8 Ways To Help Your Elderly Parents Stay Independent

Your elderly parents have likely been independent for most of their lives. But as they age, they may need more help to maintain their independence. It can be difficult to know how to best support them while also respecting their wishes to remain independent.

Luckily in this day and age, we are all a phone call or text away from each other, so even if you live far away from your parents you can still offer them support. In this article, we’ll share eight things you can do to help your elderly parents stay independent.

1. Help them with their finances

One of the best ways you can help your elderly parents stay independent is by helping them with their finances. This may involve helping them with a budget, paying bills on their behalf, or managing their investments.

2. Assist with transportation

Lack of transportation can be a major barrier to independence for seniors. If your parents do not drive, you can help by providing transportation for them or arranging for rides through public transportation or ride-sharing services.

3. Do some chores for them

Another way to help your elderly parents stay independent is by taking on some of their household chores. This might include cooking meals, grocery shopping, doing laundry, or doing yard work.

4. Help them stay active

It’s important for seniors to stay active in order to maintain their independence. You can help by encouraging them to exercise, providing opportunities for social interaction, and helping them stay connected with their hobbies and interests.

5. Be available for emergencies

It’s also important to be available in case of an emergency. This means having a plan in place in case of a fall or other health issues like getting them personal alarms which they can carry with them. It may also involve checking in on your parents regularly or being available to help with tasks if they are not able to do them on their own.

6. Be patient and understanding

It’s important to be patient and understanding when helping your elderly parents maintain their independence. Remember that they may be resistant to change and that it may take some time for them to adjust to a new routine.

7. Seek out help when needed

There may be times when you need to seek out help from other family members, friends, or professionals. This is perfectly normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Getting help can ensure that your parents are able to maintain their independence for as long as possible.

8. Respect their wishes

Finally, it’s important to respect your parents’ wishes. They may want to remain independent even if it means making some sacrifices. Allow them to make their own decisions and support them in whatever they choose to do.

There you have it!

Helping your elderly parents stay independent can be a challenging but rewarding task. By taking on some of their responsibilities, you can help them maintain their autonomy and quality of life. This, in turn, can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your parents are being taken care of.

Meet the Author | Jenna

Jenna Berger is a mom & stepmom to 4 kids between the ages of 9 and 14. She loves staying up to date on all things kids and makes sure she is on point with the latest childhood trends! She is the owner of Savvy Sassy Moms and manages a team of creative contributors that work hard to keep moms up to date on the latest trends. Jenna loves social media and works on a variety of social media campaigns with brands big and small. Connect with Savvy Sassy Moms on Instagram