Aging is a gift, but sometimes it doesn’t feel that way. Too often, as health concerns and medicine cabinets expand, seniors’ sense of independence and pride take a hit. While well-intentioned family and friends get lost in the pragmatism of “getting things done” or “making it work,” it’s easy to forget to consider the mental and emotional tolls the changes take on loved ones.
Seniors will feel a sense of loss as they see their homes, routines, and friends change. While shifts may be necessary for safety and to maintain independent living, there are things caregivers can do to ease the modifications and extend independence.
Put together convenience stations
When mobility starts to decline, it’s bound to have side effects. One great way to help your favorite senior stay comfortable and maintain their freedom is to strategically place convenience stations around their home so they can more easily reach key items. Cute trays and organizers are an aesthetically pleasing way of doing this, and you can add a succulent or some flowers to make the center fit seamlessly in the room. Stock the kit with things like an extra pair of readers or glasses, ChapStick, hand lotion, tissues, pencils and pens, a book of puzzles, and the TV remote.
Big button apps
We want our loved ones to keep in touch, but declining eyesight is common as people age. Many cell phones have settings to automatically make on-screen text more readable. Taking a few minutes to set these up can be invaluable. There are also numerous apps created specifically for people who need a bigger text size—including games that can help with memory maintenance, serve as a magnifying glass, and more.
Meal prep
Nutrition and hydration are two common concerns for seniors. Keeping healthy, easy-to-prep meals and snacks on hand is a great way to help out—while still leaving some level of choice and autonomy. This could be as simple as bringing over an extra lasagna once a week, prepping salad ingredients, or slicing up some fruit to keep in the fridge. Having convenient, healthy options close by leaves your seniors equipped to grab something as needed without reaching for pre-made frozen meals that are filled with extra sodium and fats.
Large-print and accessible materials
Reading a book may not be as enjoyable as it once was if you can’t see the words. However, many publishers print books in large format. You can also download the Libby app, connect it to their library card, and help load it with audiobooks. Keeping other large-format entertainment on hand—such as books of Sudoku and word searches—is another great way to prevent boredom and keep minds working with activities they’ve always enjoyed.
