Getting older doesn’t mean you become incapable of living. In fact, the additional time and wisdom you bring to the table as a senior citizen can actually allow you to live life to the fullest. Assisted living facilities or caretakers can be beneficial for many seniors, but you don’t have to consider either mandatory. As long as you are able to live comfortably and safety, there is nothing wrong with living alone. One of the hardest parts of aging is losing the ability to care for yourself. Even simple tasks like going up the stairs, grocery shopping and cooking meals can become a burden, and it’s natural for anyone to feel helpless and even depressed as their mobility goes. But the good news is that there are ways you can age at home without losing your freedom or independence.
Do you have arthritis or a bad thighs? Limited mobility is one of the biggest risk factors for seniors, and falls are one of the leading causes of injury in the United States among adults over 65. To combat this, you can install railings, countertops, non-slip flooring and even a home elevator. You might think all of this is extremely expensive, but the truth is that most upgrades can be financed and modified to suit your budget. With that in mind, so how much do home elevators cost? It depends on the model, size and layout of your home. Prices can range from around $5,000 to over $15,000. Exploring all your options and projecting which modifications will be the most valuable to you as you age is the best choice. It may be better to invest in the more expensive upgrades while you’re still working so you can profit from them after retirement.
Place anti-slip mats in your tub and shower and on the floor. Add a railing or even upgrade to a walk-in bath that makes it easier for you to get in and out. Being able to look after yourself is fundamental to feeling independent, and bathroom modifications ensure you’re able to grow old with dignity. Toilet lights and a raised toilet seat with handlebars could also be helpful additions to your bathroom. If you or your partner use a walker or wheelchair, or may need to in the future, these inexpensive add-ons will help you retain full autonomy and tend to your hygiene without assistance.
Think about things that may be difficult for you to manage in the future. If you have visual impairment, a smart oven and stove you can activate with voice controls may be useful. You could also consider smart lights, which can be turned on and off using a mobile application rather than switches. There is also senior safety technology like medication dispensers and monitoring sensors that help you live alone without risking your health or an accidental injury. Doorbells with built-in cameras and microphones can provide added security, and you may want to add an emergency call button as well to ensure you are always able to reach someone when you need them.