5 Reasons to Motivate Seniors to Be Independent

Being self-reliant in the senior years includes the ability to take care of medicine, hygiene, food, and other needs. For many seniors, independence is an option, but they do not bother because they are so dependent on their family and friends. Being dependent might seem harmless, but it’s important for seniors to take care of themselves and retain independence whenever possible. Encouraging your senior loved one to be independent comes with the following five benefits. 

1. Enhances Relationships with Family Members

You might think allowing your loved one to constantly rely on you will strengthen your bond, but unnecessary neediness can lead to a lot of built up feelings of guilt and resentment. Seniors tend to have better relationships with their families when they remain independent because they often feel like they are interacting as equals instead of dependents. 
Many older adults only need a little help to continue living independently. Dayton home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

2.Reduces the Risk of Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline tends to be slowed by activities that require seniors to use logic, multitasking, and planning. If your loved one is not independent, he or she could end up sitting around watching television all day instead of engaging in mentally stimulating activities. Seniors who are still cooking meals, scheduling appointments, and maintaining their own hygiene can practice cognitive thinking and stave off dementia. 
Dementia can make it challenging for aging adults to live comfortably. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of home care. Dayton Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.

3. Boosts Self-Esteem 

Even if your loved one has dementia or some other severely debilitating health condition, it’s a good idea to maintain as much independence as possible. Many seniors get a sense of pride and confidence from being able to take care of themselves. Encouraging your loved one to do as much independently as possible could protect his or her self-confidence and dignity, which is important because a loss of self-esteem can lead to depression and other emotional health conditions. 

4. Helps Them Regain Skills Following an Injury

Many seniors stop being self-reliant following some sort of injury or illness that leaves them temporarily unable to care for themselves. It might be tempting to step in and do everything for your loved one, but basic life skills can be a valuable form of therapy. Putting on clothing or making a sandwich independently could help your loved one practice fine motor skills, balance, and coordination. If you do all of these things for your loved one, he or she may never truly recover from the injury. 

5.Provides a More Meaningful Life

Even though many people think they would enjoy kicking back and being taken care of, humans are naturally independent. Being able to take care of oneself provides a sense of feeling and accomplishment. Self-sufficient seniors tend to have a stronger feeling of purpose and enjoyment in everyday life, which leads to a more positive mental outlook.
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Dayton seniors can depend on. To learn about our professional caregivers, call us at [hca_phone].

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