Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
As our relatives begin to age, it’s only natural to grow more concerned for their wellbeing. As well as risks such as dementia, many older people also struggle with social isolation, mobility issues and general ability to conduct life as normal.
At the same time, it’s hard not to overstep boundaries – nobody wants someone else to step in and start running their life.
But there are many things you can do to support them and help them stay safe as they approach those later life stages and the challenges that come with them. If you’re looking for ways to help an elderly relative, these are just three tips to help them maintain their independence.
- Home adaptations
As people grow older, certain things become harder – that’s just a fact.
That’s why home adaptations such as walk-in baths and external ramps can be a godsend for those struggling with their mobility. Many elderly people also have stairlifts installed to make their homes more accessible – this may be a worthwhile investment for your relative.
Alternatively, if they’re considering a move to a bungalow for ease, they may be able to shift their stairlift for a little extra cash with the help of We Buy Any Stairlift.
Adapting the home is one of the biggest steps to securing independence for many older people.
- Routine
Research from Age UK shows that loneliness is one of the biggest issues effecting older people in the UK.
And if you don’t live close to your relative, it can be particularly hard to keep an eye on their physical and psychological needs.
The best thing you can do is help them to create a routine. Regular visits and calls will help you – and them – stay connected, whilst encouraging them to engage with local groups and maintain their social life will
- Resourcing
There are a number of benefits and resources available to help elderly people live more independently, including a number of financial aid projects which can help ease certain burdens.
Unfortunately, many of these tend to be applied for online, which can make them more difficult to access for many older users. Even those who have an internet connection aren’t always the savviest with digital devices and can be susceptible to scams, or simply overwhelmed by complex online processes.
Offering some assistance in applying for aids and services can be a huge help to your elderly relative and take a little life admin from their task list to help them focus on the day-to-day.
If you want to support an elderly relative or neighbour, these are just three simple tips to help make their lives easier.
Are you a carer for an elderly relative, or an older person who has received support to live independently? What assistance have you found helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
