Aging Safely: How Seniors Can Ensure Their Homes Are Ready For Post-Retirement

Aging Safely: How Seniors Can Ensure Their Homes Are Ready For Post-Retirement

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Aging in your home safely is important for many reasons; not only does it mean you can stay in the comfort of your house for years after retirement, but it also ensures your independence, meaning you won’t face a stay in a nursing home or assisted living facility. It’s not always easy to know where to begin, however, especially if your home needs modifications or if you are living with a disability. Fortunately, there are some simple places to start that will help you get the most out of your home post-retirement.

Cleaning and decluttering is key since many seniors find themselves in living situations that are less than desirable due to an inability to take care of their homes the way they’d like. Having too many items sitting around is not only detrimental to your mental health, but it’s also a trip hazard that can cause a fall or other accident.

You can also make small adjustments to your lifestyle that will help you keep your safety a priority. Here are a few easy ways you can make some changes for the better.

Keep it clean

A clean house is a happy house, especially for seniors who need to prevent falls and stay healthy. Dust, pet fur and dander, mold, and bacteria can all play a role in the air quality inside your home, and when you have a lot of belongings that collect dust, you may find your ability to breathe and sleep easily is lessened. If you are living with a disability or have limited mobility, consider hiring a cleaning service to regularly come in and clean where you cannot. It can be a worthwhile investment if you want to stay put, and the average cost for a maid service in Jenison only ranges from $103-$175 per visit.

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Make some lifestyle changes

Many seniors find that with a few small changes to their routines, they’re able to prevent major issues at home. You might make it a point to get more exercise, become more social, or change your diet. All these activities can help an older adult age more comfortably and can go a long way toward preventing health issues such as heart disease, as well as mental health problems like depression. Create a healthy routine that you can stick to, and talk to your friends and family about your needs so they can help you stay on track.

Make some modifications

It’s crucial to start thinking about the way your home works for you after retirement, so take a look at each room to get a feel for any safety issues. The bathroom is a major area of concern for many seniors, but you can prevent problems by adding a grab bar beside the toilet and one in the shower, as well as a shower seat. If you have the means, you can pay for renovations and replace the tub with a walk-in shower to help prevent falls.

Add some lighting

Many older adults benefit greatly from adding lighting around the house; not only can it help with daily activities, but it can also prevent falls and other accidents when placed in areas like stairwells, closets, and hallways. You can even find LED lights that don’t require electricity and will last a long time, so you don’t have to worry about adding on to your utility bill.

Aging safely in your own home can mean so many things for your future, including independence and continued good health. These are just a few suggestions to get you started on planning for the long-term. While making changes can be difficult at first, keep in mind they are for your benefit and will keep you safe for years to come. With a little forethought, you can ensure your home works for you at any age.

One Reply to “Aging Safely: How Seniors Can Ensure Their Homes Are Ready For Post-Retirement”

  1. Thanks so much for including me. This is so important–I remember my grandmother falling several times in her own home due to it not being tidy. Sharing on my social networks.

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