You want your elderly parents to feel a sense of independence – to maintain control of their lives and surroundings and to feel the sense of achievement, well-being, and self-worth that come with that control. But you also want to support them, steering them toward decisions that allow them to live the best possible life anchored by safety and confidence in their twilight years.
At first glance, the two wishes may seem at odds – how can they be both independent and supported? But they are not mutually exclusive. Supporting your parents while preserving their right to independence may take some planning (and more than a few long conversations,) but with these tips, it’s absolutely doable.
Discuss Downsizing
Downsizing is a fantastic option for older adults who want to maintain independence but can’t manage their current home’s size and the day-to-day or accumulated clutter causing disorganization. A large home can be an awful lot to handle, between indoor and outdoor maintenance, cleaning, organization and accessibility. Feelings of stress, being overwhelmed and stuck are common among seniors faced with these challenges. To ensure your parents remain empowered in their surroundings, discuss making the move.
To take the stress out of the process, enlist the help of a professional downsizing company. To start, look for a company that focuses on elderly clients.
Check out Neatspaces.ca for the model of a great professional downsizing company. They take the time and care to listen to your parents’ needs, discuss options, develop a plan of action and enable your parents to move ahead with maximum situational control and minimal effort.
In a new, smaller, de-cluttered home, like a bungalow, condo, apartment, or retirement suite your parents will have greater control over their surroundings. Additionally, smaller homes like condos can be made accessible, which leads to the next item.
Improve Accessibility
Improving the accessibility of your parents’ new home is a great way to show your support while also promoting independence. Accessibility encompasses a wide range of areas, but here are a few to consider:
- Ensure that daily items, like clothing, cookware, food and medicine, etc., are easy to access. For example, you don’t want to bury pantry staples or frequently used items at the back of a shelf or in a top cupboard, necessitating the use of a step stool.
- Consider investing in voice-activated devices. Voice-activated thermostats, lights, remotes and smart speakers have come down in price lately, and are great options for parents with reduced mobility.
- Maximize the lighting throughout the home to ensure that your parents never have to feel through dark or dim areas.
- Eliminate tripping hazards caused by cords, and area carpets and ensure the floorplan provides ample space around furniture for mobility with a cane or walker.
The end goal here is to create a safe home where the elderly adults in your life can easily navigate all rooms and access the things they want and need.
Introduce Community
Finally, a large part of independence is social independence. Not only is a vibrant social life essential and emotionally rewarding, but it can also keep seniors healthy.
Too often, when parents stay in the old family home, they are geographically detached from friends, activities and a community their own age. Supporting and encouraging your parents as they connect with peers in the neighborhood, attend community events or undertake new communal hobbies helps set them up for independence and the rewards of social connections
Unsure whether to offer support or let your elderly parents be independent? Luckily, you can have it both ways! Discuss downsizing, improve their accessibility, and help them foster a renewed sense of community.
