The majority of seniors want to live in their homes as long as possible according to a number of studies.
However, staying there as one ages does require some planning.
In some cases, the entire family needs to get involved and not just the owner of the house, condo or apartment.
Safety, accessibility and care are some of the most important issues that need to be addressed to age gracefully in place at home.
A home should be a safe place, not a danger zone.
Here are just a few suggestions:
Safety Tips
- Buy and install an alert system in case of falls, medical conditions and security summoning help when needed.
- Repair anything that is broken in the house from loose floor boards to heating systems to appliances.
- Put in hand rails on stairs and in the bathroom.
- Remove rugs and any clutter from the floor.
- Wear low-heeled shoes or walking shoes. Avoid flip-flops, sandals, clogs or other non-sturdy shoes.
- Don’t walk in the dark outside by yourself.
- If you need a cane or walker, please use it.
- Ask for assistance when bending down or reaching up to avoid losing your balance or hurting yourself.
- Make sure you have a peep hole or other way to look outside before opening the door.
Accessibility Tips
- Install easy to reach cabinets and other items that will promote ease of use and safety.
- Try to live on the ground floor of the home and avoid steps or stairs whenever possible.
- If you have mobility issues and steps outside, it might be a good idea to install a ramp.
- For traveling in the car, there are devices that make getting in and out safer such as swivel seats and handles that can be installed inside the door.
- You may need to widen doors, hallways and entryways.
- Is it hard to get in and out of the tub? You might want to update your bathroom with a frameless walked in shower or a bathtub with a side-door. And once in the shower or bath it’s a good idea to have no-slip strips on the floor, handrails and even a waterproof seat.
- If staying downstairs is not an option, investigate stair-climbers to see if they make sense for you or your loved one.
- Make sure all controls and switches are reachable, especially if you are in a wheelchair.
More Tips to Live Safely at Home
- Have all emergency numbers by every phone in the house. Also, have them programmed into cellphones. Emergency numbers should include family information, neighbors, medical professionals, 9-1-1, Poison Control and of course your local fire and police departments.
- One of the biggest problems these days is there are unscrupulous people trying to get money or access to you. Protect your bank accounts and credit cards. Have an answering machine pick up your phone, if you receive unwanted calls. Don’t donate or give money to scammers.
- Don’t tell people that you live at home alone.
- Get a dog if you can care for one. Barking scares burglars away.
- If someone in the home has Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia or medical/health concerns, they may need home health care to age in place. This care could be too much for a family member or friend to handle, so you’ll want to check into professional help.
- And there’s nothing wrong with getting assistance in general so a person can age at home. A home care professional can help with cleaning, cooking, transportation to events or appointments, dressing, bathing and much more. One reason people feel that they need to move is they don’t want to be a burden to their families, but with a little outside help that problem can be alleviated.
Making Good Choices Does Require Planning
However, taking the time to research all options now to make a home a haven for a senior is well worth the time and effort.
We all work hard throughout our lives and deserve to enjoy our “golden years” safely and to be comfortable surrounded by friends, families and the things we love.