Elderwerks Senior Resource Directory 2025/2026

TIPS FOR SENIORS TO STAY INDEPENDENT

TIPS FOR SENIORS TO STAY INDEPENDENT

There are many more simple ideas to help you maintain your independence. Remember your independence is based on smart decisions and staying healthy.

Grab bars in the bathroom are a must. Treat your tile with a non-slip coating and a seat in the shower or tub to prevent falls. Ramps, lift chairs and other adaptability equipment will help you remain at home longer. In terms of technology there are new medical alert services available to help you. If you have a medical emergency you press a button and help is on the way. There are also auto-alert pendants available. If the pendant detects a fall it will automatically call for help. There are medication alert dispensing systems that will advise you when it’s time to take your medications and will even give you the proper dosage. If you don’t remember to take your medications the system will notify you or a caregiver that you missed your medication. You also must stay healthy by eating right and exercising. If you no longer cook you can have meals delivered by local restaurants or nutritional projects such as Meals on Wheels or the Golden Diners program. Exercise according to your abilities. If you are not steady on your feet then do your exercises in a chair.

Older adults want to stay home as independently as possible. It’s sometimes difficult to accept help from others because we’re all proud and don’t want to be a burden to our children. There are many options to stay safe and live well at home. Clutter is a huge problem for many living at home. It’s difficult to maintain the home so “stuff” piles up. Hire a house cleaner to keep the home clean and clutter-free. If your home is already cluttered ask your children to help or hire an organizer or Senior Move Manager to assist with de-cluttering and modify your living space. A handyman can help with changing of bulbs and minor repairs. Remove all loose floor rugs or tack them down. As we age we tend to shuffle more when we walk. Thicker rugs or rugs that move easily can make us trip and fall. You should also place your furniture in your home with enough space that you can get around the pieces easily and that you can use for balance as you walk. Install brighter bulbs throughout the home to help illuminate the darker spaces. Install railings to go up and down stairs as well as thicker trim along your walls that you can hold if necessary.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

“ Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. ” Mark Twain

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