Help at Home: Tips to Maintain Independence

by Nicole Virgin

August 2025

The hit Beatles song "Help" might just reveal a health tip: "Won't you please help me?" In Mercer County, there are over 1,100 people 70 years of age and older, making up a large part of the community. Asking for help can begin with asking for assistance to prevent things that can lead to loss of independence. Older adults can get support from their loved ones to maintain their independence longer. Risk prevention information can come in handy for those who want to help the county's older adults stay independent.

Consequences from falls are a leading cause of an older adult's loss of independence. A fall could lead to injuries that require surgery or a loss in ability to live alone. Falls can happen suddenly, by tripping on a rug or losing balance in the shower – even trying to navigate around a pet. Two tips for fall prevention include removing small rugs and increasing lights in the home. Another tip is to install bars in the shower to assist with balance.

Scheduling regular visits with an eye doctor can be helpful to manage possible vision changes contributing to falls. Don't forget to keep in touch with a primary care provider who might offer helpful tips to decrease the risk of heart attacks, strokes or other medical issues that can result in falls.

Other causes of falls can be related to medications, even herbs and over-the-counter supplements. Some pills can have side effects including drowsiness and confusion which can increase fall risk. Additionally, when taking multiple medications, falls can result if there's confusion resulting from the medications themselves or to the exact dose or timing that can also lead to problems. One option for improving safety around medications is to consider asking friends, family, or an available healthcare professional to organize and monitor pill dispensers.

Sometimes adjusting for memory problems is as hard for the family as it is for the loved one who is facing memory changes. However, if ignored, an impaired memory could contribute to falls. Seeking healthcare providers' assistance might lead to having to answer tough questions. But the more honest the answers, the better the safety plan aimed at keeping the loved one at home despite any possible memory issues.

The legacies of Mercer County's older adults continue wherever they live. Changing some aspects of living independently to include accepting help from loved ones, local volunteers, or even a hired personal aide can actually help maintain independent living longer. Sometimes moving to an assisted living facility is a desired option. There, someone can receive support from staff members when needed. The best place to live is wherever the environment is as safe and comfortable as possible – and sometimes that comes with an ask: "Won't you please help me?"

About the Author

Nicole Virgin is a fourth-year medical student at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences. As a participant in medical and community experiences offered in Hazen-Beulah – including living in Beulah's Senior Suites – Nicole chose to participate in the Targeted Rural Health Education program. The program focuses on teaching student doctors the importance of rural newspapers as a way to share health information with their rural community. The information is not for diagnosis or treatment and should not be used in place of previous medical advice provided by a licensed practitioner.