Your golden years are supposed to be one of the most exciting times in your life. You’re on the verge of retirement or retired altogether; you have free time that you’ve always wanted. Plus, this is your opportunity to take the time to do things that you want to do.
While there are perks in elderhood, there are some downsides too. As we age, it becomes harder for us to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
This is because our physical and mental abilities decline. In order to avoid this, senior citizens need to take care of themselves in the best way possible. A lot of seniors are living these days independently as they have more time on their hands than ever before.
They can now spend their time doing what they want to do and not worry about the daily needs that they used to worry about when they were younger. Independent living is incredibly important. This gives you the opportunity to live exactly how you want in the comfort of your own home.
But how can you live as peacefully as you‘d like during independent living? Is there anything one needs to know? Continue reading to learn more.
What is the Difference Between Independent Living and Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a form of senior care where the elderly live in a facility with 24-hour professional care and support. Assisted living facilities are often more expensive than independent living senior care. Assisted living services are becoming increasingly popular as people age.
The most common reason for this is that they provide around-the-clock assistance and professional care, which can help seniors to keep their independence. Independent living can come in two different forms. It can be someone who is elderly and lives entirely on their own, taking care of themselves such as their own house.
There is also the version of living at a facility but having your own apartment. This type of facility will offer food, cafeterias, gyms, activities, and doctors, but it’s all within the facility, and the independent elder can choose where they want to use these services or not. Elders will have a variety of preferences for their lifestyle, and there are facilities and businesses out there waiting to help out.
How to Prepare for an Independent Life Once Retired
During retirement, you want to make each day count, right? It is never too early to start preparing for your retirement. It is important to start planning your retirement years in advance to have time to save and invest. While you may always have a change in plans, it’s important to figure out what you want and how. Such as wondering if you want to keep your house and live in that, travel, or even live in a facility.
The key to a successful independent life after retirement is preparation. You have the power to make decisions that will help you live a comfortable and rewarding life after you retire. You should think about what kind of lifestyle you want and how much money you need for it, then plan accordingly.
How to Ensure You Remain Independent as an Elder and Avoid Loneliness
One in five people tends to deal with loneliness once they hit retirement. With that number increasing, it is important to recognize the importance of staying independent and avoiding loneliness.
But even if you didn’t live independently, such as in a care home, there is still sadly the risk of loneliness. In order to remain independent as an elder, it is important to have a strong support system. This includes family members, friends, and neighbors. It also includes pets and other animals that can provide companionship.
Many elders find themselves struggling with loneliness as they age. To avoid loneliness as an elder, it is important to maintain friendships with other elders in your community or surrounding area.
The Importance of Finding a Good Caregiver
A Caregiver doesn’t immediately mean it’s someone who is going to take care of someone. While yes, it’s true that caregivers are responsible for bathing, dressing, and feeding, among other things. This isn’t only what caregivers do. Plus, there are care assistants as well, which help out with minor things.
It’s important, as someone who chooses independent living to actually live independently. But having some assistance here and there can be great, and can make life easier. There are many benefits to hiring a professional home care provider and assistant for elderly people. Some of these benefits can include
- Better health outcomes
- Lower cost of care
- Reduced need for institutionalization
- Increased quality of life and independence
Elder care is a very important part of life. It can be difficult, especially when it comes to providing care for someone who needs more than just care. In order to provide the best possible level of care, caregivers need the right support system. Having a support system can make all the difference in providing quality and compassionate care for those who need it most.
So, what about the cost of these assistants? It is well-known that the cost of caregivers is significantly high for the elder. If an elder does not have enough money to pay for a caregiver, then he or she can hire one through home care agencies. However, this would be a big financial burden on them, and they may not be able to afford it. When you are going through the process of caregiving, it is important to be aware of some common mistakes that you may make.
Mistake #1: You put your needs first. It is important to remember that your caregiving relationship should be a mutual partnership where both parties are happy, healthy, and fulfilled. It may be their job to help, but they must enjoy the help they give.
Mistake #2: You don’t communicate well with your caregiver. If you feel like there is a miscommunication or misunderstanding, it is important to discuss this with your caregiver and work towards resolving the issue.
There are different types of caregivers and care assistants. Whether this is running errands like getting groceries or cleaning up the place, it’s vital to know that caregivers don’t take away autonomy, but rather help give it.
Best Tips to Help You Live Your Best Life as An Independent Elder
As the world becomes increasingly mobile, it can be difficult to maintain independence as an elder. But there are some additional tips that you should keep in mind to help you live your best life!
- Get a pet: Pets can help seniors with physical and mental health issues and increase their quality of life.
- Create a routine: Create a daily routine that includes things like brushing teeth, getting dressed, taking medication, and more. This will help you feel more in control of your day-to-day life and keep you from getting overwhelmed by the chaos in your home or apartment.
- Make sure you have transportation: Make sure that you have access to transportation so that you can go grocery shopping or run errands on your own without relying on others for rides or assistance.
- Set up an emergency contact: Having an emergency contact is key when it comes to being an independent elder
- Look into an elderly personal alarm for your safety at home, such as in the case that you may fall or hurt yourself in some other way.
Overall, when it comes to being an elder who is wanting to live independently, just keep in mind that you definitely can. Sure, there may be times when it’s difficult but you don’t have to do everything yourself. There isn’t anything wrong with getting some help here and there to help you live the comfortable, worry-free life you have always wanted.
