We all want to live at home for as long as possible. To remain where memories are made, where we feel truly at home. Unfortunately, as we age, our needs change. That's why it's important to change certain habits and make certain adjustments to maintain a good quality of life.

Home improvements

If you want to remain at home, it's essential that your home is properly decorated. Far too many elderly people neglect this aspect and fall, sometimes causing irreversible damage. Don't take the risk of seeing your independence disappear as a result of an accident that could have been avoided, and take preventive action! Here's how:

Eliminate the risk of slipping

For your own safety, remove any rugs that are not fixed to the floor and that could slip out from under you. And don't forget to secure your shower or bath with a grab rail and a non-slip surface.

Eliminate the risk of tripping

Level differences (steps or uneven ground) are the biggest danger for the elderly. Stairs are responsible for many accidents in the home and can cause serious fractures. If you can afford it, install a stairlift to limit the risks. 

Keep the lights on

Moving around in the dark can be risky, at any age! If possible, install switches and lights near strategic areas (next to the bed, at the entrance to the house, in the corridor leading to the toilet, etc.). For added simplicity, invest in automatic lights triggered by motion detectors. That way, you can move around safely at night.

Choose the right furniture

As you get older, certain movements become more complex. That's why, from your sixties onwards, it's a good idea to carry out some minor reorganisation work to ensure that you can stay in your home as well as possible.

Choose furniture at your own height (bed, toilet, kitchen worktop, etc.). They'll save you a lot of effort when you're using them, and keep your back healthy for longer.

Health

Keep fit

It's essential to keep your body in shape to stimulate your muscular strength and balance. Not moving for fear of falling would be counter-productive: your muscles would no longer be sufficiently solicited, they would weaken and no longer support your body, thereby increasing the risk of accidents. So take the time to do at least 30 minutes of physical exercise a day: go for a walk, go to the market on foot, do some gardening, etc.

Take care of your mind

Mental well-being is just as important as physical health. That's why you need to make sure you don't let it get the better of you! Take the time to visit your friends, join a club to meet new people and practise your favourite hobby, go to the hairdresser, go shopping... Whatever happens, don't lose the rhythm and don't isolate yourself! If you're young in the head, you'll stay young in the body for longer! So maintain an active social life and treat yourself.

Services at home

Of course, some elderly people may need a little help with certain aspects of everyday life. That's why help is available. Don't hesitate to call on them if the need arises!

Opt for meal delivery

If you no longer have the strength, time or inclination to cook, there are solutions available. There are companies offering to prepare meals and deliver them to your home. Prices for this type of service generally vary between €5 and €10 per meal.

Ask for household help

The upkeep of your home is another area not to be neglected. Doing the housework can take up an enormous amount of a senior's time and energy, but it's an essential part of maintaining a healthy environment. If necessary, call in a cleaning assistant to help you with this sometimes complex task.

Teleassistance

In the event of an accident, it's essential to call for help as quickly as possible to ensure optimum care. It may therefore be worth installing an alarm system in your home or investing in an alarm accessory (pendant, bracelet). At the slightest touch, the device will automatically dial the number of the control centre or the fire brigade, guaranteeing you rapid assistance.