How to Maintain Your Independence at Home as You Age

Maintaining independence as we age is a priority for many Australians. It’s a part of our identity and how we’re used to living. It stems from staying active, feeling secure in your environment, and maintaining strong connections with your social networks. With the right strategies and appropriate home care services, you can continue to live the life you wish to live.

This guide outlines practical steps to create a safe home environment, manage health effectively, and foster ongoing social engagement.

Creating a Safe and Accessible Home Environment

Making your home safe and accessible is a fundamental step in preserving your independence. A secure environment reduces the risk of injury and allows you to move freely with confidence.

Here are several practical adjustments you can make to improve safety:

• Remove trip hazards: Scan your living areas, both indoors and outdoors for loose rugs, cables or other objects. It’s important to decrease or remove clutter in walkways to ensure clear paths throughout the house.

• Improve lighting: Good visibility is essential to decrease falls risks. Use high-wattage light bulbs and keep your house well-lit, especially in critical areas such as stairs, hallways, and entrances.

• Review your storage: excessive reaching or bending can increase fall risks. Ensure frequently used items are stored on lower, easily accessible shelves.

• Install safety aids: Consider installing grab rails in bathrooms and along stairs to provide extra support where it’s needed most.

• Use nonslip mats: Placing nonslip mats in the shower or bath can significantly reduce the risk of slips on wet surfaces.

• Consider a personal alarm: A personal emergency alarm can provide peace of mind. Some modern options include fall detectors, ensuring you receive assistance immediately if required.

• Engage an Occupational Therapist: For tailored advice, an Occupational Therapist can visit your home and provide specific recommendations to improve your safety based on your individual needs.

• Review government funding: You may be eligible for financial assistance to keep your home safe such as The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme.

Prioritising Health to Preserve Independence 

Looking after our health as we age is vital for maintaining quality of life and autonomy. Proactive health management can prevent complications that might otherwise limit your ability to live at home.

Consider these strategies for staying on top of your health:

• See your GP regularly: Consistency is key. Ask your General Practitioner how often they would like to see you and stick to that schedule to monitor ongoing health needs.

• Keep up with vaccinations: Ensure you remain up to date with all vaccinations as recommended by your health professional.

• Be proactive with health checks: Regular vision checks by an optometrist are crucial. Poor vision can increase your risk of having a fall, so correcting eyesight issues early can reduce this risk significantly.

• Manage medication carefully: Follow recommendations for all prescribed and over-the-counter medication. Always check with your pharmacist when starting new medication to consider potential interactions. If you find managing multiple medicines difficult, speak to your pharmacist about the benefits of using a blister pack.

• Focus on nutrition: Healthy eating never stops being important. As our nutritional needs change as we age, a dietician can provide advice on how to increase protein and vitamins to support bone health and energy levels.

Fostering Decision Making and Future Planning

Feeling in control of your life is a major component of independence. This involves making decisions about your daily routine and planning for the future to ensure your wishes are respected.

You can maintain control through the following approaches:

• Make your own decisions: Ensure you are the one deciding how you wish to live and structure your daily routine. You may choose to use a supported decision maker to help you with this process. Supported decision makers can empower you to retain control by providing tailored assistance, which improves independence and enhances self-confidence.

• Plan ahead: Planning ahead ensures you can continue to live the way you want as your needs change. It is wise to seek advice on advance care planning and advance care directives early.

• Explore government services: When you need assistance, explore government-funded services. Resources like ‘Helping you navigate aged care’ via My Aged Care can support you every step of the way.

Staying Socially and Physically Active 

Social engagement, combined with staying physically and mentally active, is proven to improve independence and mental wellbeing. Staying connected prevents isolation and keeps the mind sharp.

Try incorporating these activities into your life:

• Keep in contact: Make an effort to regularly call or visit family and friends.

• Use technology: Learn to use technology such as video calls or social media to stay in contact with loved ones who may live further away.

• Join local groups: engaging with your community through local clubs or interest groups can provide a sense of belonging.

• Attend group classes: Look for group classes for hobbies you enjoy or try low-impact group fitness classes designed for older adults.

• Challenge your mind: Clear off that table and complete a puzzle to keep your cognitive skills active.

• Look into restorative programs: To regain function and stay independent, investigate government-funded restorative programs such as the Restorative Care Pathway via My Aged Care.

At Healthcare Australia, we understand that every individual has unique needs when it comes to living independently. By taking these proactive steps and utilising available support services, you can feel safe, connected, and in control of your journey at home.

Contact us today to learn more about Support at Home or answer any questions you may have.