Over 10 billion dollars is spent on self-improvement in the United States. What do we want? To live our best life, flourish, and reach our emotional and wellness goals to name just a few. We value being able to live our best possible life yet can experience challenges in reaching our goals. We want to thrive, not just survive.
If you are a person with a developmental disability like autism or down syndrome, you might face additional challenges to living an independent life where you have a sense of flourishing. What type of supports would provide the increased time and space to make your own decisions with less direction, instruction, and correction – where flourishing in your life can be a reality? The answer is Remote Supports.
SafeinHome empowers people to live independently in their own homes and communities, helping their self-confidence flourish, their pride grows exponentially, and their enjoyment of life abound.
The above is a powerful statement. Let’s look at what makes a good life.
Referencing positive psychology theory, Martin Seligman’s book Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being outlines his groundbreaking theory of well-being known as the PERMA model. The theory holds that the following five elements are the building blocks of a good life:
- Positive Emotion (P): Positive emotions such as peace, satisfaction, inspiration, hope, curiosity, awe, and love are life-enhancing. A “dose” of positive emotion creates an upward spiral of positivity. People have positive emotions when they feel peace and there is a sense of stability and continuity. Remote Supports provides a consistent and reliable environment people can count on for positive support like encouragement, actively listening, remembering what is important to people, and reminding them of their hopes and things they love.
- Engagement (E): When people are fully engaged in a situation or task there can be a sense of being in the present. Being in the present decreases anxiety and task engagement, without direction, instruction and correction bring a sense of pride and self-determination. Remote Supports can facilitate this experience because the support is remote, the person receives guidance without a sense of authority.
- Positive Relationships (R): People are “social beings,” and good relationships are essential for wellbeing. Strong social connections are linked with good physical and mental health and are also protective against stressors. Remote Supports provides a connection to a caring and compassionate human who can model a positive relationship and problem-solve relationship challenges.
- Meaning (M): Meaning comes from serving something larger than ourselves. It puts life in perspective. It may be a religion, employment, or a cause like self-advocacy or being part of something bigger than ourselves like an advocacy group like the National Down Syndrome Society.
- Accomplishment/Achievement (A): Achieving one’s goal, and living life in concert with one’s values is important for well-being. Working towards a goal is rewarding in itself. Remote Supports works with the person’s individual support plan (ISP) supporting what is important to and for them.
What is really exciting and motivating is that all five elements of PERMA can be cultivated, and SafeinHome’s Remote Supports can help people live their best lives.