4 Reasons Seniors Fear Losing Their Independence

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Before reaching adulthood, one of the main things we look forward to is gaining our independence. After decades of living this way, the possibility of losing this important aspect of life can become daunting. People in their senior years likely have many concerns about losing even a little of their independence, and here are just a few.

1. Loss of Dignity

Many elderly people associate the loss of their independence with a loss of their dignity. Some seniors may see this as a regression to an infant-like state in which they’ll have to be cared for in the same way a child would. Though your loved one may lose certain abilities and have difficulty maintaining independence, it’s important to show respect for his or her dignity as an adult.

Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Edmonton seniors can depend on.

2. Added Expense of Requiring Help

The expense of living assistance is another common fear among the elderly. Seniors take pride in having worked to provide for themselves and their families. The fear of spending everything they’ve saved and everything they plan to leave to their loved ones on a nursing home or on home care is a real concern for many seniors. However, you should let your loved one know there are flexible and affordable options for assistance. 

3. Fear of Confinement

Confinement is a common fear voiced by the elderly. A task as simple as buying groceries requires mobility and transportation. As many people get older, the ability to drive is lost. Some may also lose the energy and mobility required to accomplish most tasks outside their homes. If personal assistance is needed in your loved one’s day-to-day life, getting out of the house can be made easier with the help of a professional caregiver.

Senior care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

4. Lost Sense of Identity

Many seniors define themselves by what they can do and what they’ve accomplished. This can include things such as the occupations they held and the lives they built for themselves and their families. Some will see a loss of independence as a loss of their personal identities. It’s important to show your loved one that he or she is still loved and respected even if he or she requires more assistance in life.

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional elderly home care. Edmonton families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at (780) 490-7337 today.

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