INDEPENDENT LIVING GUIDANCE, PRACTICAL AIDS AND HELPFUL PRODUCTS
Maintaining independent living, where ever practical, not only increases feelings of self-esteem, control and self-respect, but also eases day-to-day life by lowering reliance on others. That’s why the importance of promoting independence in those with movement and strength problems can not be overemphasised. Furthermore, increased independence produces a safer living environment, especially in the elderly, as individuals are less likely to pose a danger to themselves when undertaking daily tasks.By following the below independent living advice and practising the methods detailed, independent living could be attainable to many. To see how we can help Visit Website
1. ONLY RELY ON HELP WHERE REQUIRED
As a carer, the trick to sustaining successful independent living is by administering care only when it’s really needed, as this will encourage self-reliance where the patient is able.Look at the below list, and decide which areas your patient absolutely needs help with, and which they could really manage themselves;- Prepping meals and shopping for food- Cleaning, and other standard household chores- Organising bills and finances- Driving- Personal grooming, and washingAltering care to only be provided where necessary is a key independent living aid, and will have a knock-on effect concerning the amount of visits the patient receives from those providing assistance, who will be providing support (family, care staff or physicians), and where assistance will be based (in-home, hospital or care-facility based).
2. IF POSSIBLE, HANDLE OWN MEDICATION AND CONSULTATIONS
While this independent living aid would not be advisory for all people (such as those contending with dementia), if your sufferer is able to manage their own prescribed medications and consultations, this can hugely boost their self-sufficiency, and offer a feeling of control. This process can be made simpler by setting up phone reminder alerts both for consultations and to take prescription medication. You can also request that medical professionals send email/text reminders for appointments.
3. INTRODUCE SMART DEVICES
Introducing smartphones is a great way to raise 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 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 lowers 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 straightforward, ways to promote self-reliance in the home, both from an ease-of-use and safety point ofview. Get rid of anything which could induce trips or falls, such as mats and wires, and add extra lighting (and motion sensors) where necessary, to both inside and outside the house. For people with reduced sight, place brightly coloured tape to the edges of stairs for additional support.By making movement between rooms as smooth as possible you will not only increase the patient’s safety but also reduce the need for a carer to be present.
5. HAVE A CLINICAL ALERT PROCESS IN PLACE
Having a trusted medical alert system in place enables seniors to go on living autonomously, yet rest assured that if something was to happen, an alarm would automatically become triggered. Medical alert systems are for that reason crucial in making sure that self-sufficiency doesn’t jeopardize safety. More Advice Beaucare
6. PLAN OF ACTION FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY
Fall systems should also be in place as a safety precaution, and specialist smoke alarms installed, especially if your patient has hearing or visual problems. Professional smoke alarms are wirelessly connected, meaning that if one is triggered, all are triggered, and some even feature vibrating pads. Get in touch with your local fire and rescue company to discuss 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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