We understand the importance of independence at any age, which is why we encourage all of our residents to do as much as they can on their own, participate in our campus events and spend time with other residents.

Encouragement as a caregiver, friend, or family member is key to an elderly loved one’s continued success at home. Caregivers — whether friends or family — also need to understand when encouragement is needed and when to offer assistance. Be sure to pay close attention to your elderly loved one’s need for help.

To make sure they stay independent for as long as possible, here’s a few helpful hints:

Exercise / Physical Activity – Physical activity helps to release endorphins, which enhance your mood. Encourage your loved one to take a walk to get the mail each day or walk around their home to enjoy the surroundings in the spring.
Utilize Assistive Devices – The right equipment can help to encourage physical activity without a high risk of injury. If climbing up / down stairs is an issue, suggest installing railing or a ramp to make it easier for them to come and go. If walking is a struggle, offer to buy them a cane or walker to assist with their mobility.

Patience – Most times your elderly loved one can complete the task at hand — they just need a little extra time. To ensure their confidence, it’s important not to rush them when they’re completing tasks, such as eating, getting dressed, using the  bathroom or moving from point a to point b. The slower movement is just as frustrating to them and can cause unnecessary arguments instead of allowing you to enjoy time together.

Encouragement – When someone is frustrated or laughing at what you’re doing, doesn’t it make you want to try less? Give encouragement any time you can — when they complete work around the home, compliment their personal hygiene, make them feel great for getting out and about. Encouragement is the key to continued success. It’s mentally empowering, and your loved one needs to know you have faith in them.

The Charles Ford Retirement Home Gardening Club

One way we like to encourage activity and independence — Get out and smell the flowers! It’s amazing what a little sunshine, Vitamin D and the smell of roses can do for you. At Charles Ford Retirement Communities, we love getting our residents involved with our campus. And… our residents love to know they are needed. They enjoy seeing how their work turns our campus into a beautiful botanical garden for everyone to enjoy.

More than fresh air, some benefits of participating in our Gardening Club include:

• Positive social entertainment
• Reminiscing opportunities
• Enhanced well-being
• Improved dexterity
• Reduced symptoms of depression
• Lifelong educational learning
• Relaxation and satisfaction
• Physical and mental engagement
• Sense of accomplishment