Maintaining Independence in Assisted Living – Tips for Seniors

Many seniors place a high value on their independence. Maintaining independence in assisted living can give them a sense of achievement and self-worth that helps to improve their quality of life.

Assisted living communities offer residents opportunities to socialize on campus and in the community, helping them fight off isolation. They also encourage participation in decision-making, promoting a sense of control.

Get Moving

Many seniors place a high value on their independence. They have spent decades earning a living, raising a family, and maintaining their home independently, so losing that independence can be devastating.

But moving to Jacksonville, Florida, assisted living doesn’t mean that your loved one won’t get the independence they want and deserve. It simply means they will have someone else take care of some of the more mundane chores, allowing them to spend more time doing the things they love.

Encourage your loved ones to stay active and build connections in their new community. Physical activity can help maintain strength and balance, while social interaction can ward off feelings of isolation or loneliness. Joining an exercise class or participating in daily walks are great ways to get moving and make new friends.

Stay Connected

A robust, two-way connection with your loved one can help them preserve independence. It is essential to keep in touch with them through phone calls, FaceTime, or family Zoom meetings. Asking questions about their daily activities and friends can also be an excellent way to stay connected with them.

Maintaining independence means staying socially and mentally active. Assisted living communities plan outings, social events, clubs, and other opportunities for residents to make new friends and build connections. This can help prevent isolation, which is a risk factor for mental and physical health problems.

If your loved ones live far away, a simple letter or postcard once in a while can cut out the technology hassle and show them that you’re thinking about them. Schedule regular visits, even if it’s just for lunch or game night once a week.

Eat Right

Proper nutrition is vital for seniors to stay healthy, have more energy, and live more actively. However, if your senior doesn’t enjoy cooking or has trouble finding the ingredients needed on a fixed income, their diet can fall short of nutritional requirements.

Assisted living communities offer residents three nutritious, home-cooked meals daily in a comfortable dining room. Their chefs are knowledgeable about dietary recommendations and guidelines for seniors.

Adding herbs, spices, citrus, and vinegar to meals can make foods more appealing to older adults with a decreased taste and smell. They also ensure seniors get the proper amount of fiber and protein. They limit the use of refined sugars, which are empty calories, and encourage a balanced diet that includes fruits and dark chocolate.

Stay Active

Moving to assisted living doesn’t mean your loved one has to give up their independence. The suitable facility will allow them to continue with daily responsibilities without the burden of cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and other tasks that many seniors find difficult.

Planned activities, game nights, and fitness classes will allow your loved one to engage with others in the community and help them feel connected. This is a great way to avoid feelings of isolation and depression that can lead to increased dependency on family members for support.

If your senior is interested in a new activity or hobby, encourage them to pursue it. This will keep them physically and mentally active, boosting their confidence and independence. Even something as simple as a lap in the pool will help improve their health and well-being.

Stay Healthy

As the saying goes, “You can’t help anyone else until you put your oxygen mask on.” In other words, seniors must take care of themselves first, including getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

Aim for more color on your plate – fruits and vegetables – and limit sugary drinks and foods, fats (like butter), and salt. Many assisted living communities offer dance and exercise classes, and some have onsite fitness centers.

It’s also important to get frequent well-check visits and health screenings. This helps to keep up with medications, detect potential health issues early, and make necessary lifestyle adjustments. This prevents seniors from aging in place with untreated health problems. It also ensures they can maintain their independence longer.