What, you might ask, is self care? The official definition, from NHS Choices is: “Knowing how to keep fit and healthy, how to deal with medicines appropriately, manage self-treatable conditions and when to seek appropriate clinical help.” In essence then, self care is about maximising what all of us can do to achieve the very best levels of health and well-being. How we support the more vulnerable members of our community to achieve self care is extremely important, yet often overlooked. We’ve encountered situations in the past where a person has been referred to us having been considered ‘unable’ to participate in caring for themselves, and ‘written off’ as being a totally dependent individual. Sometimes this may be linked to the person living alone, or having a cognitive impairment. Yet self care is a vital cornerstone in empowering individuals, and giving them choice and control, two critical aspects in health and well-being. Whilst every situation ...