Supporting individuals to live at home
Reinforcing confidence and independence
Home. A simple word that conveys so much emotion. Home is where we should feel safest, confident and secure. It is a place full of memories and a reflection of who we are. However, if you’re coming home after a serious illness or suffering from a disability that will affect your ability to run your household, this can be a daunting time and where a good quality care service is essential.
Supporting someone to live at home doesn’t mean ‘doing everything for them’, it’s more about enabling them to live as normal a life as possible. Creating an environment where the person can feel in control of their own needs improves their confidence, self-esteem and sense of independence which in turn can promote healing, both physical and mental. This is where, as a carer, you need to be able to listen.
People respond to respect and understanding. If you can show that when you are helping someone to improve their home life, you are not just assisting them, you are empowering them, helping the person be an active partner in their own care, as opposed to a passive recipient. While some housework, for example, maybe too difficult for them to complete, you could identify those areas where they can do it for themselves and encourage and assist them to achieve these simple goals.
As much as possible you need to slot into their patterns. This can be difficult, especially where their desires may clash with their vulnerability/disability or illness. You need to balance their safety and care against ensuring that they retain as much control over their choices as is feasible.
Of course, certain disabilities may mean that particular routines may have to change, but the more a sense of normality you can achieve for the individual the better. Communication with the rest of the support team and especially family or advocates is vital so that everyone involved understands their roles and is able to provide the best level of support.
Supporting someone to live at home is a balancing act. You must consider their health and safety but at the same time allow them to live their own life as much as possible. The right training will help you achieve this difficult, but essential, balance.
The Health and Social Care qualifications embed these approaches throughout, utilising person-centred support to encourage maintenance of daily life skills.
As you support others, Flexible Training is here to support you. For more information on our course availability, please contact Becky on 01462 222300.
