What is independent living?

While many people believe that independent living means to live on your own with a disability, it’s actually a phrase that describes the way in which a disabled or older person should be able to live with the same freedoms and control as a non-disabled person. With the help of additional products and services that can assist with mobility and independence, someone with a disability or reduced mobility could more easily be able to complete tasks that many people take for granted, such as having a shower.

Independent living could, therefore, involve having home help, such as a carer, to assist with certain tasks, using a disability car that’s altered to make driving easier or installing a stairlift to move up and down the stairs safely.

How do disabilities affect people’s lives?

The effect that a disability has on a person will differ depending on what condition they have.

A person with a physical disability may struggle to take part in certain activities, including sports and other forms of exercise, and could find it hard to get from one place to another.

For wheelchair users, their home may also need to be altered. For example, ramps may be a requirement, work surfaces will likely need to be lowered, and door frames widened. Someone with a new or recent physical disability may find it hard to complete activities that used to be part of their routine, like brushing their teeth, doing the washing and cleaning the dishes.

For someone with a cognitive impairment, the effects could be very different. They may have the physical capabilities to do the things mentioned above but struggle to grasp these concepts or take in new information. This can often lead to frustration and anger that they can’t complete the actions other people seem to do with no problems. It is for this reason that they may need assistance, either at home or when out and about.

How to continue living independently

If you have either a new or recent cognitive or physical disability, you might want to live a more independent life, completing tasks that you may have struggled to do in the past.

The first step is to understand that you could still need assistance with certain aspects of your life. This is not a bad thing. Having local support or a carer can mean someone is nearby to help with tasks that have become more difficult and provide comfort that you don't have to do it all alone.

If you have a visual impairment, there are various computer tools that can be installed, including screen readers, screen enlargement applications and voice recognition programmes. All of these things allow you to use everyday technology, like mobile phones and laptops, despite having a disability.

You could also have a think about the devices that are available to you that could make difficult tasks much simpler. These include grabbers and reaching aids for when you drop an object, sock aids that allow you to put socks on without bending down and personal alarms should an incident occur that means you need help.

How personal alarms support independent living

When you live alone or want to remain independent despite a health condition or mobility issue, an Age Co personal alarm can provide vital reassurance. These easy-to-use devices are designed to connect you to help whenever you need it, day or night.

A personal alarm is usually worn around the neck or wrist and features a button you can press if you feel unwell, have a fall, or are worried about your safety. Some models also come with automatic fall detection, meaning an alert is raised even if you’re unable to speak or press the button yourself.

By wearing an Age Co personal alarm, you’ll always have a way to call for help, whether it’s in the middle of the night, in the garden, or while having a shower. You don’t need to worry about reaching the phone or waiting for a carer to visit. Some Age Co personal alarms use GPS technology so you can call for help when you are out-and-about. The alarm connects you directly to a 24-hour Emergency Resolution team who can speak to you, check you’re OK and call your emergency contacts or the emergency services if needed.

For many older adults and their families, this extra layer of support is what makes independent living feel safe and manageable. Knowing that help is always just the press of a button away means you can carry on doing the things you enjoy.

Whether you have a long-term health condition, are recovering from a hospital stay, or want greater peace of mind, a personal alarm is a simple but powerful tool to help you stay confident and in control of your daily life.

What is the difference between assisted living and independent living?

If you’re researching the ways you can remain independent at home, you may come across the term ‘assisted living’. So how do assisted living and independent living differ?

Assisted living involves moving out of your home and into a specialist accommodation that offers services and facilities such as nurses, carers, support staff, organised activities and communal lounges. These developments boast self-contained accommodation, such as a flat, with your own front door so you feel like you’re living at home but with the added benefit of having staff that are available whenever you need them. They usually come furnished with additional equipment that could assist you further, including electric or riser recliner chairs. You can live alone or with a partner. You can find out more about assisted living on the Age UK website.

You could benefit from this form of care if you have low-level needs that may or may not deteriorate, such as mobility issues or memory loss.

In contrast, independent living allows you to stay at home without needing to move out. You could still get all the help you need through in-home carers, however they may not be available 24/7.

Summary

• Independent living means having the freedom to live life on your terms, with the right support in place to manage physical or cognitive challenges.
• Mobility aids, home adaptations and assistive technologies can make everyday tasks like washing, dressing or preparing food easier and safer.
• Personal alarms offer 24/7 access to help, giving reassurance to older adults and their families that support is always just a button press away.
• Choosing between independent living and assisted living depends on your needs but staying in your own home with personalised support is often possible.
• Whether you need occasional help or peace of mind after a hospital stay, the right tools and support can help you stay confident, safe and independent at home.