A lot of things can make a person lose their independence. Sickness and health issues, accidents, medical procedures like certain types of surgeries, and even old age are just but some of the factors that may cause an individual to become dependent.

At Midlands Care, we offer different types of services to cater to all our patients and residents. While our approach is focused on giving optimal assistance, we also ensure that individuals don’t lose their independence, helping them to handle their everyday needs.

What Does Independence in Care Mean?

Independence in care simply means helping the residents in the homes maintain as much control of their lives and everyday decisions as possible. This means empowering them to take care of their basic needs, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, hobbies, and even more complex choices like social interactions and engaging in various activities.

While everyone at a care home is different and has different needs, they can still maintain a level of independence and caregivers are always there to make sure they can make decisions and do things for themselves. For providers, it means respecting their patients’ choices and preferences while offering the needed support.

Promoting Independence for Older People

As we age, we tend to need more care and attention due to health issues, reduced physical strength, reduced mobility, and more. However, while these changes happen as your loved ones grow older, it is natural that they will still want to maintain their independence and control. After all, they have been doing it all by themselves long before you were even born, and they may find it hard to accept that they now need assistance doing basic tasks.

The best thing you can do is encourage them to be as independent as possible. Here are some ways you can support them while ensuring they are safe and comfortable;

Let Them Help

The last thing your elderly parent wants is to be treated like they are sick or disabled. Having them just sit around all day and assuming they can’t do basic things like washing dishes, thinking you are helping, can actually have the opposite effect. It can make them feel left out or like a burden to the family.

While they may not be as strong and healthy as before, it is important to make them feel “normal”, like nothing has changed. Identify their different strengths and capabilities and let them take part in everyday household chores as they like.

Help Them Maintain Their Hobbies

Hobbies keep us happy and engaged, and it is no different with the elderly. If your loved one has always loved knitting, encourage them to continue. Find them the tools they need and spend some quality time with them while they do it. Make sure to appreciate their craft as well.

Encourage them to continue interacting with people, too. Some people may be into book clubs or games night. Whatever it is that brings them together, continuing seeing their friends and interacting with other people makes their lives easier and even assures them that their life will go on as before and nothing will change even when they live in the care home.

Let Them Make Their Own Decisions

Living in a care home does not automatically mean all decisions are made for you. At Midlands Care, we craft care plans based on each individual’s needs, wants, and preferences. We allow our residents to make their own choices on how they want to receive care.

Making decisions on behalf of your loved one, especially if they are still capable of making their own choices, can be frustrating to them. It can affect their happiness and, worse, impact how they think about themselves. Even at care homes, it is important to help them preserve a sense of control over their own lives as they get the support they need from their caregivers.

Physical and Mental Exercise

Exercise is key to staying as fit as possible both mentally and physically. There are many ways to keep your loved one mentally fit as much as they can. Engaging in activities such as board games or even solving puzzles is excellent for mental stimulation.

Light physical exercises like walking and stretching are also great for the body and mind. At our Care homes in Leicester, we have plenty of activities to keep your loved ones engaged and active and ensure a better quality of life for as long as possible.

Ensuring Safety

While you are encouraging your loved one to stay engaged in different aspects, it is important to ensure their physical safety. Their home should be well-structured and maintained to minimise potential safety hazards, such as the risk of falls, poor lighting, and slippery floors.

They should also have safety features that make their life easier. This may include safety handles in bathrooms, handrails on stairs, non-slip mats, and easy-to-reach storage areas. These help them go about their daily lives easily while allowing them to be independent whenever possible.

Constant Communication

One of the most important things you can do to support an elderly loved one is to maintain regular communication. Ageing can sometimes feel isolating, especially if they live alone or have moved into a care home. Regular phone calls, visits, or even video chats can help them feel connected. Listening to their concerns, engaging them in meaningful conversations, and making them feel heard can boost their mental and emotional well-being.

Why is Promoting Independence in Care Important?

Independence in care is important for so many reasons. It enhances self-esteem, supports mental well-being, and promotes the overall quality of life. When individuals feel like they can take care of themselves and have their freedom, it reduces the feelings of hopelessness and being a burden to the family and caregivers. This leads to a better, happy life.

Here are some reasons why promoting independence in care matters;

Boosts Self Confidence and Worth

When elderly people are able to make their own decisions and perform daily tasks, it makes them feel capable and confident. Not being able to do some things for their own selves can lead to frustration and low self-esteem. Allowing them to do as much as possible helps them maintain their confidence and feel worthy.

Promotes Physical and Mental Well-Being

One way to promote independence in care is by encouraging individuals to participate in various physical activities and mind-stimulating events. This may include hobbies and personal interests, which may help reduce physical and cognitive decline and help them stay mentally and physically fit.

Promotes Emotional Well-Being

Besides physical and mental health, being independent is also important for emotional well-being. When your loved ones feel like they have to depend on you or the caregivers for everything, it may impact how they view their life, leading to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and self-pity. This may further lead to sadness or anger, which can ultimately lead to physical self-harm.

Giving these individuals the freedom to make their own decisions and engage in their own routines, and encouraging them to participate in their hobbies and socialise can prevent feelings of isolation and frustration and help maintain emotional stability.

Gives them A Sense of Purpose

Independence can make an individual feel self-sufficient, valuable, and productive, which gives a sense of fulfilment. Engaging in various activities and hobbies and interacting with other people with the same interests give individuals a reason to stay engaged with life and something to look forward to every day.

How We Encourage Independence at Midlands Care

Personalised care plans

Our personalised care plans allow individuals to decide how they want to receive care from our caregivers. We focus on their strengths and capabilities, empowering them to manage daily routines, engage in meaningful activities, and make choices about their own well-being while offering assistance when needed. Each care plan is tailored to reflect the resident’s unique needs, ensuring they remain in control of their lives as much as possible.

Empowering Daily Living

We encourage our residents to participate actively in daily tasks and activities such as gardening and engaging in social events. Even small tasks, such as folding laundry or setting the table, can make them feel involved, promoting a sense of purpose and self-worth.

Safe and Accessible Facilities

Our homes are designed with all the needs of our residents in mind. We have installed various features in various parts of our homes as needed. This includes wheelchair-accessible spaces, handrails, non-slip flooring, and adapted bathrooms with grab bars. We also have accessible outdoor gardens and communal areas where our residents can enjoy fresh air and socialise. All of these help them move around with ease, without unnecessary assistance, and enjoy their stay, all while being safe.

Balancing Between Assistance and Independence

All our caregivers are highly trained in health and social care, offering assistance according to individual care plans. We provide support only where necessary, encouraging the residents to stay active and allowing them to do as much as they can by themselves. We focus on encouraging their capabilities rather than taking over.