Tips to stay at home longer – a guide for seniors

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Staying at home longer is the wish of many seniors who want to maintain their independence and the sense of security that their own home provides. With the right adaptations and support, there are good opportunities to do this safely and comfortably.

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1. Make the home safer and more accessible

A safe and accessible home is an important foundation for staying at home longer. Here are some adaptations that can make a big difference:

• Install non-slip mats and grab rails: The bathroom is often a high-risk area for falls. Installing non-slip mats in the shower and fitting grab rails by the shower, bath and toilet can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
• Remove thresholds and widen doorways: If you use a walker or wheelchair, removing thresholds and widening doorways can make a big difference. This improves mobility and reduces the risk of tripping.
• Improve lighting: Good lighting is important for moving safely around the home, especially in the evenings. Opt for stronger bulbs and position them strategically in areas you frequently use, such as the hallway and on the stairs.
• Personal alarm: Having a personal alarm means you can quickly call for help if something happens. With Sensorem’s personal alarm, the user can continue to live independently – the alarm first contacts relatives, and if they do not answer, it is forwarded to the alarm centre. The alarm is entirely private and no involvement from home care is required.

2. Get help with maintenance and upkeep

Maintaining the home can become more demanding with age, but there is help available for different aspects of upkeep:

• Apply for help through the local council: Councils often offer practical services such as snow clearing, garden maintenance and minor repairs through social services. Ask your local council what support is available in your area.
• Use local handyman and household services: Many companies specialise in helping seniors at home and can assist with regular cleaning, garden upkeep or small repairs. Age UK and similar organisations can help signpost you to vetted services.
• Install smart home technology: Smart home devices, such as automatic door locks and voice-controlled lights, can make daily life easier and the home safer. With apps and remote-controlled solutions, you can maintain control over your safety even if your mobility has changed.

3. Access care at home

For those who need extra help with daily activities, home care can be an excellent solution. There are various forms of support that can provide the help you need without having to move into a care home.

• Home care: Home care is a flexible service where trained staff come to your home to help with what you need, such as personal care, meal preparation and cleaning. You can apply for home care through your local council’s adult social care team, who will assess your needs.
• Meal services: If cooking has become difficult, home care services can often help with meals. There are also private providers offering meal kit deliveries and ready meals delivered to your door. Some councils also run meals-on-wheels services.
• Carer support: For those who have family members helping out in their daily lives, carer support is available. Your local council can offer respite for carers through day activities or short-term support arrangements.

Staying at home longer is about creating a safe and functional home environment, getting help with practical upkeep, and having access to care when needed. Contact your local council to find out what support and services are available to you – it can make a great difference to your daily life and allow you to keep enjoying your own home for longer.

Sensorem’s personal alarm can increase safety and freedom for the user

Sensorem’s personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app. Relatives are automatically called by the personal alarm (two-way communication) if the user leaves a predetermined geographical area. The personal alarm also has medication reminders and can alert automatically in the event of a fall with the built-in fall sensor.