Loss of independence can be one of the most challenging aspects of growing older. Our entire adult lives are often characterised by independence from our parents, school and other youthful elements. Then, when we get older, we often have to return to a state of dependence.

However, this can have a lot of negative effects, making it important to empower independence in health and social care. In this post, Four Oaks Healthcare looks at how you can promote elderly independence in your loved ones or as a professional carer. We will also delve into why seniors need independence, to give you a full understanding of this topic.

Why is it important to promote independence among the elderly?

Older adults have spent nearly a lifetime making their own decisions, raising families, having interesting careers and living independently. While the natural effects of ageing can make living completely independently impossible, it is important for these individuals to still feel like they have control over their own lives. 

Here are the top benefits of empowering seniors to be independent: 

1. They can still feel like an individual
2. They’ll have a sense of purpose and control
3. Independence helps them maintain skills, balance and strength
4. It enables them to form new relationships
5. Aids with memory skills and functions

How to promote independence in health and social care

Whether you are working as a carer, caring for an elderly parent, or simply want to encourage some independence in an elderly loved one, here are some ways to promote independence:

• Encourage them to be social: Forming new relationships, maintaining old ones, and getting out of the house for a coffee with friends are excellent ways for older people to maintain a sense of liberty.
• Exercise is important: As we age, our mobility may decrease dramatically, making exercise difficult. If possible, encourage them to exercise as best as they can, even if for just a short walk.
• Update their living space for their needs: As mobility issues can make many tasks more challenging, modifying a home with aids can enable them to continue to do basic activities without help. For example, aids to help them climb stairs and bathe or shower without assistance will empower them with greater independence. Read this blog to find out how to prevent slips and falls.
• Encourage them to exercise their mind: Old age often brings degenerative changes to our minds, making it just as important to exercise this muscle as others. Reading, playing games, conversing, taking classes and doing puzzles can help keep their mind sharp.
• Find ways to make challenging tasks easier: It is a fact that some tasks will be near impossible to complete, and continuing to try to achieve these alone will only lead to frustration. So, it is important to focus on their abilities. If they have arthritis in their hands, buy blouses that slip on instead of having to be buttoned. If they can’t see the page, get them audiobooks, etc.
• Give them choices: As previously mentioned, older people have lived their entire lives being able to make their own decisions, and losing this can take a serious toll on them. Give them choice and control over decision-making opportunities, and reassure them that the decision is theirs.
• Encourage them to do as much as they can: If they can no longer perform a whole task, let them do what they can before assisting.

Need expert care?

While independence and autonomy are very important for the elderly, sometimes they do need assistance. We provide professional live-in care for a broad range of needs, from palliative care to simple assistance. We also have a range of excellent care homes where the needs and comfort of our wards are of utmost importance to us.

If you want to know more about the services we offer, get in touch with us or call us at 0333 772 0156.