INDEPENDENT LIVING GUIDANCE, HELPFUL AIDS AND HELPFUL PRODUCTSINDEPENDENT LIVING GUIDANCE, HELPFUL AIDS AND HELPFUL PRODUCTS
Maintaining independent living, wherever practical, not only boosts feelings of self-esteem, control and self-worth, but also eases day-to-day life by reducing reliance on others. That’s why the significance of encouraging self-reliance in those with mobility and strength issues can not be overemphasised. In addition, increased independence produces a safer living surrounding, especially in the elderly, as individuals are less likely to pose a threat to themselves when carrying out daily tasks.By following the below independent living advice and practising the methods described, independent living could be attainable to many. To see how we can help Beaucare mobility Aids
1. ONLY RELY ON ASSISTANCE WHERE NEEDED
As a carer, the secret to fostering successful independent living is by providing care only when it’s definitely needed, as this will encourage independence where the patient is able.Look at the below list, and choose which areas your patient truly needs help with, and which they could really take care of themselves;- Prepping meals and shopping for food items- Cleaning, and other general house jobs- Organising bills and finances- Driving- Personal grooming, and washingAltering care to only be provided where required 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 help (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
Whilst this independent living aid would not be advisory for all patients (such as those battling dementia), if your sufferer is able to manage their own prescriptions and appointments, this can hugely raise their self-sufficiency, and provide a feeling of control. This process can be made simpler by setting phone reminder alerts both for consultations and to take prescription medication. You can also seek that doctors send email/text reminders for consultations.
3. INTRODUCE SMARTPHONES
Introducing smartphones is a great way to raise self-sufficiency in those with limited mobility, especially amongst 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
Ensuring simple and easy movement in between rooms is one of the best, and most simple, ways to promote independence in the house, both from an ease-of-use and safety standpoint. Take away 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 damaged sight, place vibrantly coloured tape to the edges of stairs for extra support.By making movement in between rooms as seamless as possible you will not only boost the patient’s safety but also decrease the need for a carer to be present.
5. HAVE A CLINICAL ALERT SYSTEM IN PLACE
Having a trusted medical alert system in place enables seniors to go on living autonomously, yet rest assured that if anything was to happen, an alarm would immediately become activated. Medical alert systems are for that reason vital in ensuring that independence doesn’t compromise safety. More Advice Medical Equipment
6. PLAN OF ACTION FOR SAFETY
Fall systems should also be in place as a safety measure, and specialist smoke alarms installed, specifically if your patient has hearing or visual problems. Professional smoke alarms are wirelessly connected, meaning that if one is activated, 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 setting up home security and safety measures, you can call upon Age UK’s handyperson services.
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