Independence Myth Home Care Path LLC

Some seniors become captives of the independence myth. The independence myth essentially means existing alone. I do not need the assistance of another, never have and never want to. I am a proud independent person. Independence on planet earth is a falsehood. All things occur with the participation of another. Everyone needs everyone else to have a better quality of life. For example the independent business could not be more dependent. The business depends on employees cooperation, on providers who deliver product, on advertizing outlets who voice the business product, the bank that delivers financial exchange. Any break in the chain of dependence results in a poor outcome for the independent business owner. The independent businesss owner is very needy and accepts the help of the community to keep going. Seniors that continue to deny needing help even though its evident to all around have become a captive to this myth of independence. The senior needs to drop the perception of independence and adapt a more healthy perception of interdependence. Interdependence speaks of active participation. Much like the independent business who needs the help of the employees to make it through the day. So can the senior see themsleves actively participating in their own care with the assistance of another. The thought perceptions under this resistance to help of another include:
Lack of Trust
Restore their position of power within the family
Stall tactic to avoid facing a decision they are not yet ready to make
As an attention getting device. (once the problem is solved you may not give them the attention they receive now)
Seniors who resist an organized healthful approach to assistance form reciprocal relationships within the community to cope. The senior has restaurant staff giving him food daily and stopping by to check on him when he does not show up to eat. The senior calls the tow truck driver from the hospital ER for help getting home. The senior has libray staff clean up the bathroom after his bowel accidents. The bartender is constantly dialing the seniors family so he can talk with them. The senior sits with the insurance office receptionist when he does not feel good. The mail carrier helps to properly turn on the air conditioner. The senior is seeking out and accepting help throughout the community but some how still maintains a perception of being independent. The senior clearly needs help, and this need is progressing. All those assisting the senior in out of the ordinary roles verbalize the seniors need for help. Home Care Path LLC http://homecarepath.com staff assist seniors with daily chores to prevent the senior from getting so run down they end up in the emergency room or permanantly placed in an assisted living facility. Home Care Path LLC recognize seniors captivated by the myth of independence. Often the solution is repetitive contacts discussing identified needs. Eventually the senior begins to recognize and accept what the community already knows. It is ok to accept the help of another.