In Retirement: 8 Things You Can Do To Help Your Elderly Relatives

As you get older, you might experience many changes to your health. Suddenly, it might become more difficult to move around and do your daily chores and activities. And at some point, you might need to allow others to help you and take care of you during your everyday life. Such responsibility often falls on the closest relatives. It can be highly challenging and sometimes draining when you need to care for someone who experiences such difficulties. On the other hand, the person you are helping might find it frustrating that they need to depend on someone else. Here are the things you can do to help your elderly relatives to remain independent in their retirement. 

Get Equipment That Will Help Them To Move Around

Sometimes, when people reach older age, it might become more challenging for them to walk and get to places they need to. In order to make their everyday life easier, consider having a look at mobility scooters. Companies like Mobility Solutions can help you to get everything you need to make your loved one feel more independent. With such equipment, they will be able to get wherever they need to throughout the day. At the same time, they will be able to get a breath of fresh air which can help them improve their overall health. Then, they will not feel like they need to rely on others for all their needs. Instead, they will be able to run some of their errands on their own and feel much better about their achievements.

Encourage your Loved Ones To Socialise

When people get older, they can often feel like they are not a part of a collective. So, if you are trying to help them to become more independent, encourage them to socialise with others. If they are religious, persuade them to go to church on Sunday. There, they will be able to become a part of a welcoming community and find people who have similar interests. And if they feel anxious about the new experience, try to accompany them until they have more acquaintances and feel more comfortable about the situation. You also need to make sure that they feel like they are a valuable part of the family. If you have any gatherings planned, bring your loved one along and allow them to reconnect with other family members.

Support Them In Completing Simple Tasks

Depending on the help of someone else can leave your loved one often leave feeling frustrated. To make them feel more productive and needed, support them in completing simple daily tasks. When you come for a visit, encourage them to do tasks such as folding clothes or washing the dishes. You can even ask for them to write down a grocery list for the next time you come to see them. And if you are making their meals, ask them to help you with the preparation of ingredients. Such simple tasks will help them keep their mind focused on something else and distract them from any negative feelings they might be experiencing. This way, you might also help them to keep their mind sharp and improve their overall well-being.

Help Them To Include Sport In Their Lives

Sports can be highly beneficial to people of all ages. After all, engaging in exercise can help your relative build their muscles and become stronger. And when they have stronger muscles, they will be able to prevent some of the common causes of injury for the elderly, such as falls. Of course, you do not need to make them engage in anything that might be too strenuous. Instead, go with them for a short walk when you come over for a visit and help them to improve their flexibility with stretches. It is often recommended that adults should have 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. And if your loved one manages to go for a short walk every day, you might notice a significant difference in their health.

Make Their Home A Safer Place

People who are 65 and older face the highest risk of falling. At such an age, any fall can become damaging and affect the health of your loved one negatively. To prevent such accidents, try to make their home a safer place. If they need to move up and down the stairs often, put there a carpet that can prevent your loved one from falling down. In the bathroom, you should place some mats that will help them not to slip when the floor is wet. Additionally, you can equip bathroom walls with handles your relative can hold on to for better stability. And finally, help them to adjust the layout of their home. Place the pieces of furniture further from each other and make sure that all the halls and pathways are clear of any clutter. Then, it will be easier for the person to move around comfortably without tripping.

Celebrate What They Are Still Able To Do

When elderly people stop being able to do something that has been a part of their daily routine for decades, they might become frustrated. In order to make them stop thinking about such changes, celebrate what they are still able to do instead. If they find themselves to be capable of doing even the simplest tasks, bring your attention there. It will help your relative feel a bit more independent, and they will feel better when they can do something on their own. Whenever you come for a visit and give them company, try to make them feel appreciated and supported. Bring attention to the small things they have achieved since the last time you came by and remind them that there are still many good things that await them in life.

Ask Them How They Feel

Depending on others might make your loved one feel like they do not have any control over their life anymore, and it may bring up some negative thoughts. To improve the situation, ask the person how they feel. Perhaps you might find out what they want to do and which tasks they still feel capable of completing. Even such a small question can let your loved one know that they are still in charge of their own life and that you care about what they say. You should also ask if there is anything that bothers them. Older people can often feel lonely, and if that is the case for your loved one, you should try to let them know that they are not alone. They still have a family who cares about them. However, there are also helplines that can help the elderly to talk to others. Keep your communication positive and let your loved one know that you listen and understand what they need.

Conclusion: Learn When You Need To Step In

Finally, when you are taking care of an older relative, you should learn when you need to step in. Stopping your loved one every moment out of fear or forcing yourself into their routine might not be met with much understanding or acceptance from their side. It is important that you make your loved one know that they still have some independence and that you trust them. Instead, ask them if they need help when you see that they are struggling with a task. Perhaps you do not need to do the task for them. Instead, try to find an easier way to complete the task. When older people become dependent on the help of others, it can be difficult for both sides. So, try to stay positive and maintain clear communication with your loved one to make the experience better.