Preserving independent living, wherever practical, not only boosts feelings of self-confidence, control and dignity, but also eases day-to-day life by reducing dependence on others. That’s why the significance of encouraging self-reliance in those with mobility and strength troubles can not be overemphasised. Furthermore, increased self-reliance creates a safer living environment, especially in the elderly, as people are less likely to pose a danger to themselves when performing daily tasks.By following the below independent living advice and practicing the methods outlined, independent living could be attainable to many. To see how we can help Visit Website
1. ONLY RELY ON HELP WHERE NECESSARY
As a carer, the secret to fostering successful independent living is by providing care only when it’s truly needed, as this will promote self-reliance where the patient is capable.Look at the below checklist, and decide which areas your patient really needs help with, and which they could really handle themselves;- Preparing meals and shopping for meals- Cleaning, and other general household chores- Organising bills and money- Driving- Personal grooming, and bathingAltering care to only be provided where needed 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 support (family, care staff or doctors), and where assistance will be based (in-home, hospital or care-facility based).
2. IF FEASIBLE, MANAGE OWN MEDICATION AND APPOINTMENTS
While this independent living aid would not be advisory for all people (such as those fighting dementia), if your patient is able to manage their own prescriptions and consultations, this can massively raise 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 ask that medical professionals send email/text reminders for appointments.
3. INTRODUCE SMART DEVICES
Introducing smartphones is a wonderful way to increase self-sufficiency in those with limited mobility, especially among seniors, who may be unaccustomed with them. Smartphones grant even bed-bound patients a level of independence by offering both a connection with the outside world, and the ability to request help at the touch of a button. This in turn fosters a sensation of security and decreases the need to have a carer present at all times, whilst also easing companionship.
4. DECLUTTER THE HOME
Providing simple and easy movement between rooms is one of the best, and most straightforward, ways to encourage self-sufficiency in the house, both from an ease-of-use and safety point ofview. Remove anything which could induce trips or falls, such as rugs and wires, and add extra lighting (and motion sensors) where necessary, to both inside and outside the house. For people with reduced sight, place vibrantly coloured tape to the edges of stairs for additional support.By making movement between rooms as smooth as possible you will not only boost the patient’s safety but also reduce the need for a carer to be present.
5. HAVE A CLINICAL ALERT SYSTEM IN PLACE
Having a trusted clinical alert system in place makes it easy for seniors to carry on living autonomously, yet rest assured that if anything was to happen, an alarm would immediately become triggered. Medical alert systems are for that reason crucial in ensuring that self-sufficiency doesn’t jeopardize safety. More Advice Visit Website
6. PLAN OF ACTION FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY
Fall systems should also be in place as a safety measure, and specialist smoke alarms installed, especially if your patient has hearing or visual difficulties. Professional 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 company to go over these specialist options further. If you need support putting in home security and safety measures, you can call upon Age UK’s handyperson solutions.
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