Essential Life Skills for Seniors

Many seniors take for granted simple life skills that they use daily. As we age, those life skills become very important in our lives. This article will review some very important life skills that seniors and their children should take a close look at. Recognizing and making adjustments can be essential in promoting a better quality of life for a senior.

Hygiene: Simple tasks like climbing into a shower, sitting on a toilet stool, brushing their teeth and body odor maintenance can go a long way in preventing injuries and illness. A non slip floor mat inside and outside the tub or shower area is vital. A shower stool can be of great value to a senior. A toilet seat lift or seat rise can help a senior get up and down easier. Placing hygiene items on a low shelf, keeps seniors from reaching up or standing on a stool. A weight scale should be large enough to stand on comfortably.

House furniture: Throw rugs must be of heavy and non slip quality. Couches and stairs need to be easy to sit down in and get up from. The same is true with a bed. A bed rail might be necessary to keep a senior from rolling out of bed.

Lighting: Well lighted homes, halls, garages, walkways and drive ways or a must.

Food Preparation: It might become necessary to prepare food in advance for some seniors. Many times gas and electric ranges do not get turned off. Appliances with timers are a good idea. Any new appliance should require training in use. Many appliances use digital operating. For some seniors, that can be a problem. Can and dry good should be easy to open. Dates on food should often be checked.

Medication Identification: Eye sight fades and medication names are growing at a fast rate. The skill of medication identification can be a major issue for many seniors. A weekly pill box that is double checked by another family member can be of great value. Medication should also be kept in a well lighted and easy to reach area.

Mobility: Errands to the store, dentist, doctor or hair stylist can be an issue. There comes a time, when the car keys must be taken away. This can cause a strong family conflict. It also means getting transportation help for seniors. Keep a separate calendar for doctor appointments.

Mobility inside and outside the home can also be a problem. Make sure that the proper equipment is available and always close by. Items like walkers and wheelchairs need to be easy accessible.

House cleaning: It might be necessary to have a cleaning person come in once or twice a week. Some seniors should be encouraged to do minor cleaning. This keeps them moving and gives them some exercise. Cleaning appliances should be as light weight as possible.

Budget and Bills: Scam artists are everywhere. They will try to feed off seniors. It might be to your advantage to have one family member responsible for the handling of budgets and bills. If you do this, visit or communicate with your banks and financial institutions. Many have great plans to accommodate seniors.

Companionship: Most individuals do not mind getting old. They do not like being alone. Loneliness is one of the worst feelings a senior can have. Even strong willed and mature individuals will at sometime long for companionship with a friend or relative. An important life skill is that of companionship. Do not over look this important skill or take it for granted.

Church and Fellowship: Many seniors tend to develop a strong focus on religion and fellowship as they age. Try to give them as much time as possible in this area. Many times this area and companionship go hand in hand.

End of Life Measures: Double check what the seniors final wishes are. Do they have a will? Do they have a living will and is it accessible? The same with any life insurance policies.