If there is one thing that every adult wants in life, it’s to cling to their independence. It’s an important part of daily life, to be able to think for yourself, act for yourself, and not have to rely on anybody if you don’t want to. Unfortunately, most older adults often feel helpless when they appear dependent on others. You get so used to being independent as you’re growing up, that when the time comes that you need to lean on somebody else it could be really hard. If you are the carer of an elderly relative, there is no doubt that you would want the best for them, but helping them to stay as independent as possible is one of the most essential things that you could do to improve the quality of life.

It’s not easy for an elderly relative to go from being completely independent to suddenly needing somebody else. Whether they need Arquella to help with nursing calls in the night, or they start to need a chairlift for the stairs to get from one floor of the home to another, the small things can feel like they are taking away their independence they have so carefully built for many years. The fact is that this is the complete opposite. These helpful aids actually ensure that they stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. Below, we’ve got a list of things that you could do to help to promote independence for older relatives in your family.

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Install medical alert systems.

Systems like the ones from Arquella are those that can help your elderly relative to get some help if they have a fall or they have any issues in the night whenever no one is physically looking over them. Getting the best medical assistant for your elderly relative is going to help them to promote independence, and ensure that they feel secure and safe in their home. Fall alarms can also be used to protect your relative, while allowing them to remain independent in their home and not in the residential home setting.

Help them to adapt their home.

A lot of your elderly relatives will be spending a lot of time in the comfort of their own homes, but by adjusting a few things in the space you can promote them to be more independent. Handrails, for example, will help them to walk independently and when they feel unsteady the handrails are right there to help. If they are in wheelchairs or they have any walking aids, widening the doors can help. You can also install a tub that allows him to stand up and sit down with ease. All of these things can help them to feel more independent and like they can manage on their own.

Encourage a healthier lifestyle.

Elderly relatives still need to be outside going for walks and meeting friends, and if you want to encourage this for them they are going to feel better and healthier as a result. Support them by going over to go on walks together and run errands. Help them to move their bodies and enjoy exercise. If you can, take them into the garden and remind them about the roses that they once loved to plant. A healthier lifestyle starts with ensuring that they feel connected, because without that they can feel isolated.

Encourage them to socialise.

Often, older adults can become isolated when they aren’t able to go out alone. When your relatives feel like they are still a valid part of the family and the community, they will feel happier and more confident as a result. Being social doesn’t need to be on trips away or things that are too elaborate if they can’t manage, something as simple as joining a volunteer group or going to local community afternoon teas is something that could easily work. You can also try to set up your own social events to help them, and make sure that they are included in family events, too. Companionship is so important even when we are young, but when we are older that’s even more important at that stage of life.

Being the reason that your relatives get to go outside and enjoy the world around them is one of the nicest things you can do for yourself and for them. Help them to continue to live an independent and happy life, and they will benefit from this as a result.

B xx

Disclosure this is a collaborative post