The practice of aging in place is becoming more common among elderly people for many reasons. According to a study by AARP, 90% of people over the age of 65 would prefer to live at their home rather than stay at an assisted living facility or a nursing home. For one, independent living at home is more comfortable. Cost is also a major consideration since the cost of living in a nursing home isn’t inexpensive. However, if you wish to enjoy independent living in the comfort of your home, avoid these practices and actions.
Moving Furniture On Your Own
If a family member finds out you’ve been moving furniture on your own, they may require someone to stay with you at all times. Moving furniture is dangerous when you have mobility limitations, balance concerns or other issues. It’s important to make your living arrangement comfortable, but call a friend, neighbor or a loved one and ask for help when you need to move furniture.
Insufficient Lighting
Not having enough lighting in hallways, bathrooms and other areas can create trip hazards and put your independent living efforts in jeopardy. It doesn’t do any good to have a stair lift, Barres d'appui or any other equipment in your home if you can’t see them and end up falling as a result. Improve the lighting throughout your home, particularly your nighttime lighting, and you’ll be able to navigate your home much more easily.
Ignoring Phone Calls From Loved Ones
Your loved ones worry about you when you’re at home alone, so be ready to answer their calls when the phone rings. Otherwise, they will likely assume the worst and either keep calling or panic and come to your home. Continuing to ignore their calls may prompt them to decide to have a caregiver at your home at all times so they can have peace of mind.
Not Taking Advantage of Accessibility & Mobility Products
Mobility devices are available to help you. Having a stair lift, wheelchair ramp, vertical platform lift, grab bars or any other tools don’t signify that you can’t do things on your own. What they do is help you in the event you lose your balance, as they provide something to hold onto. They also prevent a potential accident that could lead to a serious injury forcing you to live in an assisted living facility.
Refusing Help
Independent living does not mean you should refuse help and do everything on your own. If a loved one offers help with moving furniture, gardening, cooking or anything else, it’s because they want to protect you. Refusing their assistance too often could slowly make them lose trust, so accept help as much as it’s offered to protect yourself and their peace of mind.
Next Day Access is committed to helping make independent living a reality for seniors. We offer a wide range of accessibility products to make living at home a safe experience, while also providing peace of mind to loved ones. Give us a call or visit our website to see what accessibility solutions may be right for you.