Tips for Encouraging Independence in Your Aging Loved One

We all want our parents to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Yet, even when your loved one is in full health, the aging process can naturally slow them down and make everyday tasks more difficult. When it comes to maintaining independence, four aspects of our daily lives play a vital role in how we view our well-being and, in turn, our independence from limiting circumstances:

Physical Well-Being – Studies show that staying as healthy as possible can likely keep your loved one living on their own longer. While diet and exercise aren’t guarantees of a carefree life, they certainly help reduce the disabilities and illness that keep us from living how we choose.

Mental Well-Being – A mentally stimulated senior will likely feel more youthful and more capable of performing the tasks she needs to accomplish, as well as pursuing the hobbies that make her feel alive.

Social Well-Being – Having social connections helps older adults avoid sliding down the slope of isolation, helping them feel like they belong to a community and something greater than themselves. Friendships are vital in maintaining good health and thus independence.

Emotional Well-Being – Being emotionally fulfilled gives older adults the inspiration and energy they need to stay well. When they have a sense of purpose, it’s easier to get up, go out and get things done. Because this sense of fulfillment often influences the choices we make, emotional health may actually be the keystone of living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining independence.

Translating Independence into Your Caregiving Style

You can encourage independence in your loved one by changing how you view your caregiving role. Instead of viewing your role as task-oriented, consider it to be engagement-oriented. In other words, stop viewing caregiving as doing things for your loved one, and start viewing it as doing things with your loved one.

Changing your perspective on your caregiving role may take time and practice, but it’s worth the effort to help your loved one feel independent and fulfilled. In the meantime, here are some practical ideas that you can do right now to help your loved one maintain their independence:

• Have items delivered – Arrange for your loved one’s groceries and medications to be delivered to their house each week.
• Make the home safe – To reduce the risk of falls and injuries, help your loved one make their home as safe as possible.
• Be proactive with their health – Encourage your loved one to stay as healthy as possible. Offer to join an exercise class with them, or help them learn to cook new, healthier meals.
• Make arrangements – Come up with new ideas for how to spend your time together that will encourage their creativity and promote daily ambition.
• Invest in security – If you are concerned about your loved one’s health as they live on their own, invest in an emergency response system that they can wear at home.

At Tuscan Gardens® of Venetia Bay, we’ve mastered the art of living. We’ve perfected the balance of personalized support and an uplifting lifestyle, helping our residents experience independence, joy, and meaning every day.

Offering supportive independent living, assisted living and memory care services for families in Venice, Florida, Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay was founded with one simple, yet profound goal – to create a community worthy of our parents. In all we do, we are guided by the principles of family, culture, and engagement, working to represent the remarkable way of life our families deserve.

The essence of our community is made up not only of mere aesthetics but an artfully designed lifestyle to bring out the best of what each day has to offer. From dedicated care that respects residents’ individuality and dignity to a lifestyle that nurtures their love of life, Tuscan Gardens was built to be more than just a residence, but a place to call home.

To learn more about our comfortable, elegant community, contact us today!