Maximising Independence

  • Author: Name
  • Level: Advanced
  • Study time: 3 hours and 58 minuts
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Lesson series
Supporting independence is key to quality care. This course covers how to empower people through goal-setting, rehabilitation, and personalised support plans. Learn practical strategies to promote independence, recognise factors that affect it, and apply techniques to assist with learning, exercise, and daily living skills. Build confidence in helping individuals regain or maintain their autonomy.
  • Video time: 3 hours and 58 mins
  • Quiz: 1
  • Assessment: 1
Lesson series

Why this course is important?


Maximising independence is about empowering people to maintain control over their lives while receiving the right level of support. Understanding the factors that influence independence, such as health conditions, living arrangements, finances, and social connections, allows support workers to tailor their care effectively. Rehabilitation, short-term, and lifelong support require different approaches, and learning how to create and implement personal plans ensures that individuals receive the assistance they need without unnecessary dependency. Functional exercise, breaking down tasks, and providing structured learning opportunities help build confidence and self-sufficiency. Monitoring progress, adapting support strategies, and facilitating goal-setting are crucial in helping people regain or maintain their autonomy. Support workers must also recognise the importance of communication, professional boundaries, mentoring, and facilitation to ensure that care is delivered respectfully and effectively.
Meet the instructor

Leigh Kelly

Leigh Kelly is a New Zealand Registered Nurse who has been working with the elderly and disabled since 1974. Her ADN focused on young physically disabled.

She has been a Charge Nurse at Kenepuru and Greenlane Hospitals Continuing Care Wards, owned her own dementia specific rest home and worked and managed rest homes.

She also has vast experience as a RN in continuing care facilities.
Patrick Jones - Course author