Maintaining independent living, whenever possible, not only increases feelings of self-esteem, control and self-worth, but also eases day-to-day life by decreasing dependence on others. That’s why the value of encouraging independence in those with movement and strength issues can not be overemphasised. Additionally, increased independence produces a safer living surrounding, especially in the elderly, as people are less likely to pose a risk to themselves when performing daily tasks.By following the below independent living advice and practicing the methods described, independent living could be possible to many. To see how we can help  Beaucare

1. ONLY RELY ON ASSISTANCE WHERE ESSENTIAL

As a carer, the key to sustaining successful independent living is by administering care only when it’s really needed, as this will promote independence where the patient is capable.Look at the below list, and decide which areas your patient really needs help with, and which they could really take care of themselves;- Prepping meals and shopping for food items- Cleaning, and other standard house jobs- Organising bills and money- Driving- Personal grooming, and washingAltering care to only be provided where essential is a key independent living aid, and will have a knock-on effect concerning the amount of visits the patient receives from those providing assistance, who will be providing assistance (family, care staff or physicians), and where assistance will be based (in-home, hospital or care-facility based).

2. IF POSSIBLE, HANDLE OWN MEDICATION AND CONSULTATIONS

While this independent living aid would not be advisory for all patients (such as those contending with dementia), if your sufferer is able to manage their own prescribed medications and consultations, this can hugely boost their independence, and give a feeling of control. This process can be made simpler by setting phone reminder alerts both for consultations and to take medication. You can also request that medical professionals send email/text reminders for consultations.

3. INTRODUCE SMARTPHONES

Introducing smart devices is a great way to raise independence in those with reduced mobility, especially among seniors, who may be unfamiliar with them. Smartphones provide even bed-bound patients a level of independence by offering both a connection with the outside world, and the ability to ask for help at the touch of a button. This in turn fosters a feeling of security and decreases the need to have a carer present at all times, whilst also easing companionship.

4. DECLUTTER THE PROPERTY

Providing effortless movement in between rooms is one of the best, and most straightforward, ways to encourage independence in the home, both from an ease-of-use and safety point ofview. Remove anything which could cause trips or falls, such as rugs and wires, and add extra lighting (and motion sensors) where necessary, to both inside and outside the house. For people with damaged sight, place vibrantly coloured tape to the edges of stairs for extra support.By making movement in between rooms as smooth as possible you will not only increase the patient’s safety but also minimize the need for a carer to be present.

5. HAVE A CLINICAL ALERT SYSTEM IN PLACE

Having a trusted clinical alert system in place allows elderly people to continue living autonomously, yet rest assured that if something was to happen, an alarm would automatically become triggered. Medical alert systems are therefore vital in ensuring that independence doesn’t jeopardize safety. More Advice  Beaucare

6. PLAN OF ACTION FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY

Fall systems should also be in place as a safety provision, and specialist smoke alarms installed, especially if your patient has hearing or visual problems. Specialist smoke alarms are wirelessly connected, meaning that if one is set off, all are triggered, and some even include vibrating pads. Get in touch with your local fire and rescue company to talk about these specialist options further. If you need assistance setting up home security and safety measures, you can call upon Age UK’s handyperson services.

Contact us today  Beaucare Medical Equipment

In our fast-paced modern lives, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and a constant stream of thoughts. However, one of the most effective and readily available tools for relaxation and well-being is right under our noses—literally. Breathing exercises, derived from ancient practices like yoga and meditation, have gained significant attention in recent years due to their profound impact on our mental, emotional, and physical health. In this article, we will explore the benefits of breathing exercises and provide you with practical techniques to incorporate into your daily routine.

The Science Behind Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises work by stimulating the body’s relaxation response, which helps counteract the effects of the stress response. When we experience stress, our breathing becomes shallow and rapid, leading to increased heart rate, muscle tension, and a state of alertness. By consciously adjusting our breathing patterns through exercises, we can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering a relaxation response. This results in reduced heart rate, lower blood pressure, and a calmer state of mind.

Benefits of Breathing Exercises

1. Stress Reduction: Deep breathing techniques promote relaxation and reduce stress by activating the body’s natural relaxation response. Regular practice can help manage chronic stress and its associated negative effects.

2. Improved Mental Clarity: Deep, controlled breathing increases oxygen flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function, focus, and mental clarity. It can be particularly beneficial during times of intense mental concentration or when you need to calm a racing mind.

3. Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Breathing exercises have a direct impact on our emotions. They can help regulate emotions by reducing feelings of anxiety, anger, and frustration, while promoting a sense of calmness, balance, and overall emotional well-being.

4. Better Sleep: Many breathing exercises are excellent tools for relaxation and can help improve the quality of sleep. Practicing deep, slow breathing before bedtime can quiet the mind, release physical tension, and induce a state of deep relaxation conducive to sleep.

5. Physical Health Benefits: Deep breathing exercises can have positive effects on the body, such as reducing blood pressure, improving digestion, boosting the immune system, and promoting overall cardiovascular health.

Practical Breathing Exercises

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing: Sit or lie down comfortably. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Breathe in slowly through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise, and exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdomen fall. Focus on deepening and lengthening your breaths, keeping the chest relatively still.

2. Box Breathing: Visualize a box with four equal sides. Inhale deeply for a count of four, hold the breath for a count of four, exhale for a count of four, and hold the breath for another count of four. Repeat this pattern several times, maintaining a relaxed pace.

3. 4-7-8 Technique: Breathe in quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale completely through your mouth to a count of eight. Repeat this cycle three more times.

Incorporating breathing exercises into your daily routine can be a simple yet powerful way to improve your overall well-being. Whether you need to reduce stress, improve focus, or enhance your emotional state, the power of breath is within your grasp. Take a few moments each day to consciously connect with your breath and experience the transformative benefits of these ancient techniques. Remember, your breath is always with you, offering a path to relaxation, clarity, and inner peace.

Looking for more breathing exercises ? Check out these Qigong Breathing Exercises. Needing an extra boost of healing? Energy healing from Qigong Energy Healing might just be the right one for you. Read more on What Is Energy Healing? Here’s How It Can Transform Your Life