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Hi. I’m Connie. As a serial “Grandmapreneur®”, I speak to retirees or soon-to-be retirees on the benefits of pursuing entrepreneurship in retirement. This blog post will let you help a loved one live independently, which you will need as you consider starting a business.

How to Help a Loved One Live Independently

As seniors age, they want to enjoy their golden years and live independently. But with age comes challenges― sometimes, they need a little help from their loved ones.

If you want to help a loved one live independently, consider doing these:

1. Make their home safe and accessible. 

If you have a grandparent or older parent, it might be harder for them to move around their house. 

You can help them make their home safer using helpful equipment like handrails or grab bars in the bathroom. You must also remove things they might trip on. 

In addition, make sure their essential things like medicine, glasses, and hearing aids are easy to get to. It’s important to make their home accessible so they can move around safely and easily.

2. Encourage regular exercise and healthy eating.

Fitness after 50 and a healthy diet are crucial for maintaining good health and independence. 

If you want to help a loved one live independently, encourage them to exercise regularly (e.g., walking, jogging, yoga). You can also help them prepare healthy meals rich in nutrients and low in fat and sodium.

3. Offer help with transportation.

Transportation can be a significant barrier to independence, especially for older adults who can’t drive or access public transportation easily. 

So, offer to drive your loved one to appointments, social events, and errands. If you can’t do it, consider hiring a ride-sharing service like Uber or arranging public transportation.

4. Stay connected.

Social isolation is a common problem among older adults and can lead to depression and other health issues.

If you want to help a loved one live independently, call or video chat with them regularly. It’s a great way to check in and see how they’re doing, even if you can’t be there in person. You can also help them learn how to use technology to stay connected with other family members and friends who live far away.

5. Consider hiring home care services.

Home care services can be a great option if an older loved one needs help with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. These services provide trained caregivers who can come to your loved one’s home and provide assistance with these tasks, as well as companionship and help with transportation.

Home care services can be customized to meet your loved one’s needs, ranging from a few hours a week to around-the-clock care. Caregivers can assist with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toilet use. They can also help with meal planning and preparation, medication reminders, and light housekeeping tasks.

Conclusion

You must take it seriously if you want to help a loved one live independently. By making homes safer and accessible, encouraging regular exercise and healthy eating, helping with transportation, staying connected, and hiring home care services, we can significantly improve their quality of life. Let’s all do our part to help our older loved ones thrive in their golden years and cherish the invaluable wisdom and love they bring to our lives.

Disclaimer: The material and information contained in this article are for general information purposes only. You should check with a financial advisor before making any business, legal, or other decisions.

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