How Home Care Fosters Independence

May 1

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Most people would agree that everybody has the right to live independently and with dignity. However, many seniors experience feelings of loss of independence as they age, and some find those feelings extremely challenging. They associate their independence with self-worth, autonomy, and even their life’s purpose. Whether the loss is actual or perceived, diminished independence has drastic negative effects on the mental health and wellbeing of seniors and those with disabilities.

Unfortunately, as people age, there are barriers to independence, so some loss of independence is natural. One way to overcome this barrier and to continue to foster independence in seniors and people with disabilities is to incorporate home care into their healthcare regimen.

How Does Adding Support Foster Independence?

On the surface, it really doesn’t make sense: create more independence by providing more support? Won’t that support simply drive home the fact that tasks that were once manageable are now impossible without help?

Quite the opposite. Home care adds support that allows people to remain independent, at least to some degree, much longer. For example, many seniors can cook, bathe, and clean with relative ease but may struggle with more onerous tasks such as bringing laundry up and down the stairs or taking heavy garbage cans to the curb. Having a home care worker help with the laundry and garbage means that the senior can stay living independently in her home that much longer. She still gets the freedom to choose and cook meals and shower when she likes and with privacy.

What Exactly is Home Care?

Home care is an in-home service that varies greatly based on the client’s needs. It involves a trained professional or rotating team of professionals coming to your home to provide services, support, and care that is unique to you.

Why is Home Care Important?

As independence wanes, it’s essential to foster what freedoms seniors and those with disabilities can safely undertake. Empowering people to be independent and supporting them where they need assistance has many benefits:

Maintain Individuality: Many seniors spent much of their lives working hard, providing for their families, and making major decisions. Feeling a loss of control over decisions may make some seniors feel like they are losing their individuality. Home care workers work with their clients. They can help with meal planning, writing grocery lists, and other important decisions.

Physical Wellness: It is beneficial for people to do as much as they can for themselves to continue to stay physically and mentally fit. Staying fit and keeping active will help reduce falls and other injuries. Participating in a daily routine will also aid in staying mentally sharp and keeping the memory active. Even where mobility devices or home care support are needed, doing what one can is extremely helpful.

Purpose and Direction: Independence provides a sense of purpose. Having things to do – anything at all – provides a direction for the day and results in a sense of accomplishment upon completion. Even those who have home care support can find purpose in doing tasks with their worker. There is a great sense of purpose and direction that comes from seniors or those with disabilities knowing that although they may not be able to do all the activities they once did, that they are still able to maintain control over other aspects of their life.

Home Care Services are Available at Florilège Santé

At Florilège Santé, we understand that every individual is unique. That’s why we work with you and your loved ones to create a customized plan that is as supportive as you need and adapts as your changes need. We offer a full complement of home care services: