How To Cope With The Loss Of Independence

A loss of independence in their daily lives affects many older adults. Currently, demand for supported living environments for aging adults exceeds the rate of their construction.

Decreased independence can cause frustration, and for some, depression, and as the number of older adults in the U.S. increases, many have loved ones coping with this issue.

If you have an older loved one coping with a loss of independence or are working with older adults who are dealing with this issue, there are some things you can do to help them adjust to this stage of life.

Common Causes Of Reduced Independence And What Loss Of Independence Means For Seniors

Loss of independence can involve several changes, including:

• Isolation: Many older adults experience hearing and vision loss. Vision issues can lead to an inability to drive, affecting older adults’ ability to shop, get to appointments, socialize, and make them dependent on others to complete essential tasks. Inability to hear can also cause embarrassment, leading older adults to withdraw from social interactions and leaving them isolated.
• Mental health challenges: Lifestyle changes to address issues with health and mobility can cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. In some cases, depression can cause older adults to stop eating or looking after themselves, increasing their dependence on others to intervene and maintain their health.
• Physical restrictions: As people age, their bones and muscles often weaken, impairing balance and increasing the risk of falling. Poor eyesight also contributes to the risk of falls. Mobility issues may interfere with older adults’ ability to complete other routine tasks, such as bathing.

In some cases, older adults may become dependent on others to maintain social connections, address or prevent mental health issues, and manage physical tasks, such as walking and bathing.

Why Do Older Adults Struggle Emotionally With Losing Independence?

The psychology of elderly independence examines the impact of a loss of independence on older adults’ mental well-being. Many older adults struggle with some or all of the following when their dependence on others increases:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fear
• Frustration
• Grief

Older adults can feel demeaned and devalued when others seem to take over aspects of their lives, even if they need assistance. Older adults must be treated with respect and involved in decision-making as much as possible to help them maintain their dignity and sense of self-worth.

How Families Can Provide Support Without Taking Away Autonomy

Family members can support older adults and help them maintain their quality of life in the following ways:

• Anticipation and early intervention: Spend time regularly with older loved ones so you can detect signs of health issues and intervene promptly. This may prevent issues from developing. For example, getting hearing aids promptly may prevent older adults from withdrawing from social engagements.
• Introduce them to assistive devices: Assistive devices can be used for many tasks, such as helping older adults feed themselves, bathe, walk without falling, and dress.
• Provide emotional support: Don’t dismiss your loved one’s emotional struggles if physical issues limit their independence. Find ways for them to assert their autonomy, such as making decisions about their care and daily activities.

You can also help your loved one by gradually introducing changes and having open discussions about their health, needs, and feelings. Involving them in the decision-making process ensures they don’t feel overlooked.

Ways Seniors Can Maintain Purpose And Confidence

Ways older adults can maintain their sense of purpose and confidence include:

• Daily goals: Achieving goals provides a sense of accomplishment.
• Mentor others: Perhaps someone’s looking for a friend to teach them to play chess or sew. Depending on your loved one’s talents or hobbies, they may be able to mentor someone who’ll appreciate learning from their life experience.
• Volunteering: Perhaps your loved one has issues walking but still knits or crochets. They can make hats and scarves to donate to homeless shelters or daycares. Finding ways to contribute meaningfully to others can give older adults a sense of purpose.

Older adults can also maintain purpose and confidence by mastering new skills. You can promote senior wellness by teaching your loved one how to use apps to help with daily tasks. You can also teach them new games or how to use assistive devices that will increase their independence.

When Additional Care May Improve Quality Of Life

If your loved one has a significant health development, such as a diagnosis that involves lifestyle and medication changes or injuries from an accident, they may benefit from moving to a skilled nursing facility.

Skilled nursing facilities have medical professionals onsite to ensure residents receive expert medical care. The staff also helps residents adapt to their new health situation or regain their ability to perform tasks.

When necessary, physical and occupational therapists teach residents how to use assistive devices to help them retain as much independence as possible.

How Skilled Nursing And Rehabilitation Services Can Help

Skilled nursing professionals provide essential rehabilitation services, and professionals monitor residents’ progress, ensuring they achieve their treatment goals.

Ideally, residents will regain independence so they can return home or enjoy greater independence in a new environment, such as an assisted living facility.

When To Contact Monument Health

If your loved one is coping with significant health issues or injuries, it’s time to contact Monument Health. You can find a location near you, where we can provide the expert support your loved one needs to help them adjust and regain as much independence as possible.