The Importance of Maintaining Independence In A Care Home

The Importance of Maintaining Independence In A Care Home

When moving into a care or residential home, many fear that they will lose their independence, and become more reliant on the carers and nurses around them for daily, basic needs. It doesn’t matter how old you are, the feeling of independence is something we all enjoy, and when we have it, it gives us a sense of purpose and freedom.

It is something we are taught from a young age, and the desire for it does not diminish with age, in fact, it’s probably the opposite. The older we get, the more we don’t want to have to rely on others. Whilst relying on others is nothing to be ashamed of, it is something some cannot help.

That’s why carers, nurses, and Homes must do everything they can, within reason and safety, to ensure those under their care can still feel that sense of independence and purpose.

For some, however, independence may be met with resistance – whether it be due to fear, anxiety, or just the individual believing they cannot do it. To overcome this resistance, it’s important that any encouragement is not forced, rather a more gentle and tailored approach is taken.

In this blog, we’ll discuss some ways you can help residents who are maintaining independence in a care home

Maintaining Independence In A Care Home – Ensure Clothing and Personal Items are Easy to Reach

If residents need help getting dressed, you can still provide them with the choice of what they can wear by making sure their clothes are easily accessible.

Doing so allows them to pick out the clothes they want to wear themselves, making their own decision rather than just being handed an outfit.

This can also be said for other personal items, such as watches, books, jewellery etc. The moment they have to ask someone to help them get an item is when they can lose a sense of independence.

Imagine how you would feel if you had to wait for someone to come find your phone when you wanted to call or text someone – it’s essentially the same thing.

Maintaining Independence In A Care Home – Practical Aids

Practical aids are in every residential home, such as handrails, ramps, stairlifts etc. to help those living there be able to move around the residence easier, and with greater freedom.

Rather than having to ask someone to help them get from A to B, the more practical aids the home has, the more they are empowered to do on their own.

Other aids that are there as safety precautions, such as non-slip shower mats and shower seats, can help increase confidence, in turn improving independence levels. When you know you can do something without the risk of injuring yourself, you’re more inclined to do it.

If you feel like incorporating a bit of technology, you could even try to dabble in voice command devices, such as ones that allow lights to be turned off, or the time to be said out loud. Even getting an Amazon Echo or Google Assistant to play songs on request could be a neat little addition!

Alexa, show me the next tip!

Maintaining Independence In A Care Home – Engaging in Social Activities at the Home

Whether it’s helping to organise it, making decorations, or just attending, social activities are a great way to help encourage a sense of independence.

Your residential home will be full of wonderful talents, and it’s more than likely people will be happy to help make your events/activities extra special! Whether it’s making a sign, helping out with baking, or even just picking the music, it’s great to make everyone feel involved.

By giving everyone the opportunity to contribute and participate, it helps give a sense of purpose – which as we mentioned earlier is linked to independence. Of course, some may not want to help out, and that’s fine too! You can’t force anyone to do anything, and doing so can only cause unpleasant feelings, frustration, and anger. At least the option is always there.

Maintaining Independence In A Care Home – Making Drinks and Light Snacks

Whilst we may all love it when someone brings us a cup of tea, it can be nice to know you can make your own! Care homes aren’t prisons, so everyone should have the ability to cater for themselves in some form – if they’d like to.

Encouraging residents to help themselves to a light snack is always a great way to ensure they are eating enough, and not going hungry in-between meals.

However, for some residents, it may be a little harder, and could potentially pose some health and safety issues. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t totally exclude this person – but instead, find a workaround.

Take a look at this example from the Social Care Institute for Excellence by clicking here.

Taking time out to figure out a solution not only makes everyday tasks safer, but ensures they’re accessible to as many people as possible!

Maintaining Independence In A Care Home – Allow Residents to Welcome and Play Hosts to Guests

When we have family and friends come around, it’s nice to be able to feel as though you can offer them something, like a drink or just greeting them at the door, rather than having someone take care of it all.

For others, they may want to play host, so their visitors don’t think they are struggling or any less capable than they used to be. Whilst it isn’t the case for everyone, some may feel a little embarrassed about having someone cater to everything.

If they want and can ‘play host’, let them! If you’re not certain, there’s no harm in asking if they want help with anything.

Maintaining Independence In A Care Home – Conclusion

Whilst there are many other ways to help encourage independence, the main importance is to ensure that you’re not forcing it upon them. Not every activity has to be “in your face” – just little helping hands to give the feeling of purpose and freedom.

How do you help residents who are maintaining independence in a care home ? Please let us know in the comments below!