Adapt Activities to Help Preserve Independence During Dementia
If you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you might be inclined to do whatever you can for the person to ease the stress of even the most basic everyday tasks. Living independently and dementia may seem like polar opposites. However, we all have an innate need to safeguard self-reliance and the freedom […]
To Promote Independence for Seniors, Caregivers Must Also Ensure Safety
When a senior loved one is finding it difficult to manage a task, our first instinct, with all the very best of intentions, is generally to step in and take care of it ourselves. But is this truly supporting your loved one – or can it be hindering? The truth is, there is a fine […]
Giving Up the Keys: Maintaining Independence When It’s Time to Stop Driving
We’re a very mobile society, and being able to pick up and go whenever and wherever we’d like is one of the greatest freedoms we enjoy as adults. However, as we grow older, driving often becomes unsafe for a variety of reasons, and the time ultimately arises when the difficult conversation must be held to […]
Helping or Hindering? How to Help Those with Alzheimer’s Retain Dignity and Independence.
In our last blog, we took the big picture of Alzheimer’s disease and broke it down into three more manageable pieces, with caregiving tips for each. Throughout the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, one common thread to consider remains: what aspects of living need to be taken over for the person, and what can he or […]
Creating Boundaries for Improved Independence
Caring too much is surprisingly possible. Over-caring can take away from a senior or disabled person’s sense of independence, which can be damaging to his or her self-worth. When creating a care plan with your loved one, go over activities of daily living with him or her to determine what areas the person needs assistance […]
Technology that Promotes a Senior’s Independence at Home
Technology usage among seniors is growing, and there are now more options than ever for easy-to-use devices and tools to enhance safety and promote independence at home. The following are some devices to consider to help your loved one stay safe, healthy, and happy at home: Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) are important for those […]
Tips to Promote Independence in Seniors and Disabled Persons
When caring for an older or disabled loved one, it can be easy to let your instinct to problem-solve take over, but encouraging independence in small, everyday ways will increase a senior’s feelings of self-worth and achievement. Find ways to let the person care for himself and encourage independence, while still providing necessary care with […]
Maintaining Independence After a Muscle Disease Diagnosis
Helping a loved one diagnosed with muscle disease such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) remain as independent as possible is one of the greatest gifts you can give as a caregiver. As the disease progresses and loss of function begins to occur, it is easy to fall into the trap of doing everything possible for […]
These Innovative Products Can Enhance the Independence of the Visually Impaired
There are many innovative and useful specialty products for people who have low vision. These products can be sophisticated or surprisingly simple, and are designed to make it easier to access printed material, use computers, travel and perform activities of daily living. Here are a few examples of innovative products to enhance the independence of […]
How to win the tug of war between independence and safety
Most people prefer to age in their own homes, not simply because it feels most familiar and comforting, but because it helps them maintain a feeling of independence. But as eyesight starts to fail and mobility falter, oftentimes a tug of war begins between wishing to fulfill a parent’s desires to remain home and believing […]