You may not have any problems with getting around now, but as you get older, it is sensible to think about where you live and whether it will be suitable for you in old age. Some people choose to find a home that suits them for their older years such as a bungalow or a retirement apartment, but for other people who are happy to stay in the home they are in, there are ways that you can adapt your home for the future.
If you choose to adapt your home to suit your future needs, these are some of the things that you should think about doing…
Getting into the house and out of it needs to be safe, so consider replacing steps with a ramp for easier access. It is also helpful to have a handrail to hold onto leading up to the front door, particularly in the autumn and winter when the ground can have wet slippery leaves or ice on it. It gives that support in case you slip.
Inside the home moving around safely is important – there are many mobility aids like this https://www.abilitysuperstore.com/ that can help you to get about in the home. If you have stairs, consider having a stairlift installed, and make sure that the home is well lit and there are no rugs or carpets coming up.
Bathrooms often pose a trip or slip hazard and it is a good idea to think about replacing a bath for a wet room or a walk-in shower. Adapting the toilet to make it higher also will help, and you could also have an emergency cord to pull in case you were to fall in there.
