Independent and Safe

Understanding Independent Living

Independent Living Defined

The ability of older persons to preserve their independence and self-sufficiency while remaining in their own houses is known as independent living. This entails being capable of handling finances, housekeeping, and other activities of daily living (ADLs) without requiring continual assistance from others. Independent living can enhance older individuals’ overall well-being and help them keep a sense of control over their lives.

The Importance of Independence

Maintaining independence is essential for the physical, emotional, and mental health of older persons. Independence can boost their self-esteem and confidence and give them a sense of importance and purpose. It may also assist them in keeping a good attitude about life despite the difficulties and restrictions brought on by advancing age.

Risks Related to Independent Living

While independent living can be highly beneficial, it can also pose certain risks, particularly in terms of safety. Older adults who live alone may be more vulnerable to falls, accidents, and emergencies, and may have difficulty accessing help when needed. In addition, certain health conditions or mobility issues may make it more difficult for them to maintain their independence without assistance. Therefore, it’s important to take steps to promote both independence and safety for older adults living at home. Download and print our Home Safety Checklist

Promoting Independence

As people age, their ability to perform activities of daily living may become more challenging. However, with the right support and resources, many older adults are able to maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes. Here are some strategies for promoting independence:

Home Modifications

1. Lighting and Visibility: Ensuring that homes are well-lit and easy to navigate can be helpful for those with vision impairments or mobility issues. Installing brighter light bulbs, adding lighting to dark corners or hallways, and using contrasting colors can help improve visibility.
2. Accessibility: Modifying the home to be more accessible can make it easier for older individuals to move around independently. Installing handrails or grab bars in bathrooms and hallways, removing tripping hazards such as loose rugs, and widening doorways can all be helpful modifications.
3. Fall Prevention: Falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalization for older adults. Installing grab bars in bathrooms, using non-slip mats in the shower or bathtub, and removing clutter from walkways can help prevent falls and keep seniors safe.

Learn more about home modifications

Learn More about Falls

Technology

1. Assistive Technology: Technology such as hearing aids, magnifying glasses, and talking watches can help those with vision or hearing impairments maintain their independence.
2. Telemedicine: Telemedicine allows individuals to receive medical care and advice remotely, without the need for in-person appointments. This can be especially helpful for older adults with mobility issues or those who live in remote areas.
3. Home Monitoring Systems: Monitoring systems such as fall detectors, motion sensors, and cameras can provide peace of mind for both older adults and their loved ones. These systems can alert caregivers or emergency services in the event of a fall or other emergency.

Community Resources

1. Transportation Services: Lack of transportation can be a major barrier to independence for older adults. Utilizing transportation services such as GoGo Grandparent or public transportation can help older adults maintain their mobility and independence.
2. Home Care Services: Home care services such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and personal care can help seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living while still allowing them to live independently.
3. Meal Delivery Services: Older adults who have difficulty preparing meals may benefit from meal delivery services like Meals on Wheels, which provide nutritious meals directly to their homes.

Learn more about finding community resources

Promoting Safety

While maintaining independence is important for older adults, safety must also be a top priority. Here are some strategies for promoting safety while living at home:

Medication Management

1. Pill Organizers: Those who take multiple medications may benefit from using pill organizers to help manage their medication schedules. These organizers can help prevent missed doses or accidental overdoses.
2. Medication Dispensers: Medication dispensers can help older adults take the correct medication at the right time. Some dispensers can even send alerts to caregivers if a dose is missed.
3. Medication Management Apps: Smartphone apps can help older adults and their caregivers keep track of their medications, including when to take them and any potential side effects or interactions.

Emergency Preparedness

1. Emergency Kits: Every home should have an emergency kit on hand in case of a natural disaster or other emergency. This kit should include items such as food, water, medications, and first aid supplies.
2. Safety Plan: There should also be a safety plan in place in case of an emergency. This plan should include evacuation routes and meeting places, as well as contact information for emergency services and loved ones.
3. Emergency Contact List: Older adults should keep a list of emergency contacts, including family members, friends, and healthcare providers.

Personal Safety

1. Preventing Elder Abuse: Older persons may be at increased risk for elder abuse, which can include physical, emotional, or financial abuse. Older adults and their families should be aware of the signs of elder abuse and take steps to protect themselves.
2. Fire Safety: Older adults should be aware of fire hazards in the home, such as overloaded electrical outlets or unattended candles. Smoke detectors should be installed and tested regularly.
3. Home Security: Home security can be improved by installing deadbolts, security cameras, and motion-sensing lights.

To Recap

Summary of Strategies

Promoting independence and safety for older persons living at home is crucial for their overall well-being. Strategies for promoting independence include home modifications, technology, and community resources such as transportation services and home care services. Strategies for promoting safety include medication management, emergency preparedness, and personal safety measures such as preventing elder abuse and improving home security.

Encouraging Independence

Encouraging older adults to maintain their independence for as long as safe and possible can help them maintain a sense of purpose and control over their lives. Caregivers and loved ones can provide support and assistance as needed while still encouraging their loved ones to perform tasks independently whenever possible.

The Importance of Tailoring Strategies to Individual Needs

It’s important to tailor strategies for promoting independence and safety to each individual’s unique needs and abilities. This may involve modifying the home, utilizing assistive technology, or seeking out community resources. By tailoring these strategies to each individual, older adults can maintain their independence and stay safe while living at home.

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Author: Liz Craven

Liz Craven, co-publisher of Sage Aging ElderCare Guide with her husband Wes, combines personal experience and heartfelt dedication in her work. Their journey in eldercare began with a personal story—caring for Wes' grandmother, Mabel, who lived with Alzheimer's. This chapter in their lives not only highlighted the complexities of eldercare but also kindled a deep-seated passion to support others facing similar challenges. Since then, Liz and Wes have navigated caregiving three more times. These experiences have added layers of depth to their insights, allowing them to offer a blend of empathetic understanding and practical advice through the Sage Aging ElderCare Guide. Liz’s commitment to making eldercare more approachable and less daunting shines through in every piece of advice she offers, aiming to ease the caregiving journey for others.