We all want to live independently as long as we can. As you explore your own senior living options, keep these suggestions in mind to make aging in place or within a senior community easier in your later years.
Independence with Assistance
Living independently doesn’t mean that you never require help. In fact, getting the right kind of help at the right times can ensure that you live independently longer. According to a study from the University of Michigan from 2013, two-thirds of seniors need some form of help to complete the daily tasks of their lives. If you experience frequent mishaps and accidents at home, look into acquiring an assistive device or getting help from a part-time caretaker to perform certain daily tasks.
Technology to the Rescue
Advances in technology have been made to ensure the safety of seniors in the home. From personal medical alert systems to wireless networks that automatically detect when you have fallen and report it to emergency personnel, technology continues to assist in helping seniors live independently. Some seniors even entrust family members with the ability to monitor specific rooms in the house so that family members can check in on them online.
Ensure Accessibility at Home
Wherever you choose to call home, be sure to update it with accessibility features such as handrails for the stairs and tub and non-slip mats in the tub and shower. If you must use a wheelchair for all or part of the day, design your kitchen and bathrooms to accommodate your wheelchair. Lower countertops, roll-in showers, and other features can help you live independently for longer.
As we age, living independently can become more difficult. But sometimes just making a few changes to your living situation can help you stay in your current home or community for many years to come.
