Ways You can Support Your Loved One Whilst Encouraging Their Independence

Introduction

Some individuals may come to require assistance to maintain their independence in older age, though it can be difficult to balance, it is possible to also provide support while encouraging senior independence. In our enthusiasm to keep our loved ones safe and healthy helping too much is natural but can also have a negative impact. We share some ways you can provide support to your loved once while also promoting independence.

Be Respectful

A key way to encourage your loved one’s independence is to respect their decisions and choices. It is completely natural to want to protect them from harm, but make sure to remember that they are still capable of making their own decisions and voicing their preferences. Make sure they know their decisions are respected even if it means this is different from what you would have chosen for them. Discuss how they would like to be supported physically and cognitively if needed, have conversations regarding their abilities and how this may change in the future so you are able to make plans together. 

Provide Assistance When Required

As our instinct is to help as much as we can, you may find yourself trying to take over some tasks that your loved one is capable of doing themselves, so being too hands on is not the best way to help. Let them carry out tasks themselves even if it does take longer, providing assistance only when needed or asked for. You can always ask to complete the task with them.

Older individuals will usually have hobbies or interests that they enjoy. Encouraging them to continue to engage in these activities can help them to maintain their sense of independence and purpose. If your loved one previously enjoyed hobbies you can guide them into taking this up again, this can be in the form of workshops or a hobby you can assist with like arts and crafts at home, this can help them to retain their abilities and boost confidence.

Promote Social Interactions

With isolation being a common issue amongst older individuals it is important to encourage your loved one to maintain their connections with friends, neighbours and family members. Feelings of isolation can have a negative effect on individuals impacting their self-esteem and mental health, especially if they live alone. Speak with family and friends to arrange weekly visits with your loved one and face time calls for those who live further away.

For more ways to stay social please read our previous post - The Importance of Socialising and Companionship.

Provide Education

Staying healthy is vital as we age, which is why it is important to promote healthy aging practices with your loved one. Providing education around exercise and proper nutrition can empower your loved one to take charge of their own health and wellbeing. Promoting daily exercises that are appropriate for your loved one’s abilities can help to increase muscle and bone strength, improving mobility and therefor independence over a period of time. Cooking and baking together can help them to boost their self-worth, creating healthy dishes and accomplishing new recipes. If your loved one has dexterity issues makes sure to provide adaptive tools, purchase preprepared veg or offer to do the chopping for them whilst they complete another task.

Maintain Dignity

Allowing your loved one to maintain their privacy and dignity is important for older individuals, especially if they require assistance with personal care. Providing assistance in a respectful and dignified manner can help seniors maintain their self-esteem and independence. Always give your loved one options when it comes to what to wear each day encouraging them to make their own choices. Enlisting the services of a professional home carer can also be an option for providing assistance with personal care.

For more information on the personal care services, we provide for home care please click here.

Offer Emotional Support

When it comes to promoting independence, emotional support is just as important and physical support. Your loved one may experience feelings of anxiety, depression or loneliness, this can be more common if they are dealing with anychallenges or health issues. Providing that vital emotional support of someone to talk to can help your loved one feel more confident.