Maintaining independent living, wherever feasible, not only raises feelings of self-confidence, control and self-respect, but also eases day-to-day life by reducing reliance on others. That’s why the significance of promoting self-reliance in those with movement and strength concerns can not be overemphasised. Additionally, increased independence produces a safer living environment, specifically in the elderly, as individuals are less likely to pose a risk to themselves when carrying out daily tasks.By following the below independent living advice and practising the methods outlined, independent living can be achievable to many. To see how we can help
1. ONLY DEPEND ON ASSISTANCE WHERE NEEDED
As a carer, the secret to fostering productive independent living is by administering care only when it’s genuinely needed, as this will promote self-sufficiency where the patient is capable.Look at the below list, and choose which areas your patient really needs help with, and which they could really handle themselves;- Prepping meals and shopping for food- Cleaning, and other standard household chores- Organising bills and finances- Driving- Personal grooming, and bathingAltering care to only be provided where required is a key independent living aid, and will have a knock-on effect concerning the amount of visits the patient receives from those providing support, who will be providing help (family, care staff or doctors), and where assistance will be based (in-home, hospital or care-facility based).
2. IF POSSIBLE, MANAGE OWN PRESCRIPTION AND APPOINTMENTS
While this independent living aid would not be advisory for all people (such as those fighting dementia), if your sufferer is able to manage their own prescriptions and appointments, this can hugely increase their independence, and provide a feeling of control. This process can be made much easier by setting phone reminder alerts both for consultations and to take prescription medication. You can also seek that physicians send email/text reminders for appointments.
3. INTRODUCE SMART DEVICES
Introducing smart devices is a wonderful way to raise self-sufficiency in those with reduced mobility, especially among seniors, who may be unfamiliar with them. Smart devices provide even bed-bound patients a level of independence by offering both a connection with the outside world, and the ability to ask for help at the touch of a button. This in turn fosters a feeling of security and decreases the need to have a carer present at all times, while also easing companionship.
4. DECLUTTER THE HOME
Ensuring simple and easy movement in between rooms is one of the best, and most simple, ways to encourage independence in the home, both from an ease-of-use and safety point ofview. Remove anything which could induce trips or falls, such as mats and wires, and add extra lighting (and motion sensors) where necessary, to both inside and outside the house. For people with impaired sight, place brightly coloured tape to the edges of stairs for extra support.By making movement between rooms as smooth as possible you will not only increase the patient’s safety but also decrease the need for a carer to be present.
5. HAVE A CLINICAL ALERT SYSTEM IN PLACE
Having a trusted medical alert system in place enables senior citizens to go on living autonomously, yet rest assured that if something was to happen, an alarm would immediately become activated. Medical alert systems are for that reason crucial in making sure that self-reliance doesn’t jeopardize safety. More Advice
6. PLAN FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY
Fall systems should also be in place as a safety measure, and specialist smoke alarms installed, particularly if your patient has hearing or visual difficulties. Specialist smoke alarms are wirelessly connected, meaning that if one is triggered, all are triggered, and some even include vibrating pads. Get in touch with your local fire and rescue service to talk about these specialist options further. If you need support installing home security and safety measures, you can call upon Age UK’s handyperson solutions.
Contact us today
