7 Ways to Stay Independent While Receiving Care

Learn how to stay independent even while receiving caregiving support.

Receiving care doesn't mean giving up your independence. In fact, many seniors find that with the proper support, they can continue to lead active, fulfilling lives while still managing many aspects of their daily routine. Here are seven practical ways to maintain independence while receiving caregiving assistance.

1. Make Decisions About Your Care: Even when a caregiver is present, remaining involved in your care decisions is vital. Participate in discussions about your care plan and ensure your preferences are heard and respected. Whether it's deciding what time you wake up, what meals you eat, or how your medications are managed, maintaining decision-making power can help you feel in control of your life.

Staying involved in these decisions also encourages a sense of autonomy, which is critical for emotional well-being. If something in your care plan isn't working, don't hesitate to speak up and suggest alternatives.

2. Set Goals for Daily Activities: Setting personal goals for your everyday tasks allows you to remain engaged and active while under care. These goals don't have to be large or overly ambitious; even something as simple as walking a certain distance daily, practicing a hobby, or keeping up with a favorite television show. Achieving small daily goals fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-reliance, reinforcing your independence.

Incorporating physical activity or hobbies that stimulate your mind will also help you maintain cognitive and physical health. Caregivers can assist you in reaching these goals by providing support and encouragement without taking over the activities.

3. Prioritize Tasks You Can Do Yourself: When receiving care, it's essential to identify the tasks you can still manage and prioritize doing them yourself. Whether dressing, preparing a light snack, or managing personal grooming, completing these tasks can help reinforce a sense of independence. Caregivers are there to assist with the more challenging aspects of your daily routine, but allowing yourself to handle what you can will maintain your self-sufficiency.

Communicate with your caregiver about the tasks you feel comfortable handling independently. By doing so, you create a partnership that allows for support when needed but encourages you to take control of areas where you're still capable.

4. Stay Socially Active: Maintaining social connections is a vital aspect of staying independent. Even if you need caregiving assistance, you can still decide how to spend time with friends and family. Caregivers can help facilitate visits or accompany you to social events, but staying engaged with your community is up to you.

Staying socially active helps prevent feelings of isolation and promotes a sense of belonging. Whether attending a community group, calling a friend, or participating in social activities with family, maintaining your social life is essential to your emotional and mental health.

5. Use Assistive Technology and Tools: Modern assistive technology can help you stay independent while receiving care. Devices like medication reminders, hearing aids, and mobility aids (such as walkers or wheelchairs) make it easier to manage tasks independently. These tools can bridge the gap between needing help and doing things independently.

Caregivers can assist in setting up and maintaining these tools. Still, the goal is for you to use them confidently to maintain autonomy in various aspects of your life, from taking medication on time to moving safely around your home.

6. Communicate Your Preferences: Open communication with your caregiver about your preferences is critical to maintaining independence. If you prefer a specific routine, like when and how meals are prepared or how you want to be assisted with personal care, communicate these clearly. Being assertive about your preferences not only helps you maintain control over your care but also creates a better relationship with your caregiver.

Caregivers should respect your preferences and work with you to ensure that their assistance aligns with your comfort and wishes. Don't hesitate to adjust things if you feel they're not working as you'd like.

7. Continue Learning and Growing: Staying independent isn't just about maintaining physical or social activities—it's also about continuing to grow intellectually and emotionally. Whether learning a new hobby, taking an online class, or reading books on subjects that interest you, continuing to learn can give you a sense of purpose and achievement.

Caregivers can provide support by helping you access resources, setting up technology, or creating time in your schedule for learning. Staying engaged mentally is just as important as staying active physically; learning new things helps keep your mind sharp.

Independence in Care

Maintaining independence while receiving care is possible with the right mindset, communication, and support. Even with caregiving assistance, you can continue enjoying a fulfilling, autonomous life by staying involved in your care decisions, setting personal goals, and using modern technology. For more caregiving resources and advice, visit Boomer News.