Seniors value their personal freedom as much as anyone else. This is because independence brings dignity, control, self-worth, and satisfaction along with it. To put it simply, independence is a key ingredient to happiness and quality of life. Thus, it is imperative that we help seniors maintain their independence.
As a provider of Non-Emergency Transportation in Columbus, Ohio, Express Medical Transportation, Inc. enumerates some ways to help keep your seniors independent.
- Introduce Home Modifications.Home is considered as a safe haven for many. It is no wonder, then, why most of the elderly prefer to stay at home rather than to stay in a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Make their home senior-friendly by making some home modifications such as the following:
- Install easier-to-access showers and sinks (i.e. opt for a shower that is removable).
- Fix handrails on both sides of the stairs.
- Make sure that the hallways and stairways are properly lit.
- Place non-slip mat on slippery surfaces.
- Install grab bars near the tub, shower, and toilet.
- Encourage Physical Activities.Engaging in physical activities can reduce your elderly loved ones’ risk of falls. It can also lessen their likelihood of developing certain diseases, such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Here are some physical activities your seniors may be interested in:
- Dancing
- Walking, brisk walking, or running
- Gardening
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Yoga or Tai Chi
- Stimulate Their Mind.Just like the muscles, the brain eventually loses its functions if it is not used regularly. Keep your aging loved ones’ minds active. How do you do that? Play board games with them. A long line of studies posit that playing chess, scrabble, and other board games can help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
- Teach Them How to Use the Internet.Old age can limit certain physical abilities. For one, grocery shopping can become a taxing task for your seniors. You can have someone do it for them. But if your loved ones insist they want to do it by themselves, you can teach them how to shop online. Tell them the benefits they can get from it, like free delivery.
- Keep Their Routines.Do your seniors have a routine they like to follow, such as gardening on a Monday, visiting a friend on a Tuesday, or having a picnic on a Wednesday? There may come a time that they will have trouble keeping these routines. Help them continue their routines.
- Consider Home Care.If your elderly loved ones are encountering problems with their day-to-day tasks, such as grooming, bathing, and cleaning the house, you may want to consider getting home care for them.
- Get Help from Express Medical Transportation, Inc.Many seniors miss medical appointments and family gatherings because of the lack of transportation. They may not be fit to drive anymore. Do not worry, Express Medical Transportation, Inc. offers Non-Emergency Transportation. We can drive your elderly loved ones safely to their destination.