Celebrating Independence in Older Adults

We all like to be independent. It’s instinctive! As soon as they are able, toddlers will say “I can do it myself” when an adult attempts to help them get dressed or brush their hair. And that desire to be independent is not something that we age out of. Older adults want to be independent as well. They’ve lived a full life doing what they desired and making their own decisions. Studies show that feeling in control of our lives improves our mental health. When we don’t feel that we are in control of our own lives, we may begin to give up on some of the self-care and routines that keep us healthy and safe. That can lead to a downward spiral of increasingly poor outcomes.

The good news is that recent studies show that adults aged 65 and older are doing better than ever! Disability rates are down, fewer older adults need help with the activities of daily living, and seniors’ perception of their own abilities is increasing. That’s good news for the rapidly growing percentage of Americans aged 65 and older.

While it is great that older adults are living longer, healthier lives, we may ask ourselves what we can do to support our loved ones who want to live independently as long as possible.

At Right at Home Winston-Salem, we often hear older adults say the stairs are hard to climb or they want to stay in their homes. “The good news is that with the right help, you or your loved one might be able to do just that with the appropriate planning,” said Jackie Brewer, Assistant Agency Director of Right at Home of the Piedmont Triad.

“To help seniors age in place, wherever they may call home, Right at Home provides companion services, from nutrition and meal preparation to laundry and light housekeeping,” stated Brewer. “Additionally, we offer personal care services, including bathing, personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, walking, and feeding.” Here are some ways you can promote independence for an older adult in your life.

Encourage social connection: Loneliness is bad for our health. Encourage the older adult in your life to stay socially active by calling friends or participating in activities at a local community center. Volunteering with a cause they are passionate about gives older adults the double benefit of social connection and a sense of purpose.

Promote the use of technology: Technology can help older adults make important social connections via social media sites or other internet-based communities. We can assist the seniors in our lives by teaching them how to sign up and use these websites, as well as helping them to select appropriate devices with accessible large buttons easily readable displays. Ask their doctor to provide them with the availability of telehealth exams. We can also explore accessibility technology such as wearable fall alert devices, smart home technology, and internet-enabled home health monitoring devices. These tools can empower older adults to continue living independently and give their loved ones peace of mind.

Ensure they have choices: Older adults should be empowered to have a say in the decisions affecting their life. Whether it is healthcare decisions or clothing decisions, seniors deserve the same autonomy and respect as any other adult.

Promote safety: Safety begins at home. The desire to be independent remains even as our bodies and abilities change as we age. But sometimes the process of aging can mean that we need assistance with some activities or modifications to make our environment easier to navigate. Loose rugs or carpeting can increase the risk of a fall. Folks with arthritis may benefit from replacing hard-to-turn round doorknobs with more accessible levers. We can look around our older loved ones’ homes for hazards and ways that we can help make daily activities easier for them. If you think you need help, there are many professionals who can assess a home and recommend modifications and tools that will make the home safer and more accessible for older adults.

Assistive equipment can be a wonderful addition to your loved one’s care plan. Canes, walkers, and wheelchairs can help them regain mobility and independence. Grab bars, shower chairs, and raised toilet seats may allow them to use the bathroom privately or with minimal assistance. “It’s important to note that a professional should assemble assistive equipment,” said Brewer. “Routinely check canes, walkers, and wheelchairs for damage, loose parts, and malfunctions. Grab bars/handrails should be professionally installed.”

With nearly 90 percent of older adults wanting to remain in their homes as they age, it’s essential to identify the potential roadblocks and how to address them, and that’s why at Right at Home Winston-Salem, we offer an Aging in Place guide.

“Nobody knows exactly what to expect from their aging journey, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you don’t know what tomorrow will bring," said Brewer. “For family members looking to support their aging loved one, we want them to know that they don’t have to go through it alone. Right at Home exists to be your guide to successful living at home.”