1. Encourage Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy is the ability to make one’s own decisions and to speak up for oneself. It is an important skill for older people to possess in order to maintain their independence and autonomy. To support an older person to be more empowered, it is important to encourage them to take control of their own lives. This can be done by helping them to identify their rights and options, and then empowering them to make their own choices.
2. Promote Independence
A key part of being empowered is being able to make decisions and take action without relying on others. To promote independence, it is important to provide the older person with the necessary resources and support to enable them to live as independently as possible. This includes physical support such as accessible housing, as well as emotional support such as companionship or counselling.
3. Develop Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills are essential for an older person to be able to effectively communicate and interact with others. To support the older person, it is important to help them develop their interpersonal skills such as listening, understanding, and problem-solving. This can be done through activities such as role-playing, or by providing opportunities to practice these skills in real-life situations.
4. Facilitate Participation in Social Activities
Participating in social activities helps to promote feelings of empowerment and belonging. To facilitate participation, it is important to provide the necessary support and resources to enable the older person to be part of their community. This may include providing transportation, helping to arrange activities, or offering emotional support.
5. Provide Education and Information
Providing the older person with education and information about their rights and options is an important part of supporting them to be more empowered. This can be done by providing access to resources such as books, websites, or other media. It is also important to ensure that the information is tailored to the individual’s particular needs and interests.
By implementing these strategies, it is possible to support an older person to be more empowered. It is important to remember that each individual is unique and that these strategies may need to be adapted to suit their specific needs.