How To Live Independently At Home For Longer
Minimise the risk of falls
We have spoken before about top tips for fall proofing your home and this really can have a significant impact as falls will often be a key contributor to needing more round the clock care as they can have serious implications for the elderly depending on the severity. Falls are also a major cause for hospital admissions for older people.
Have a personal alarm
Personal alarms are important for keeping the elderly in contact with the outside world so should anything happen whilst they are in their own homes, they’re able to quickly communicate with someone to get help. The time saved by someone coming quickly could be the difference between injury and serious injury, or in the context of this article, the difference between a short period of recovery, perhaps some respite care and then back to living independently, and needing round the clock care.
Regular visits and good family members/neighbours
Loneliness in old age can be very difficult for those living alone, and often prevent someone from happily living independently in their own home. Regular visits from our team of carers can certainly help with this, but usually a wider network of support is important to keeping someone elderly living at home for longer.
Living nearby to family can often help with this, and family members who drop in every day or a couple of times a week can help enormously, but having friendly neighbours can have a similar impact.
Think about access (e.g. a stairlift)
When it comes to living independently, not much will necessitate a move to more round the clock care than not being able to get round the house by yourself. That’s why access is so important – this could mean the installation of a stairlift or perhaps moving to a bungalow or accommodation where going up stairs is not a necessity. However you choose to improve access, this is essential in helping someone stay living independently at home for longer.
If you need any further information about setting up a loved ones home to keep them living independently there for longer then please don’t hesitate to call us on 01892 863 710 and our friendly team would be more than happy to advise.
Other articles you may like
- Does home care mean losing independence?
Growing older often brings new challenges. For many people, one of the biggest worries is the fear of losing independence. - Handling heatwaves: how can we protect our residents in the sun?
Every July, Samaritans run the ‘Talk to Us’ campaign. And every year, this initiative aims to encourage people to share their feelings. Talking through emotions, no matter how big or small, is so important for our wellbeing. For the people in our care, we know how meaningful this movement is. - Talk to Us campaign: how can we support each other?
Every July, Samaritans run the ‘Talk to Us’ campaign. And every year, this initiative aims to encourage people to share their feelings. Talking through emotions, no matter how big or small, is so important for our wellbeing. For the people in our care, we know how meaningful this movement is. - Finding joy in the little things
Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter most. And these small bursts of happiness have a real impact on our wellbeing. Research has shown that mindfulness and recognising the little things can help to reduce anxiety and stress, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way of supporting mental health. This gratitude can also help create familiarity by introducing daily rituals and offering small moments of connection. If you’re wanting to find more joy in the little things, where should you start? We like to think about it in terms of routines and rituals: - Functional health exercises to try at home
As our loved ones grow older, maintaining their independence and quality of life becomes increasingly important. One of the ways to support this is with functional health and the ability to perform daily tasks safely and effectively. - National Pet Month: how can we support your pets?
Happy Pet Month! This is a time for celebrating our furry friends, especially the joy and companionship they can bring to our lives. It’s also a month for raising awareness of responsible pet ownership, and how we can care for pets whilst caring for ourselves. Sometimes, looking after a pet can be more challenging, and it might be that you need some extra support. So for this month, and every month, we want to highlight the benefits of pets for people who may need care, and how we can help both you and your pet make the most out of each other’s company. - Spring cooking: meals for the warmer seasons
Spring is officially here, and we couldn’t be happier to see the sun coming out! These brighter days often signify fresh starts and new beginnings. For example, many people see spring as a chance to refresh the home and get started with spring cleaning. But what about spring cooking? This is a style of cooking that celebrates the amazing fruits and vegetables coming into season. It’s also a way of adjusting your eating habits, moving away from winter warmers and preparing lighter meals. So, what should you start preparing? Here’s our top tips for eating with the season in mind. - Rainy day activities: bringing the fun indoors!
2026 has got off to quite a rainy start! It’s been reported for being particularly wet and gloomy, and there’s a long history behind the UK’s (rainy) weather. Sometimes, when it rains this hard, we have a ‘lazy day’. We choose to stay inside, have more lie ins, and wrap up under a blanket. This can be a great way to recharge your batteries and get some much-needed rest. But what if it’s always raining? Long stretches of wet weather can cause low mood, reduced motivation, and a sense of isolation, especially when social gatherings start to get cancelled. To combat this, here’s some rainy-day activities designed to lift the mood and help make our days more fun: - Music for dementia care
Music is universally loved, and for good reason. It brings people together across cultures, languages, generations, and identities. For those with dementia, music can be particularly important. Music for dementia care offers support and an alternative form of communication. It can redirect moods, help set a routine, and evoke familiar memories. But why is it that music is so beneficial? And how can it help us connect with our loved ones?
