There’s a reason many of us cherish our independence in the United States. I won’t start listing them now, but I do think we are privileged to have a “I can do it” culture here. I don’t see this as a direct problem that leaves each one of us paralyzed when it’s time to depend on others. Some of the elderly thrive in independence. It would seem unjust to insist they find dependency acceptable. Instead, a solution to better handle a person’s shift into a life without autonomy is to provide guidance and options. Ask, “How far are you willing to go?” Develop a system that may start with a doctor starting the conversation. A more experienced counselor then travels with on their journey in finding the relief of some dependency. Perhaps we can call this counselor an “autonomy counselor.” The autonomy counselor’s equipped with the knowledge of a person’s desires and permissions for what they’re most comfortable to lose their autonomy for. They’re able to list the options, make suggestions, and provide reassurance. I think the transition is better handled by having a non-family professional talk and explain and listen to someone that may be considering an assisted living lifestyle. Asking for an autonomy counselor need not be seen as something shameful or required. As a team, the counselor, person, and family work to find empowerment and a desirable lifestyle.
http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/2015/08/depending-on-one-another-in-a-society-that-cherishes-autonomy-book-club-day-2.html/
http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/2015/08/depending-on-one-another-in-a-society-that-cherishes-autonomy-book-club-day-2.html/