Maintaining independence can be one of the biggest challenges of growing older. As age increases and health declines, everyday activities grow more difficult and assistance may become necessary. This can be hard to come to terms with because independence is essential to the physical and mental well-being of older adults.

Independence helps seniors feel like themselves, maintain a sense of purpose, boost mental health, enhance memory, preserve strength and balance, and more. So, it’s important to encourage independence in seniors as a way to support their longevity and wellbeing. Today, there are numerous resources and ways to maintain independence in old age, and a few aids can make a major difference.

Independence in the Home

For most, maintaining independence can be a key factor in determining someone’s ability to live at home. And as the desire to live at home grows, it’s important to ensure living spaces are well equipped so elderly loved ones can safely continue doing tasks on their own.

Consider the following home aids as a way to encourage and support senior independence:

Rollators

Losing mobility can mean losing independence and rollators are a great option for people who are experiencing mobility challenges. They provide extra support and balance for easier movement throughout the home and for maneuvering tight spaces.

Struggling with limited mobility can cause some people to avoid going out to visit with friends and family, leading to feelings of isolation. Rollators allow people to maintain their mobility outside the home, providing more opportunities to experience an independent lifestyle.

Check out a HomeCare Hospital Beds favorite:

The Drive Medical Adjustable Height Rollator Walker

Transfer Benches

Transfer benches help reduce the risk of falling and allow a person to independently move in and out of slippery, dangerous bathing areas. Transfer benches are ideal for individuals who struggle with balance, endurance, and strength issues.

They allow a person to get in and out of bathing areas without having to lift their legs up and over the side in a standing position. Transfer benches provide full body support while entering and exiting the bathtub and offer a secure place to sit or rest while bathing.

Check out a HomeCare Hospital Beds favorite:

The Drive Medical Splash Defense Transfer Bench with Curtain Guard Protection

Hospital Beds

As more people are remaining in their homes and delaying or avoiding an assisted living facility, the use of home hospital beds is rising. Home hospital beds empower people to live independent lives in their own homes by providing support for tasks that might otherwise be impossible without assistance. Hospital beds incorporate various features to reduce the risk of falling by making it easier to get into and out of bed.

Accidents tend to occur when a bed is too high or too low, so it’s important to consider height-adjustable beds, known as Hi-Low beds, that can be raised and lowered to ideal heights. You may also want to look for a bed that features motorized configuration adjustments to make it easier for someone to adjust themselves into different positions for added comfort.

Check out a HomeCare Hospital Beds favorite:

HomeCare Hospital Beds Lynacare™ HC107 Hi-Low Hospital Bed Set

Final Thoughts

No matter our age, we all desire to be independent. As we get older it can be difficult to accept loss of independence leading us to feel nostalgic, depressed, angry, etc. Talk with your loved ones to identify where they may need extra support and remind them that asking for help is the first step in better maintaining their independence. Sometimes all it takes is a few home aids to help seniors live independently.

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**