Encouraging Independence Without Withdrawing Support

Supporting someone does not always mean doing everything for them.

Where appropriate, family caregivers can encourage independence by allowing the person they support to participate in everyday activities and decisions.

This might include choosing clothes, preparing part of a meal, helping with shopping, managing a simple routine or deciding how they would like to spend their day.

The level of support will naturally vary from person to person.

The important point is to recognise ability as well as need.

Sometimes the most empowering question we can ask is not “What can I do for you?” but “What would you like to do for yourself, and how can I support you?”