Maintaining independent living, wherever practical, not only increases feelings of self-confidence, control and dignity, but also eases day-to-day life by lowering dependence on others. That’s why the value of promoting self-reliance in those with movement and strength troubles can not be overemphasised. Additionally, increased self-reliance creates a safer living environment, specifically in the elderly, as people are less likely to pose a risk to themselves when undertaking daily tasks.By following the below independent living advice and practicing the methods outlined, independent living could be achievable to many. To see how we can help Beaucare
1. ONLY COUNT ON HELP WHERE NECESSARY
As a carer, the trick to sustaining productive independent living is by providing care only when it’s absolutely needed, as this will encourage self-sufficiency where the patient is capable.Look at the below checklist, and decide which areas your patient absolutely needs help with, and which they could really manage themselves;- Preparing meals and shopping for meals- Cleaning, and other general household duties- Organising bills and finances- Driving- Personal grooming, and showeringAltering 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 help, 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 FEASIBLE, HANDLE OWN MEDICATION AND CONSULTATIONS
While this independent living aid would not be advisory for all patients (such as those fighting dementia), if your sufferer is able to manage their own prescribed medications and appointments, this can massively raise their self-sufficiency, and provide a feeling of control. This process can be made much easier by setting up phone reminder alerts both for appointments 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 fantastic way to increase self-sufficiency in those with limited mobility, especially among seniors, who may be unaccustomed with them. Smartphones give even bed-bound patients a level of self-reliance by providing both a connection with the outside world, and the ability to request help at the touch of a button. This in turn fosters a perception of security and decreases the need to have a carer present at all times, while also easing companionship.
4. DECLUTTER THE HOME
Providing simple and easy movement in between rooms is one of the best, and most simple, ways to encourage self-sufficiency in the home, both from an ease-of-use and safety standpoint. Take away anything which could induce trips or falls, such as rugs and wires, and add additional 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 additional support.By making movement in between rooms as smooth as possible you will not only increase the patient’s safety but also minimize the need for a carer to be present.
5. HAVE A CLINICAL ALERT SYSTEM IN PLACE
Having a trusted clinical alert system in place helps elderly people to go on living autonomously, yet rest assured that if something was to happen, an alarm would immediately become triggered. Medical alert systems are therefore crucial in making sure that self-sufficiency doesn’t compromise safety. More Advice Beaucare
6. PLAN OF ACTION FOR SAFETY
Fall systems should also be in place as a safety precaution, and specialist smoke alarms installed, specifically if your patient has hearing or visual challenges. Specialist smoke alarms are wirelessly connected, meaning that if one is set off, 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 help putting in home security and safety measures, you can call upon Age UK’s handyperson services.
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