How can seniors maintain their independence while receiving care?

In the same way that millennials are embracing urban living, older adults are increasingly interested in moving to more urban areas. In fact, the percentage of people 55 and older who live in cities is expected to climb to 58% by 2030. What does this mean for cities that have traditionally catered to the needs of retirees? Urban areas are becoming more accessible and attractive to older adults who want to live in close proximity to hospitals and medical care providers, shops and other services, as well as cultural and social venues. The challenge for cities, however, is how they can accommodate the needs of this growing population without sacrificing the accessibility and affordability that has made them so appealing in the first place.For people who are no longer working and who need assistance with daily activities such as cooking, shopping and transportation, a live-in caregiver can be a great resource for supporting independence. However, many older adults are concerned about bringing a stranger into their home, especially if they have not had any prior experience working with a caregiver. The solution is to hire a private care company that provides a caregiver on an as-needed basis, rather than an in-home caregiver who comes daily. It also may be wise to find a company with a positive reputation in that particular city, so that you can comfortably meet with the manager on an occasional basis without feeling like a suspect.There are many things older adults can do to maintain their independence while receiving care at home, whether it’s from a family member, friend or hired caregiver. This article will outline some tips on how to become more self-sufficient and what to expect from an in-home caregiver. This information will also apply to anyone providing care to an older adult, whether they are a family member, friend or professional caregiver.

Manage your health.

One of the first things to do is to get a full physical and/or dental checkup, including blood work. This can be a scary experience, but it is also a great opportunity to get an expert’s input on what to do next. Your primary care physician may not have experience caring for older adults, so it is a good idea to make an appointment with a geriatrician. This can be a daunting process, but it is important to be honest with your physician about your health and any chronic conditions you may have. As you are getting older, it is also a good idea to consider getting genetic testing for a few of your risk factors, such as hearing loss, vision loss and falls. This will help you to be proactive in managing your health and living an active lifestyle.

Find the right home.

The first step in becoming more self-sufficient is to select the right home. If you are moving into an existing home, it is important to be aware of the potential health and safety hazards, including faulty wiring, poor lighting and inadequate heating and air conditioning. The best way to do this is to hire a professional home inspector. If you are building a new home, it is important to hire a general contractor with experience in designing and building homes for the older adult population. One of the most important things to consider is the location of the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms. For example, it is not ideal to put the bathroom near the bedrooms, as it can be a very disruptive and loud place.

Learn to cook.

One of the first things you will have to learn is how to cook. This is not something most people think to do when they are in their 70s and 80s. Older adults who have lived on their own for a long time may not have been very good at cooking to begin with, or they may have lived in a situation where someone else took care of the food. It may be helpful to take a class and learn the basics of cooking, including how to use a knife, how to handle fresh produce and how to read a recipe. You may want to start with simple things such as oatmeal, soups and stews. You can also learn to make things that are quick to prepare, such as rice and pasta, especially if you are going to live in a house where you don’t have a fully equipped kitchen.

Find a reliable transportation service.

If you live in an urban environment, you will have to rely on public transportation to get to work and to go shopping. This can make it difficult to get to appointments or go grocery shopping, but there are several ways to deal with this. The first is to ride the bus or train regularly and to know your way around. The second is to sign up for a car sharing service, which will allow you to borrow a car for those occasional trips when you need to go out of town. The third is to consider hiring a private driver. This can be a great option for people with mobility issues who can’t drive themselves.

Join a fitness club.

If you live in an urban environment, there are likely several fitness clubs in your area. If you belong to a fitness or health club, you will be able to schedule a personal trainer, exercise classes and other fitness activities. This can be a great way to stay fit and meet new people. It is important to select a club that is accessible for people in wheelchairs, and it is also a good idea to join a club where you can book a session with a personal trainer. This way, you can focus on your own personal fitness program and stay in the same group of people.

Network and engage with your neighbours.

Urban dwellers often feel like they don’t have a lot in common with their neighbours. This is unfortunate, as neighbours often become the people you turn to in time of need. For example, if you have a health issue, neighbours may be able to recommend a specialist or know of a good alternative treatment. If you have a family emergency, neighbours may offer to babysit your children or take them to school. If you are looking for a new job or a promotion at work, neighbours may have connections in the industry or know someone who can give you a hand.

Bottom line

Urban dwellers who are no longer working and need assistance with daily activities such as cooking, shopping and transportation, a live-in caregiver can be a great resource for supporting independence. The challenge for cities, however, is how they can accommodate the needs of this growing population without sacrificing the accessibility and affordability that has made them so appealing in the first place.