031. Overcoming Barriers to Remain Independent as We Age

There’s a common perception that Senior Living Expert Lori Williams sees. When she or loved ones recommend seniors get assistive devices or home help, they often worry their independence is threatened. However, many of these tools and practices can help seniors live independently for longer - and give them a better quality of life too. Today Lori explains the top 5 barriers that threaten a senior’s independence. Then she’ll delve into solutions and workarounds for them to stay independent and live life happily. Since self-sufficiency such a priority for many seniors, knowledge is power, and knowing how to nip problems in the bud before they begin (or get worse) is key! Topics discussed: - Seniors and medication- Apps helping seniors take medication- Helping seniors get meals / meal delivery- The role of community senior centers- Senior socialization- Senior mobility and safety- Fall prevention-Senior Independence Takeaways from this episode: - You’re not alone: Many seniors take medication, and some prescriptions need to be taken around the same time each day. There are plenty of apps that set reminders for you and even ping your loved ones. - Visiting caregivers or home care may be more expensive if they’re coming just to take medications, so some may also be able to prepare food and socialize. - There are many reasons seniors struggle to make meals: arthritis / joint pain, depression, memory issues and more. - Senior centers may partner with local restaurants to provide meals to seniors at a lower cost. There’s also a few meal delivery services just for seniors.- Technology offers countless ways to keep seniors connected through COVID. When COVID is is no longer an issue, volunteering is a great way to socialize. - Senior living helps with food preparation, helping with medicines, and regular socialization – 3 benefits in 1. - To prevent falls, be sure you’ve decluttered your living space, have proper lighting, and handles in risky areas (like bathrooms). This keeps you confident and safe. Resources mentioned in this episode: Pill reminder app (Mango Health App):https://www.mangohealth.com/Home Health and Home Care Explained:https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/79a39e48/006-home-health-and-home-care-explained-an-interview-with-kevin-jones-owner-of-brightstar-care-flower-moundChefs for Seniors in Flower Mound:https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78a59ff4/013-chefs-for-seniors-a-service-providing-nutritious-food-and-companionshipSenior Centers in Flower Mound:https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/799a288c/004-senior-centers-a-place-for-purposeGrandPad, tablets for Seniors:https://www.grandpad.net/Activities in Senior Living:https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78cc0ade/025-activities-in-senior-living-its-not-what-you-thinkFall prevention:https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/792ce4fd/020-a-conversation-about-fall-prevention-with-expert-jacque-archer To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email [email protected] For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/