During our "Your Independence" service, we focus on evaluating how well seniors are able to live autonomously and manage their daily activities, ensuring they maintain control over their lives in a safe and supportive environment.

• Daily Living Activities: We assess seniors' ability to perform essential daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and managing personal hygiene. This helps us identify areas where additional support or adaptive tools may be needed.
• Home Safety: We evaluate the safety of seniors' living environment, checking for hazards like poor lighting, uneven floors, or the lack of handrails that could impede their independence or contribute to accidents.
• Mobility and Transportation: We assess how independently seniors are able to move around both inside and outside the home, including their ability to safely use mobility aids. We also review their access to reliable transportation for errands, medical appointments, and social activities.
• Financial Independence: We review seniors' ability to manage their finances independently, ensuring they are not at risk of financial exploitation. This includes evaluating how they handle bills, budgeting, and other financial tasks.
• Cognitive Function: We assess seniors' cognitive health, focusing on memory, decision-making skills, and overall mental sharpness. This helps identify whether additional support or adjustments are necessary to help them maintain independence.
• Access to Support Services: We ensure that seniors have access to community resources, caregiver support, and other services that empower them to live independently. This includes reviewing whether they are aware of or connected to programs that can help them maintain autonomy.
• Emergency Preparedness: We assess whether seniors have a plan in place for emergencies, such as access to medical alert systems, contact with loved ones, and knowledge of safety procedures. This ensures they are prepared and supported in case of sudden health or safety issues.

Without a regular "Your Independence" check, seniors risk losing autonomy and facing increased challenges in managing their daily lives. As seniors age, they may experience physical or cognitive changes that make it harder to stay independent, leading to avoidable accidents, financial insecurity, and decreased quality of life.

Seniors without these checks may experience:

• Decline in Self-Sufficiency: Regular assessments help identify challenges that may hinder independence, such as difficulty with daily tasks or managing finances.
• Increased Risk of Falls: Ensuring home safety through regular checks helps prevent falls, a leading cause of injury among seniors.
• Financial Vulnerability: Seniors without regular oversight may be more vulnerable to financial exploitation, fraud, or poor financial management.
• Isolation: By evaluating social engagement, we can identify seniors at risk of isolation and connect them to services that promote community involvement and support.

The problem by the numbers

• Falls and Injuries: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of four seniors falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury and death in older adults. Regular home safety checks and mobility assessments can reduce this risk significantly.
• Cognitive Decline: Studies show that approximately 10% of adults aged 65 and older experience some form of dementia. Early detection of cognitive decline can help seniors maintain independence longer by implementing the necessary supports, such as memory aids or assisted living options.
• Financial Exploitation: The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) reports that financial exploitation costs older Americans an estimated $36.5 billion each year. Seniors who receive regular financial assessments and oversight are better protected from fraud, scams, and exploitation.
• Isolation: According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness are linked to a 50% increased risk of dementia and other serious health conditions. Regular evaluations of social engagement can help connect seniors to community programs and prevent isolation.

• Initial Consultation: The process begins with an in-person or phone consultation where seniors and/or their family members discuss their independence goals with one of our Senior Advocates.
• Personalized Evaluation: Our Senior Advocates tailor the "Your Independence" service to each senior's unique needs and living situation, focusing on areas such as mobility, cognitive function, and financial independence.
• Comprehensive Assessment: Our Senior Advocates conduct a thorough in-person evaluation of seniors' ability to live independently. This includes assessing daily living activities, safety concerns in the home, transportation needs, and access to resources.
• Discussion and Recommendations: After the assessment, we review our findings with seniors and their families, offering personalized recommendations and referrals to support services that can enhance independence.
• Follow-up Support: We offer ongoing follow-up to ensure seniors continue to thrive independently, adjusting the support plan as needed.

Maintaining seniors' independence involves collaboration with several key partners to provide a comprehensive support system.

• Senior Advocates: Our team of trained professionals works directly with seniors to assess their needs, advocate for their autonomy, and connect them to necessary resources.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Specialists assist in cases where a senior’s independence is at risk due to mistreatment or disputes, ensuring their concerns are addressed fairly and promptly.
• Healthcare Providers: Medical professionals offer assessments and recommendations for improving seniors’ physical and cognitive health, helping them maintain or regain independence through physical therapy, rehabilitation, or other interventions.
• Legal Services: Attorneys help seniors navigate legal challenges, such as estate planning, financial matters, or addressing exploitation. They ensure seniors’ rights and autonomy are protected.
• Community Organizations: Various local agencies provide additional resources like transportation, meal services, or in-home care, allowing seniors to remain independent for longer.

To begin your journey toward greater independence or help a loved one maintain theirs, click here to fill out the request form for an onsite visit from one of our caring team members. We'll conduct a comprehensive evaluation and provide personalized recommendations to support and enhance independence.