Finding the correct balance in providing support and allowing independence is a good trait that a carer must have. For the carer, it is understandable that you wish to provide all the care you can, but for the patients, regardless of what they may be going through, might want to be independent and be able to do stuff on their own. 

As a carer, the urge to assist is completely natural. This is what a carer does. And for patients, the urge to gain their own independence is completely natural too. People would generally want to be able to do things on their own. Hence, if a patient tells a carer that they wish to do things on their own, a carer would easily understand, allowing them to do so while keeping an eye out. 

There are also strategies for balancing independence in support that carers follow. Strategies that would allow the carer to achieve both at the same time. These are: 

Strategies in Balancing Support and Independence. 

Have them engage in hobbies and other social activities. Hobbies and Social Activities generally help with the patient's mental well being. Having your patient be able to interact with others will keep their minds active, and give them a sense of purpose as.

Allow them to make their own choices. Another step into balancing the patient's independence is by allowing them to make their own decisions on their choice. As a carer, you will always feel rather cautious of this as their safety is one of your concerns. But allowing them to make their own decisions with your watchful eye, will always help them regain their independence.

Communicate. Communicating with the patient is one of the best ways to balance support and independence. As the carer, you will have the knowledge of the patients’ well being, and can determine if the patient is fit to do things as they wish. At the same time, the carer must also acknowledge that the patient might not communicate as much, and therefore should keep an open eye and ear. 

Finding the right balance between support and allowing independence can be quite a tricky thing, and understandably so. A patient might feel to be hard-headed especially with their strive to regain their independence, even if the carer doesn’t believe they aren’t ready yet. It takes great understanding to know that the patient might be trying to become independent as much as they could.