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 will 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 is important to show respect for his or her dignity as an adult.
2. Added Expense of Requiring Help
The expense of living assistance is another common fear among the elderly. Senior citizens take pride in having worked to provide for themselves and their families. The fear of spending everything they have saved and everything they plan to leave to their loved ones on a nursing home or on home care Oakville 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 home. 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 an Oakville part-time caregiver.
4. Lost Sense of Identity
Many seniors define themselves by what they can do and what they have accomplished. This can includes 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 identity. It is important to show your loved one he or she is still loved and respected even if he or she requires more assistance in life.
Having a caregiver in the home doesn’t mean independence needs to be sacrificed. In fact, the opposite is often true. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers focus on helping your loved one with various tasks so he or she can safely and comfortably age in place. We also offer comprehensive Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and post-stroke care in Oakville. For more information on how our in-home care services can help your loved one maintain his or her independence, call one of our experienced Care Managers today at (905) 337-1200.