by Naomi Kenny

Created on: January 31, 2009

Independence is a key component of our sense of self worth. Age is not a factor in the desire to express and experience our independence. The key to the relationship between elder care and independence is the word care. When a person requires someone else to help them perform the activities of daily living, their independence is in jeopardy. The handicapped, regardless of age are extremely aware of the importance of independence. They will often go to great discomfort and expense to remain free of dependence on others.

In most societies the withdrawal of freedom or independence is used as a punishment. We take drivers licenses way from careless or dangerous drivers to punish them. We confine those that we consider unsafe to be loose in society in institutions. We control the freedom of movement of those we are punishing or protecting. Independence is a condition all of us cherish. When our independence is restricted we feel punished. Caregivers must go to great lengths to help those they care for not to feel punished or guilty.

When care is provided it is extremely important to the dignity and self worth of the person being cared for, that as much independence and decision making in activities be encouraged. Caring for the elderly requires a sensitivity to treat them as adults regardless of their physical needs. Maintaining their independence helps them retain some dignity and reduces many emotional complications; hopelessness, depression, anger, and fear. The elderly are usually aware of their limitations and often they try to hide any deficiencies from others. They feel that any restrictions of their independence is a punishment. To help restrictions be more palatable efforts must be made to allow the elderly to have input into the restrictions to what ever level they are able.

Providing care for others including the elderly requires the sensitivity to their individual needs as well as their desires and goals. Allowing as much independence as is safely acceptable promotes happier, healthier elderly. The following sites are excellent resources: Medicare, provides information on longterm care www.medicare.gov and the Area Agency on Aging, advocates for and provides information about aging http://www.n4a.org

Aging is a condition all of us will experience. We want to be as independent and self sufficient as possible for as long as possible. To achieve these goals society must include independence in all aspects of the care for the elderly. Become active in the decisions being made locally and nationally about elder care. The results of these decisions will effect all of us one day and our loved ones today. Independence is a freedom to be cherished by all ages.

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