Moving into assisted living is a huge life change. It’s normal for seniors to feel like they have lost some independence.

However, keeping independent as you age is about having a plan and making wise choices. Here are a few strategies to keep your loved one feeling empowered:

Create a Routine

Many seniors may feel like they’re losing control after moving into an assisted living community, mainly if their caregivers handle more than a few daily tasks. Creating a routine that gives structure and predictability to the day can help them feel more confident in their ability to address the challenges of everyday life.

A routine at Senior Care Options Florida can also provide a sense of purpose and meaning to their life. Whether scheduling their medication intake, engaging in activities with others, or learning something new, they can feel like they’re accomplishing things that bring them satisfaction and fulfillment.

Keeping busy is another excellent way to stay mentally stimulated and can even delay the onset of dementia. Assisted living communities often have scheduled outings, including shopping excursions and movie viewings.

Invest in Assistive Technology

Maintaining independence creates a sense of pride and accomplishment that can boost mental and emotional health. It’s also essential for aging people to know that there are tools available that can help them stay independent longer.

Assistive technology can help people of all ages with mobility and daily tasks. Some devices can even be used at home. For example, a stand-assist device can be attached to a chair or sofa to lift the older adult into standing without risk of back pain or overexertion.

A screen reader for computers, tablets, and phones can help visually impaired people navigate these devices.

Stay Active

Many seniors fear that aging will mean they must leave their homes and stop being independent. However, the truth is that a senior who receives assistance from caregivers can still feel empowered in their environment.

Staying active is essential for maintaining independence in assisted living. It helps people retain their strength and core balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries that can lead to loss of independence.

In addition, staying active promotes social engagement and mental health. Whether playing a card game with friends or taking a walk outdoors and enjoying the scenery, staying mentally active improves cognitive function and fights against dementia in seniors. Assisted living communities offer plenty of opportunities for socialization through group activities, like pet therapy and worship services.

Get Out and About

A sense of independence is essential for seniors to feel in control of their lives. It’s also the best way for them to stay healthy and active.

Assisted living communities provide their residents plenty of opportunities to get out and about. They may offer walking paths, community gardens, and virtual reality technology. These activities create routines and help to keep residents connected with the outside world.

Aside from that, spending time outdoors can boost mood and mental health. Especially when done near water, such as a lake, stream, or pond. The slow trickling noise of the water has been shown to elicit feelings of relaxation and renewal.

Get Help When Needed

Getting help when needed can be essential to maintaining independence in assisted living. Caregivers are available to assist with daily tasks and provide reminders as needed. They can also encourage and motivate seniors to stay active to retain strength and balance, which may help prevent falls that can lead to loss of independence.

For many older adults, losing their independence is a significant fear. They worry they’ll become dependent on others, which could negatively affect their mental health. But they don’t know there are ways to get the help they need while still feeling empowered. The first step is determining which care level works best for them. The next step is visiting assisted living communities and discussing their needs openly.