Why Independence Is Important for Seniors

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Why Older Adults Need Their Independence in Philadelphia, PA

Seniors enjoy being independent because it gives them a sense of achievement. However, maintaining independence in the golden years might be difficult for some seniors. Here are some of the reasons it’s important to encourage your elderly loved one to maintain independence as he or she ages.

Increases Strength & Mobility 

Seniors can keep their bodies strong and active by performing daily tasks with little assistance. These tasks include bathing, cleaning, cooking, laundry, yard work, and other chores. If your loved one relies on you to do everything, he or she might develop poor muscle strength, balance issues, weak blood flow, and breathing difficulties. Walking from room to room to complete a task or going to the pharmacy and doctor’s office can boost strength and mobility. 

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional in-home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Prevents Depression 

When your loved one loses independence, he or she may feel depressed, which could lead to serious issues such as a stroke or heart attack. By encouraging your loved one to do the things he or she can do without assistance, you’re encouraging him or her to remain independent. This could boost your loved one’s mood despite the issues he or she faces due to aging. 

Professional caregivers can help seniors with emotional support, especially those who feel lonely and depressed at home. When considering elder care, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.

Preserves Memory

Being independent at home could keep your loved one’s brain active and stimulated. Your loved one will need to think and make decisions pertaining to daily tasks, such as healthy meal preparation and fun activities. Deciding what to wear may seem like a simple task, but it could preserve your loved one’s memory. Making independent choices promotes independence, and it could prevent or delay many age-related issues, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 

Achieves a Sense of Purpose 

When your loved one performs an activity with little or no help, he or she may feel a sense of achievement. Seniors tend to take pride in their accomplishments, especially if aging has affected their mobility, vision, and hearing. Being independent gives your loved one something to look forward to each day, regardless of his or her health issues. This sense of purpose can prevent the feeling of dependence many seniors experience at some point in their lives. 

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 Philadelphia seniors can depend on. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at (215) 645-4663 today.

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