How to Help a Senior Living at Home

As someone who has worked several years in the elderly healthcare system, I know it can be a tough choice for families to decide what’s best for their senior family members. I have worked in almost all institutions; independent living, residential care homes and care in the community and each has pros and cons. Here is how to help a senior living at home or thinking about it.

Having worked in all three institutions, I know personally I would advocate for independent living in whatever capacity. If my last remaining grandmother lived with us in the UK, I would love to install domestic lifts to support her mobility. I have seen many elderly people move to bungalow housing because stairs are frightful.

In this post, we hope to share a few tips to help a senior living at home to be more confident and happy. Simple changes to the house can make a world of difference to a senior person living at home.

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How to Help a Senior Living at Home

When I started working in care in the community, I noticed how more independent the elderly folks were. I personally believe in care settings that support independence and this is why I advocate for independent living in whatever capacity. Though it’s important to note this is not for everyone, often for the senior person’s safety, care homes are better.

Simple changes that can be made to help a senior living at home include;

• Hiring carers in the community to visit every so often
• Modify the home to allow for more movement e.g. installing lifts, handlebars etc.
• Purchasing special furniture like a recliner sofa
• Installing security lines
• Mobility scooters or walkers if necessary
• Organize medication

Every senior citizen is different from the next, my grandmother is able-bodied but she is getting slower. She can definitely do with simple home modifications to improve her mobility but still maintain her independence. Some of the simple things caregivers can do now include;

• Food shopping – this can seem simple enough but for the elderly, it can be quite tiring
• House cleaning – even dragging a hoover around the house can be draining
• Sorting medication – the elderly are often on a lot of medications so makes sense to help them sort medication
• Gardening – another tiring exercise
• Other handymen jobs

Though I am a great advocate for independent living, I know that it is not for everyone. Some of the cons of independent living are that it can be expensive, vulnerable and lonely. Whilst living in care homes there are other seniors living in the home, friendships can be made and might be more cost-effective.

If however, your elderly citizens choose to stay at home, certain adjustments have to be made whether they live with you or alone. Simple home changes can make a world of difference to their independence and mobility.