Growing older is not a part of life to be avoided. There are many benefits to experiencing more and learning about yourself as you navigate different situations. However, there are also downsides to growing older, mostly to do with deteriorating health and the increased risk of developing new illnesses or injuries. For many people noticing the first signs of this, panic can set in about the chances of being moved out of their home and into residential care. Fortunately, there are also ways that you can make your home a safer and healthier environment for you as you age. Here are some points to consider when thinking about staying at home while you age.
Is Your Home Suitable for Future Mobility Issues?
One of the most common ways that older people experience difficulties is that they lose the same level of mobility they once had in their younger years. This will occur to varying extents depending on previous injuries or conditions. For some, mobility won’t be much of an issue at all. For others, it can make living their usual life extremely difficult. Think about the ways in which your home is currently suitable or unsuitable for someone with mobility issues. If you develop serious arthritis or need to use a wheelchair on a regular basis, would the home you’re in be able to accommodate this? If you live in a house with multiple levels, it doesn’t necessarily mean you must move somewhere else. Stairlifts, elevators, and additional mobility support around the home can save you from having to leave.
What Are Your Medical Needs?
As already mentioned, growing older usually comes with more health complications. It is essential that, if you plan to stay in your own home, you find effective assistance for your medical needs. Services such as Skylark Senior Care can offer home care to make addressing these needs much easier. This will take the pressure off yourself and your loved ones, who will no doubt also feel responsible for maintaining your good health. Attend doctor appointments as necessary to keep on top of any changes to your wellbeing. Remember that preventing illnesses is easier than treating them.
How Will You Stay Safe?
Home safety becomes more of a pressing concern for older people since physical abilities such as hearing, vision, and reaction time tend to worsen with age. Make sure to protect yourself and your home with adequate security measures such as alarm systems and security cameras. Another safety measure should be to install methods of moving easily in the home to prevent falls. For example, a walk-in shower or more handrails.
If you’re going to live on your own, there are also signs of decline that you should be on the look out for and preventative measures you should take. Check out the infographic below for more information!
Infographic provided by TargetLeads, a Medicare lead mailing company
Why is Staying at Home Preferable?
The reasons for staying in your own home as you age are plenty. Apart from the psychological benefits of enjoying your own surroundings, you can also maintain a familiar routine and local area while avoiding the potential stress of moving to residential care.
