Adapting your home to help you stay independent

Making the right changes in your home when you are getting older can help you to carry out everyday activities, prevent falls and injuries and improve health and wellbeing.

They can be a very effective way to help you stay in your home and remain relatively independent for as long as possible in later life. And, while they may be expensive, they will usually be much cheaper than other options, such as moving house or into a care home.

If you are thinking about having something installed to help an older family member or friend manage in their own home, try to involve them as much as possible. These additions to the home are more likely to be a success when they are tailored to the needs and wishes of the individual who will be living with them.

Look for expert advice from an occupational therapist (OT) or your local council’s social services department, who can give you advice about what changes could help you or an elderly relative.

Click here to find your local council

Modifications can include:

• Stairlifts
• Stair rails
• Ramps
• Shower chairs
• Bath lifts
• Changes to your kitchen

Few people would actually choose to move into a care home and installing the right devices can make the choice possible for longer.

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