For many people ageing means the loss of health and independence. People who choose to remain in their own homes are often faced with still needing to rely on others to do the things they once did for themselves. Losing this independence is very hard, but there are ways in which people living at home can be assisted to regain their independence. This approach to eldercare is based on an Enabling philosophy.
This means that the aim is to 'do with' rather then 'do for'. You are never "too old" to do things for yourself.
Sometimes people can lose confidence in their own abilities after having a fall or a serious illness. The enabling approach allows for a gradual re-introduction of tasks with support to ensure you are safe while you build your skills up again.
Mary's story highlights this process: *names changed
Mary was 78 when she slipped on her front step on a rainy afternoon in Sydney. She fractured her hip and spent several months in hospital recovering. Whilst in hospital, Mary had nurses to help her shower and did not have to cook or clean. She was worried about how she would do these things when she returned home as she lives alone. Mary's children all lived far away and she did not want to burden her friends. Mary was frightened that she would fall again and have to move into a nursing home. Mary was introduced to a home care service when she decided that she wanted to return home to live rather then move into a nursing home.
Mary then met with a care manager- David, and together they arranged services to help her with her daily activities and build her confidence. Mary's goal was to be fully independent again. She was introduced to her community worker, Joan. Joan would pop around every morning to help Mary have a shower, do some housework and any shopping that Mary needed. Initially Mary wanted Joan to help quite a bit- she told David that she was especially worried she would fall over in the shower. David then organized a chair for her in the shower and Mary was able to shower herself with Joan standing by in case she needed her.
Joan encouraged Mary to participate in the housework tasks- Mary would wipe the bench tops while Joan used the vacuum. Over the next few months Mary gradually started doing more of the housework tasks herself with Joan standing by for support. David would check in every few weeks to see how Mary was progressing with her goal and adjust the services if necessary. Soon Mary built her confidence up and Joan was no longer needed at all: Mary regained her independence.
Mary's story highlights how a bit of help can go along way. If applied with an enabling focus, in-home elder care can assist a person to become more independent. It doesn't have to mean the end of independence.
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