Suggesting to your beloved elderly to live independently can be risky. Staying in an assisted facility is a safer choice. You can guarantee that someone will be around to take good care of them. Well, there are also some benefits to independent living. Seniors will be more active since they have to rely on themselves. They will also feel good about the idea that they don’t have to depend on other people all the time. Preparing them to live independently isn’t easy. Here are some tips to help you get through the process.
Find the right neighbourhood
The first thing you need to look into is security. You want seniors to be in a safe neighbourhood. You will be less worried when the area has a low crime rate. Take your time to compare different choices and find the perfect location.
Prepare the house
You should also prepare the house and make sure it’s safe for independent living. Avoid homes that have second floors. You don’t want your loved ones to get insurance because they have to get up and down the stairs. Everything should be available on the same floor. The bathroom should also be safe. Find a way to prevent slippage and injuries.
Look for fun activities
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Living alone can be somewhat boring. Check if there are organisations in the area that seniors can be a part of. They can be in the same place and have fun with different activities. If you don’t want your elderly loved one to keep going out of the house just to have fun, let them play slots online. The games are exciting, and anyone will feel entertained by them. As long as the house has stable Internet access, everything will be okay.
Keep contact information accessible
If there are emergencies, asking for help should be easy. Make sure the numbers are on speed dial. They should also be in a notebook or a small paper on the fridge magnet. Seniors might panic during emergencies, and they should find these contact numbers easily.
Instruct them about every detail
Create a manual on how to use technology at home. It includes all the furniture and appliances. You can’t rely on oral instructions alone since the elderly might have a hard time recalling things. They can only remember the details if you write them down. Then, they will have a reference if necessary.
Keep telling them about the plan
Before you even decide to pursue this plan, make sure the elderly loved ones are on board. Don’t force anything against their will. Instead, give them the chance to decide if they want to live independently or be in an assisted living facility. There are pros and cons in every choice, and you don’t want to decide alone.
After doing these things, you can prepare your loved one to be alone. Don’t forget to call frequently and visit if possible. Assess the situation after a few months and see if it can be a long-term plan. Consider changes if necessary.
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