Understanding and Embracing Independence
Independence is about feeling confident and capable in your own space, knowing that support is always within reach, but life is still your own to live. This is important because it is directly tied to that individual’s sense of worth and self-esteem. Over time, we work hard to become self-sufficient, to live on our own terms. When aging begins to change that dynamic, it can bring feelings of frustration, vulnerability, or loss.
Ways You Can Help Without Taking Away Their Independence
1. Adapting the Environment to The Individual
Instead of focusing on changing your loved one’s environment or routine to what you think is best as they age, instead focus on adapting things around their home to make it safer and more accessible. This could include lighting, adding handholds, changing round doorknobs for lever knobs, considering adding mobility aids like ramps and handrails, or removing loose furniture or rugs that could be a tripping hazard.
2. Encouraging Daily Routines
As we age our routines go through changes. Making sure that we are encouraging our loved ones to keep a daily routine can directly benefit the individuals physical and mental health (Donohue, 2024). Some ways you can help encourage routines include having meaningful conversations, including them in the planning process, create a schedule, and by setting reminders or voice messages.
3. Encouraging choice rather than enforcing decisions
Making sure that your loved ones have a choice and are a part of every decision regarding their situation is crucial. By making decisions for them they can feel they’re losing their independence and autonomy, which could lead to a decline in their self-esteem or harm the relationships they have with those around them.
4. Healthy Conversations
Meaningful care starts with meaningful conversation. Ensure that you are asking questions and prompting conversations about the needs, boundaries, and preferences of your loved one and listening with empathy to what they have to say. This allows for open communication and can help prevent aging adults from feeling as if they are losing control.
5. Introducing Technology like Nomo Smart Care
Technology like the Nomo Smart Care Essential Care Kit, can be a valuable resource for aging adults and those who care for them. Whether you need a solution to monitor falls, set reminders, track daily routines, or stay connected, the Essential Care Kit empowers users by enhancing their independence while offering peace of mind and utilizing devices that can be placed around the home to offer support and reassurance. Best of all, its non-invasive and user-friendly design makes it easy to incorporate into daily life.
Final Thoughts
Independence isn’t just about being able to do things on our own, it’s the foundation of our sense of self, confidence, and purpose. For aging adults, losing independence can be deeply distressing, which is why caregivers should prioritize preserving it by striking a balance between offering help and empowering loved ones, while also ensuring safety and peace of mind. By making home adjustments, utilizing supportive technology, promoting consistent routines, fostering open communication, and engaging in thoughtful conversations, families can find a middle ground that honors independence. After all, independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone - it’s about keeping control over your own life while feeling supported.
Resources
Donohue, M. (2024, September 20). How daily routines improve mental health for seniors. Blue Moon Senior Counseling. https://bluemoonseniorcounseling.com/how-daily-routines-improve-mental-health-for-seniors/
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