No one likes the thought of getting older. Many people associate aging with the loss of independence. In most cases, elderly people and nursing homes are thoughts that walk hand in hand in one's mind. However, aging does not mean that you must give up your home and your freedom to live by yourself. With the right independent living skills, an aging person can extend the time that they have in the comfort of their own home.
One major skill that is needed to live successfully on your own is self-care. In order to remain independent, a person must be able to take care of bodily needs such as hygiene and using the restroom, including being aware of the need to use the restroom. It is important for at-home seniors to know how to properly and safely bathe.
Another of the very important independent living skills deals with money. It takes money to properly keep a home. A senior must be able to budget finances to accommodate power, water, medical, and grocery needs. He or she should be knowledgeable in keeping a check register and writing checks. It is important for elderly persons living alone to understand their savings, retirement, and social security income.
Home management is another essential element for independent living. These tasks include cooking, cleaning, and laundry. While some hire help for these chores, it is still important that a senior recognize the need for them to be completed. When cooking, it is critical that aging persons be aware of safety precautions to take. They must be careful about remembering to carry out functions such as turning off the stove.
Taking care of health is one of the independent living skills that should not be neglected. Those living by themselves must be able to recognize the need for a doctor's appointment. He or she should be accurate in taking medications. Knowledge of doctor appointments is important. It is also helpful for seniors to be aware of medical insurance issues.
Community skills are important for anyone living on their own. A senior needs to understand the risks involved in dealing with strangers. He or she should be able to appropriately locate help from the community such as firemen and policemen. Knowledge of public transportation should also be on the list.
A senior living on his or her own should have the independent living skills to carry out shopping needs. He or she should be competent to create a shopping list, understand the process of purchasing the needed items, and paying for the items.
Remaining in your own home for as long as possible is a desire of most everyone. The feeling of being able to care for yourself is priceless when it comes to adding happiness and length to your life. Achieving the independent living skills that are needed to successful manage your own home and care for your own needs are the key to maintaining your freedom in your senior years.
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