Last Updated on September 10, 2024

Independent Living For Elderly & Seniors Citizens

Independent living for seniors can mean different things to different individuals. It can refer to living solo in a home, living within an elderly community, or living within a shared living space similar to an apartment.

There are resources to help you or your loved one decide what independent senior living means to them and what aids or assistance they may need. Read on to learn more about elderly independent living.

Aids for Elderly Independent Living

Independent living for seniors can be challenging if the home is not properly set up to accommodate slower and smaller steps, a walker, or a cane.

Stairlifts and safety rails are the most common aids for independent living for seniors. Adding a stairlift, ramp, or grab rails for showers are additional aids to consider.

Stairlifts: Can be permanent or temporary and assist the individual up and down stairs if the residence is multi-floor.

Safety Rails: Ideal for assisting someone up a few steps, on or off a toilet seat, and in and out of a shower. 

Ramps: Outdoor ramps, which can be permanent or temporary, help people with walkers or wheelchairs easily enter their homes. Be mindful of the incline requirements of any ramp.

Elderly independent Living Skills and Training

Elderly independent living skills training is designed to increase self-reliance and independence. Utilizing various training programs, individuals can continue to lead happy and healthy lives while living independently. 

Programs are developed to meet specific needs of the individual, so it’s important to determine what your individual needs and goals are prior to starting any program. 

Some of the areas of focus include:

• Learning to budget and manage money and create a routine for paying bills
• Improve household management skills such as cooking, hygiene, and planning
• Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a consumer and how to advocate for yourself
• Utilizing public transportation or elderly transportation, and other services

Often group training is available and a great way to meet other independent elderly individuals in the community. You can also consider agencies to help you or your loved one adjust.

Many states and communities agencies that assist with independent living options for seniors. They are dedicated to helping elderly or disabled people live independently. You can contact these agencies for support, advocacy, and transition assistance.

Senior Care independent Living Communities

When someone leaves their home for a facility, it’s usually for several reasons. Perhaps they want a smaller space, they cannot maintain the house and outdoor areas, or they may need additional assistance. Sometimes, people prefer to be around others who share similar interests. Lastly, they may realize they are far from family and may need additional support one day — such as local medical assistance. Communities often provide many, if not all, of these resources for clients.

Retirement and assisted living communities are for “younger” seniors who are in good health and still active. These communities are usually geared towards recreation and social gatherings. Other accelerated services for seniors include Alsheimer’s care and skilled nursing.

Depending on budget and timeframe, some questions to ask of any facility include:

• Will the community meet your recreation, entertainment, and social needs?
• Is the staff welcoming and friendly? Are they easily accessible and friendly?
• Would I like my neighbors and the community? Would I feel comfortable living around them?
• How easy or difficult would it be for people to visit me?
• What restrictions are there on young children being present or family staying over?
• Is there a gated entrance and/or security guards?
• Is there an office where residents can voice their views and opinions to management?
• How close are the nearest medical facilities?
• Is there convenient parking available?
• Is there public transportation nearby?
• Are there a lot of stairs to climb, if any?
• Will my unit be equipped with grab bars in the bathrooms, or have similar independent living aids?

Once these questions are answered, it’s time to familiarize yourself with the community association lifestyle and any associated fees. For example there may be additional fees for the following:

• Maintenance and repairs
• Gardening services
• Fire and theft insurance
• Snow plowing
• Trash collection
• Water and other utilities
• Health club fees
• Cable TV rates
• Internet fees

What are the Advantages of Community Living and Independent living for Seniors

One of the biggest benefits of independent senior living communities is that they promote aging in place. Further, security, prepared meals, housekeeping, transportation, and planned activities are additional benefits. Lastly, being surrounded by peers helps with socialization — an integral part of healthy living and healthy aging.

For other options to help keep your senior living in his or her own home, please contact Williams Lifts today and see our products for home, including stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, and power recliners.