For many seniors, retaining their independence as they age is a top priority. Unfortunately, as a person grows older, physical and mental abilities begin to degrade. The rate of loss will be different for everyone, but sooner or later, the senior will likely need some help. For people providing services for seniors in Philadelphia, new challenges are created: how do you balance their desire for independence with the reality that their ability to be self-sufficient will decrease over time?
Fortunately, many ways to find good balances exist. Helping a loved senior in your life retain much of their old lifestyle is possible, while also helping out in areas where their abilities are starting to wane.
Four Ways to Provide Services for Seniors in Philadelphia While Respecting Their Independence
1 – Utilize more delivery services
We are currently living in a golden age of at-home delivery. No matter what a person wants, from clothing to entertainment to ready-to-prepare meals, they can all be ordered online and generally delivered within a day or two. For many seniors, driving becomes unsafe and they are restricted. A bit of pre-planning when placing orders can remove the need for running errands, without cutting into the lifestyle too much.
2 – Establish more lines of communication
Another modern boon for aging seniors is new technology in smartphones, tablets, and similar easy-to-use communication devices. They offer significant advantages over other means of communication, particularly the possibility for video-based chats. When loneliness is an issue, being able to see other people -rather than just talking on the phone- can do a lot to improve their sense of connection to the outside world.
3 – Help restructure their home
One compromise we often see seniors willing to make is rearranging the rooms in their home to better accommodate mobility issues. An obvious example would be moving to a bedroom on the ground floor. Lessening the need to use the stairs will help keep seniors safe when living alone.
4 – Hire professional services for seniors in Philadelphia
Hiring in-home senior care can be the perfect way to balance the lifestyle of a senior with growing needs. A professional senior care service can be tailored to provide exactly what your senior loved ones needs, without stepping over boundaries into areas they would rather take care of for themselves. Senior care agencies can provide services such as meal preparation, basic chores/cleaning, running errands, or accompanying seniors to doctor visits – whatever they need to be able to continue living a comfortable life in their own home.
Neighborly Home Care Offers Skilled and Compassionate Senior Care
When you need help caring for a senior loved one in the Main Line area, Neighborly Home Care can help. Our caregivers are carefully matched to meet the needs of your loved one. Contact us to talk about your situation!