Definition
Independence can mean freedom from the control or influence of other people or organisations. It can also refer to people being self-sufficient and not relying on support from another person.
The bigger picture
The purpose of adult social care is often described in terms of ‘keeping people independent’ and ‘supporting people to maintain or regain their independence’. This is sometimes taken to mean that people should be self-sufficient and do everything for themselves, and not be ‘dependent’ on support from other people, rather than people having choice and control over their lives, and drawing on support to live independently.
Saying it differently
The way the term independence is used can be confusing. It is not always clear whether the person or organisation using the word means autonomy or self-sufficiency.
It might be more helpful to talk about the purpose of social care in terms of interdependence, as this recognises the value and importance of relationships, belonging, inclusion and participation.
What people say
“Independence and interdependence in our usual lives are totally and utterly connected. We rarely, folks rarely, tackle life alone.” – Angela Catley
“None of us are independent. We’re interdependent – but we never talk in that way… There’s a South African saying called ‘ubuntu’ and ‘ubuntu’ for me is summed up quite lovely in this sentence: ‘I am, because we are.’ That sums up, for me, what good social care is. I am because we are.” – Clenton Farquharson