Most seniors place a great deal of importance on independence, and your elderly loved one is likely no exception. Although people of all ages actively seek autonomy, it’s easy to take it for granted when unchallenged by age. Here are a few reasons independence is so important to seniors.
They Don’t Want to Be Burdensome
Becoming dependent on others can be frightening for seniors, largely because they worry about becoming burdens to the family members and friends they care about. As their abilities change, many aging adults are eager to find new ways of getting things done to prevent the loss of autonomy. They also understand the likelihood of getting essential skills back is minimal once they stop using them.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Barrie seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
They Believe Loss of Independence & Mortality Are Connected
Losing independence strikes some seniors as a sign of life winding down, and many aspects of normal aging force them to confront their own mortality. Becoming unable to manage basic life responsibilities is usually the most poignant age-related change.
When considering home care service, 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.
They Want to Maintain Their Dignity
Everyone deserves to have a sense of dignity and pride. These are feelings people first experience by learning how to do things for themselves, and losing these learned abilities can undermine their feelings of self-worth and accomplishment. Despite changes in how their bodies and minds function, seniors love feeling capable and valuable.
They Fear Exhausting Fixed Incomes
Aging adults tend to be cognizant of the impact lost abilities can have on their finances. It’s generally free or inexpensive to do things independently, but once others step in, there’s likely to be some out-of-pocket spending involved. Although many people work hard for several decades to ensure post-retirement comfort, they know managing their own self-care and personal responsibilities can make their money go a lot farther.
They Want to Continue Living at Home
Adults of every age enjoy having their personal space, and moving in with a family member can radically alter the way a person’s lifestyle is structured. Maintaining independence allows seniors to remain in their own comfortable environments while living the lifestyles they prefer. Few elderly people want this basic freedom to go away. However, they can still maintain their independence and continue living at home with the help of caregivers.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Barrie elderly home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us at 647-970-3803 today.