How To Encourage Independence In Elderly Parents?

As children, we want what is best for our parents. It can be difficult to watch your loved ones lose their independence as they get older, this is why it is vital that you encourage independence in elderly parents.

Sometimes when elderly parents can no longer live comfortably in their own homes, we have to make some difficult decisions and that can mean our loved ones have to live in environments that don’t give them as much freedom and independence as we would like.

Here at Family Annexe, we understand that your family’s happiness comes first so here is how to encourage independence in elderly parents with Family Annexe.

Is Independence Important In Elderly Parents?

Independence is important to everyone. From a young age, we strive to earn our independence and prove that we are capable individuals. Losing any independence can be tough, but especially if you have been independent for a long time.

When we lose any of our independence or our responsibility this can feel like we are losing control, and no one likes that feeling. Sadly, this is all too common for elderly people who may find they struggle with certain things as they age.

Sometimes household chores and daily tasks like climbing the stairs or doing their shopping can suddenly become hinge tasks that they can no longer do on their own.

 This can be disheartening for older people, especially if they have to start letting helpers into their homes or give up their independence and move in with a loved one or into a care establishment.

How To Encourage Independence In Elderly Parents?

It’s important that you let your loved ones remain as independent as possible for as long as they can. We understand that you want to help your loved one as much as possible but sometimes this can be more of a hindrance than a help.

There are plenty of ways you can help an elderly parent and still encourage their independence. If your loved one is still capable of living alone most of the time, but just needs some help with various tasks, you might not need to move them into a care facility at all.

There are a variety of housing alternatives to care homes for the elderly and a lot of them can help encourage independence in elderly parents.

Often the best housing option for an elderly person who doesn’t need to be in full-time care is specially built accommodation. This is an accommodation that has been built with the elderly residents in mind.

This includes living options like sheltered accommodation or retirement villages. These are purpose-built houses and flats that are designed so that elderly residents can easily manage and move into their new homes.

Sadly, these options aren’t right for everyone, and they might not be suitable if you need to keep your loved ones close so that you can always check on them and be there for them when they need you.

If this is the case, then a granny annexe may be the perfect way for you to keep your loved ones close and still be able to encourage their independence.

Can A Granny Annexe Help An Elderly Relative Keep Their Independence?

A granny annexe is a great way to keep your loved one nearby. A granny annexe is usually built somewhere on the property and is designed to work like a small, fully functioning home.

At Family Annexe, all of our granny annexes are designed to be easy for an elderly person to use and manage. They are built with comfort and functionality in mind so that your loved one can live a happy independent lifestyle, but always be nearby if you ever need or just want to check on them.

Here at Family Annexe, we have a range of granny annexes and we are sure that you will find the right granny annexe for you and your loved one.

Get In Touch

If you would like to find out more about granny annexes, get in touch with Family Annexe. We have six unique annexe models available, each providing a safe and cost-effective solution to elderly care.

Family Annexe has an efficient seven-step process, designed to make your annexe experience stress-free and enjoyable. This starts with a free, no-obligation consultation!