It is completely possible for elderly loved ones to remain at home, living independently. However, sometimes a few small changes may be needed to make this possible. If you are considering moving your loved one to an assisted living facility, this may not be necessary if you take the following steps to allow them to remain at home where they are happiest.
Daytime Assistance
Consider having a daytime assistant come in and provide support daily, or even just a few days a week. This individual can help with cleaning, laundry and other chores. They can also help your loved one get to appointments and run errands such as grocery shopping and other basic things that are required.
Night-time Assistance
The news media is constantly reporting stories of elderly people who become disoriented and leave their homes and become lost. Night time hours can be especially problematic for elderly persons who have memory issues. You might consider having someone stay with your loved one at night to assist them if they wake up and become disoriented and need some assistance.
Regular Visits
The gift of your time is one of the greatest gifts you can bestow on just about anyone, but especially an older friend or family member. Loneliness is a major problem for elderly individuals who live alone. Visit your loved one often and sit with them. Just having someone to talk to or share a cup of tea or coffee with can go a long way to improving the quality of life for an elderly person. In addition, an elderly person may not have the great eyesight that they had even a few years ago. You can read to them, help them with bills and mail and do other things that they may not be able to see well enough to do anymore.
Adjustments to the Home
Your loved one may have mobility problems which cause them to be unable to get around like they used to. Consider making adjustments to eliminate steps and other things that can cause problems in the home. You may also need to make adjustments to the tub or shower, or buy different furniture that allows your loved one to function normally at home.
Emergency Alert System
A Pioneer emergency alert system is a great idea for elderly persons that live alone. This allows them to summon help in the event of a fall, or even if they find themselves locked out of their home in inclement weather. An alert bracelet or necklace also gives you peace of mind that someone will be able to get to your loved one in a timely manner if they need assistance.