Most people plan to remain in their own home as they get older; most do not want to move to a nursing home or even assisted living. Being able to remain at home takes planning and effort to ensure that you can do so safely.     

There are things you can do right now to make sure your home will fit your needs in the years to come. You also need a plan for how you will manage when you need help and what that help will look like. Many people put off thinking about these things as it upsets them to think about becoming frail and old, but doing so will give you more control and autonomy.  

Consider your housing needs. Perhaps a smaller home or retirement community would better suit your needs. A home or neighborhood designed for seniors would be safer, living near others lessens loneliness, plus help is nearby. You may want to pick an assisted living facility and pay a deposit so that you can live where you want if you find you must move someday.

Many people don’t want to alter their home for fear it will look like a nursing home. Doing so early allows you to make changes more thoughtfully instead of having to quickly install fixtures after a medical emergency. Perform an annual safety review of your home from the roof to the bottom floor. Make sure everything is in good working order such as heating and air conditioning systems, lighting, kitchen appliances, windows, etc. Next, check for the following and consider repairs or changes as needed.

• Consider a no-step entrance to your home and doorways.

• Check for other trip hazards like floor rugs or decorations.

• Make sure carpets are tacked down and wrinkle free.

• Install lever door handles, which are easier to use than doorknobs.

• Make sure handrails are secure or add them to stairs 

   or where necessary.

• Light switches and outlets should be easy to reach even when seated.

• Add motion-activated nightlights to bedrooms, 

   bathrooms and hallways.

• If the house is not one level, is there a bedroom, bathroom 

   and kitchen on the main floor?

• Are doorways and hallways wide enough for a wheelchair?

• Showers and tubs are where many falls occur; install slip 

   proof coatings, no slip strips or a mat.

• Raise the toilet seat level. 

• Add no-slip strips to any stairs. 

• Consider painting the edge of the stairs for better visibility. 

• Make sure you have smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher

  on every floor. 

Plan for emergencies. Who can you call in an emergency, or how far do you live from a hospital or fire department? What would you do if you fell and didn’t have your phone? Does anyone check on you regularly?

Advance care directives such as a living will and durable power of attorney for healthcare allow you to decide in advance what type of medical care you want if you become too incapacitated to make decisions. Consider current illnesses or conditions that you already have, such as heart disease or arthritis and how they might impact your life as you get older. Make a will so your heirs will have less trouble settling your estate when you are gone.

Find out what home-based support is available, whether it is from family, friends or hired help. You may need help with house cleaning, repairs, lawn care, cooking or transportation. At some point you may need help with more personal matters like bill paying, managing medications or bathing. It is important to know how much these things cost and whether you can afford them. If not, you may need to reevaluate your finances and make other arrangements such as a long-term care policy. A geriatric care manager is specially trained to find resources and services for seniors; your local area agency on aging may be able to provide support and advice, as well.

Put new technology to use. There are many kinds of technology (age tech) such as apps, cameras or wearables to help older adults remain at home. Cameras throughout the house allow caregivers to visually monitor their loved one from work or home. Video calls also allow caregivers who work or live far away the ability to visually check in on their parents. It is important to have conversations with your children about how much intrusion you are willing to accept with monitoring.

Health-monitoring wearables are monitoring devices that track health parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, GPS tracking and even fall detection, providing peace of mind for both the wearer and their family members and caregivers. Smart home technology such as voice-activated assistants can serve as appointment or medication reminders or make emergency calls.   

Medication management systems can have electronic pill dispensers, alarms or visual reminders. Smart walkers give you a gentle boost uphill and brake while going downhill, giving more confidence when walking. A robotic pet can give emotional support without the hassle and upkeep of a live animal. They can provide comfort and interaction for lonely individuals, especially those with dementia. A digital memory board can display reminders of appointments, daily routines or pictures of family. Such devices as these can extend the years of independent living.

Staying at home as you age requires careful consideration and planning. The time to think about what will happen as you age is before you need help.