Encouraging Self-Care
- Allow the person to do as much as possible without your help. No matter how small the activity, Participation is important.
- Ask what you can do to encourage independence. If the person cannot perform a certain activity, see if there is a part that can be done. For example, perhaps it’s easy to brush the front of the hair, but your help is needed in reaching and styling the back.
- Adapt surroundings to allow more independence. You may be able to install equipment such as grab rails in the bathroom, wheelchair-accessible sinks and mirrors, bath bench for the shower or tub, exchange round door knobs for easier-gripping door handles, and lights with switches that are easily reached.