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Maintaining Your Independence as You Age

Elderly couple sitting together
As we age, we take with us all the experience and knowledge we’ve accumulated over time. We take pride when young people look to us for guidance and wisdom. While aging can be empowering, it can also be humble reminder that we are not what we use to be.
The more we age, the more we may find ourselves in need of assistance with daily tasks. It can be humbling to ask for help for something that we were once able to do, however it’s better to do so. While many seniors wish to age in place, it’s important to consider your own health and safety. In order to maintain your independence, you’ll need to make a self-assessment to realize what resources you’ll need.

Be Honest About Your Limitations

We hold a lot of pride in our accomplishments and what we are capable of. Having our independence is what makes us self-sufficient after all. However, as we age and we begin to struggle with daily tasks, we need to admit our limitations and give up on the tasks we would normally be able to do. It can be disheartening to let go of these tasks. As disappointed as we may be, we need to remember to ask ourselves if whether doing a certain activity is worth the risk of injuring either ourselves or others around us. When me make that realization and decide to give up these activities, we will have the ability to stay in our home.

Get the Support You Need

Once you have decided what you can and can’t do, it’s a good idea to look within your community for the support you need. Check with your neighborhood or your church community to find a young person who would be willing to help you with yard work and other labor-intensive activities.
When you need additional assistance with daily tasks more frequently, you may want to call in a professional caregiver. Visiting Angels Barrington is a local senior home care provider who provides caregivers for the nearby communities. They can assist you with cleaning, medication reminders, running errands, and more. If you’re interested in having a caretaker to assist you at home, you can contact Visiting Angels Barrington today.

Aging comes with many rewards and hallmarks. With years of experience and knowledge, we take great pride in what we have accomplished. However, biology tends to catch up to us which can result in our bodies slowing down. When we find ourselves struggling to handle our usual tasks, we need to ask ourselves if it is time we give up on these tasks and instead ask for assistance. When you do, you’ll have the ability to stay in your home while living comfortably and safely.

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