Getting older doesn’t mean you’ve got to give up your independence, and in fact, many older adults prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible – it’s familiar, comforting, and full of memories, after all. But to make that work well, it’s important to make sure their living space is safe and supportive without making it feel like a hospital room. Luckily, it should only take a few small changes and some regular check-ins to make that happen, and you can ensure an older loved one is able to stay in their own home for longer. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Make Daily Life Easy
Start with the basics if you want to get this right and ask a few questions – are things easy to reach? Can they move around without tripping over anything? Sometimes, just rearranging a room can make a big difference, and moving a chair closer to the TV or replacing a low coffee table with one that’s easier to see can help avoid bumps and falls.
It’s wise to think about lighting too – bright, clear light in hallways and bathrooms can make it easier to see at night, and switching slippery mats for ones with grips can also help prevent accidents, which is basically the outcome you’re looking for.
Keep Health In Mind
It definitely helps to have a routine, and setting reminders for medication, regular meals, gentle daily walks, and so on, can help someone stay well both physically and mentally. It’s also wise to keep a list of appointments visible, and encourage them to speak up if they’re feeling unwell or need help with anything.
Support with food shopping, cooking, or cleaning can also take the pressure off, and you can offer to help or, if more support is needed, a home care agency might be the right step to take. They can offer help with daily tasks and keep an eye on wellbeing without taking away any independence, so it can be an ideal option.
Stay Connected
Being safe at home isn’t just about physical things – it’s also about feeling connected and supported. That can mean making time for things like regular phone calls, visits, or even quick chats on the doorstep if need be – that can all mean a lot. If an older adult lives alone, check that they’ve got easy ways to get in touch with friends, family, or neighbours, because it can help them stay much happier and healthier, and ensure they can stay independent as well.
Some people like using technology, and simple tablets or voice-controlled devices can be a good way to stay in touch if that’s the case. But others prefer good old-fashioned phone calls, so if that’s what they want, that’s the best way to stay in touch. Whatever it is and however you do it, the key is to ensure they don’t feel forgotten, and if you can show them you care and that they’re important, it could be they’re able to stay independent for much longer.
