Seize Independence with Seniors Helping Seniors!
February is National Senior Independence Month, and that means Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services is celebrating our community of active care receivers! Remaining autonomous is an important goal for many of the individuals we serve, and entirely attainable with a little work. Preserving that independence into the “Golden Years” requires a safe living space, strong physical and mental health, and an active social life.
Start with these Seniors Helping Seniors® tips, and your upcoming years can be fulfilling and fun! Let’s dive in!
Redecorate for Safety’s Sake
Our homes have potential hazards that we often don’t realize. For independent seniors, being proactive can prevent slips and falls, make daily tasks easier, and ultimately, extend the length of time it’s safe to live alone.
If you’re unsure where to start in safeguarding your house, contact us – our Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers can help identify the most pressing issues, assist with the heavy lifting, or simply provide friendly, caring companionship throughout the process!
The following suggestions might spark some ideas on how to whip your space into shape:
Amp up the safety features
Install handrails around staircases, showers, toilets, and beds, and place non-slip rubber mats on surfaces that can become slick, like bathroom and kitchen floors and wooden steps.
Declutter and organize
Rearrange furniture to establish a clear pathway through every room and purge belongings that are no longer needed to gain extra space. For added convenience, reorganize cabinets, shelves, and storage areas so that frequently used items are easily accessible.
Address current hazards
Fix broken steps and floorboards that can result in a fall and secure rugs so they lie flat and don’t slide around. Tuck away loose cords and wires, ensuring they’re clear of walking paths.
Keep Moving!
A healthy exercise routine is crucial in sustaining physical wellbeing, mental sharpness, and personal autonomy. When developing a regimen, choose exercises that focus on each of the following categories for a total body workout that will keep you ready to tackle any obstacle!
Endurance – walking, water aerobics, dancing, yardwork, and household chores all build stamina
Strength – build muscle with you own body weight or hand weights, starting with light resistance and slowing increasing over time
Flexibility – incorporate toe touches, arm rotations, and side stretches into your routine
Balance – practice activities that build your core strength and leg muscles, like standing on one foot
Whether it requires a few words of encouragement, a steadying hand, or a lift to the gym, our Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers are dedicated to helping those we serve reach every fitness goal. Our aim is to motivate our care receivers to keep moving for a long, independent life!
Ensure Your Social Calendar Stays Full
If your social game has slipped, there are plenty of ways to kickstart it! Try picking up a hobby or activity that’s practiced regularly, like joining a lunch club, bowling team, or fitness group. In addition to providing something to look forward to, planning ahead helps ensure outings aren’t just a one-time event.
Worried about finding transportation? Don’t be! Our caregivers are committed to getting you where you want to go!
Visit Virtually
If leaving the house isn’t an option, engage online. Video chat with family and friends or join a virtual hobby group. These activities still offer mental benefits and the connection needed to keep the negative effects of social isolation at bay.
At Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services, we strive to pair our care receivers with caregivers who share similar interests, passions, and hobbies. Just imagine the fun you and your companion can enjoy together!
Ask For and Accept Help!
Being independent doesn’t mean that you never need support. Our care receivers’ independence is a philosophy that we at Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services take seriously. With your best interests in mind, we provide the encouragement and assistance to live life on your terms. Bravo to all our independent seniors — we salute you and are thrilled to watch you thrive!