If you have trouble identifying problem areas and are too shy to speak up, it might be easier to seek professional help. Your health care team is a good place to start. Physicians, Social Workers, Dietitians, Geriatric Specialists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and your local Division on Aging, to name a few. These are all people who can help you achieve your goals.
The driving force is you don’t want anyone to force you out of your own home. If you are a self-starter, and many of you are, you can find books that will answer your questions. There will likely be questionnaires, asking the same questions that a professional will, but if you don’t answer honestly, nothing will help. Put a check in each one of the boxes that even remotely applies to you.
Include everything. There are no right or wrong answers. There will be questions like: are you afraid of falling in the shower? Do you have trouble remembering to take your medicines? Are you drinking enough water? Should you give up driving? Should you be using a cane or walker? The questions will be extensive and while an outside observer can help, only you know for sure. A professional can suggest ways to make life easier and safer for you, but if you resist their ideas they might as well be talking to themselves.
You are not alone if you are reluctant to discuss “personal problems,” with others, but know that these Professionals have heard and seen it all. They want to help you. They will not judge you.
Once you declare your intentions you need to decide if you are willing to do the work. It is going to be a lot harder than sitting in your rocking chair with a sour look on your face. Are you willing to try to eat better, exercise more, or entertain the idea of letting strangers into your house? Suspicious seniors are always afraid that someone will steal from them. Sorry to say, but unless you are surrounded by priceless antiques nobody wants your “stuff.” Being willing to accept help is the first step toward being independent.
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