The Importance of Promoting & Maintaining Independence
When providing care for a loved one, it is easy to get into the habit of doing everything FOR the person rather than WITH the person. However, this well-intentioned behavior can actually have a negative influence on the person’s wellbeing. At Home Matters, our caregivers are trained on the importance of both promoting and maintaining independence with our clients.
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Sustaining a feeling of independence in a person receiving care is important for many reasons:
Promotion and Maintenance
Encouraging independence in a senior or disabled person involves two techniques: promotion of independence and maintenance of independence.
Promotion vs. Maintenance of Independence
Promotion of a person’s independence entails providing opportunities for the person to maintain a better quality of life.
- Encourage him to do things for himself, even if met with reluctance or stubbornness.
- Provide opportunities for exercise and activities.
- Encourage a healthy diet. A healthy lifestyle encourages independence through fighting decline.
- Support brain health through social interaction and games that stretch the mind.
Maintenance of independence
Maintenance of independence is making sure the person in your care is given the tools to follow through with her willingness to do something for herself. Examples include:
Further Tips on Encouraging Independence
- Helping the person in your care feel that he or she is not totally dependent on others can be something as simple as letting the person do the washing up or walk a few steps without assistance. It is important to remember that even if the caregiver has to help a little or provide supervision for safety, it will not detract from the sense of achievement.
- Suitable activities will vary from person to person and you may need advice from professionals as to what is and isn’t possible.
- Persuasion skills do come in handy if you are caring for a person who is reluctant. It may also be worth taking a step back and trying not to interfere too much.
Contact Home Matters
Learn more about how our caregivers can make every day a meaningful day in the celebration of life for seniors and disabled persons. Our services include:
- Transportation and special outings
- Exercise and fun activities suited to an individual’s capabilities
- Meal planning, preparation and companionship
- Medication reminders
- Recommendations for home safety and adaptive devices
Sources: Elderly Care Tips, “Promoting and Maintaining Independence Whilst Caring for the Elderly” by Eric West