What Skills Are Needed for Independent Living?

As the average life span gets longer, more senior citizens enter assisted living programs. According to the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association, roughly 6.5 million people require help with daily living activities. Though a nursing home is an appropriate setting for some, those who develop independent living skills may be able to live in a private residence for the duration of their lives.

Housekeeping

• Keeping a clean home plays a vital role in living independently. Without the ability to pick up after yourself and perform routine maintenance, the living environment may fall into a state of disrepair. This creates a hazardous and unsanitary home for the resident.

Cooking

• Knowing how to cook a nutritious meal for yourself is a practical skill to have throughout life. This keeps you away from the costs and health drawbacks of fast food and avoids the hassle of having to go out every time you get hungry. Stocking up on groceries and planning meals for every night of the week is a good way to stay prepared and self-reliant.

Time Management

• It's difficult to care for yourself properly if you can't allot your time wisely. If you continually lose track of time and neglect to get your duties done, you may find yourself in a position of needing to rely on others for help.

Budgeting

• Financial independence is perhaps the single most important factor of independent living. Without a feasible plan for spending less money than you have coming in, you won't be able to afford the costs of living. This may result in losing your home, car or other valuable possessions.

Shopping

• If you need to acquire something you don't have, you may need to make a shopping trip. This includes necessities such as groceries, clothing and toiletries in addition to items such as replacement light bulbs or a new phone to keep in touch with others if yours stops working.