Independence: self care in the home for longer

Last Updated: Dec 23, 2021

For the majority, from the moment we have that teenage sense of personal autonomy we are on our way to living independently. That special place in our being where we decide how things are going to be and no-one else is going to tell us what to do. Of course this rarely happens straight away. As a young person it takes time to really understand what it is to stand alone and to truly have the freedoms we so desire.

Fast forward 10 years and the stresses and strains of bills, rent, and any hobbies we wish to take part in have firmly seated themselves in our daily lives, but still we know that as long as we have a home, and can nourish ourselves, we are in charge of our life and most of what comes into it.

Later in life though things can change and in the unfortunate event that we begin to lose our health, independence is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. To regain health or to maintain it for as long as possible, keeping our independence is essential.

Maintaining our independence

There are many ways we can keep self-sufficient. Some that are familiar, some that are less obvious and require the support of others. Whichever we choose to implement they will help keep us self-reliant for longer.

Nurture self-esteem and confidence

Mental health and well-being is just as important as physical. There can be many reasons for a decline in one’s health but having low self-esteem and confidence does not help. It can be exhausting.

The body responds to positivity and negativity alike and so keeping a healthy view of oneself and one’s abilities is of the utmost importance. If not, anxiety and depression can creep in. We start to slow down and the simplest of tasks become draining and difficult.

Continue to do simple daily tasks

By taking one step at a time and keeping up our basic actions and needs, like washing ourselves in the morning, making the effort to change clothes, eat and drink (and do so with care - observing good nutrition etc) and some sort of exercise (even if that's in a chair), communication with loved ones, we are able to raise our self-confidence and esteem. This in turn helps us to stay positive. We look at things less negatively and can see a way through difficult situations helping us cope. We become less confined and more free.

The burden on family & friends is decreased extensively

Because we are loved by friends, family and carers, help is there for us if we need it. Taking help is not a bad thing, however we rarely want to burden others with our troubles and prefer to take care of ourselves. Independence allows us to lighten the load on others while retaining self worth and dignity for ourselves. They don’t have to take the pressure and we can live freely with choices that we make.

Financial freedom

Nowadays the cost of care is expensive, the NHS struggles, and we don't want to lose our freedom, life savings or even sell our house to pay for care services that we might not need yet. There may well be a time when these services are needed but until then we can stand tall on our own feet if the right assistance is given.

Accepting help

Trying to maintain our independence requires many things, but there can be some situations where these actions aren't so simple. Perhaps we have some sort of disability or condition that prevents us from easily washing ourselves, nourishing ourselves, or communicate with loved ones regularly. That’s why support systems are so important for those that need that extra bit of care but don't need to be under permanent supervision or in a care facility.

That's where we come in.

We've designed CallAssist to be a cost effective way to help maintain independence, support safety in the home, reduce burden on others and help keep you self-sufficient for longer. By giving small reminders at just the right time, it allows you to keep doing the things you need to do in order to live life to the fullest and in an independent way.