Staying Home: How to Age Comfortably in Your Own Home

Remaining in the familiar environment of our home as we grow older is a wish shared by most people. Nearly 90% of people over 65 say they prefer to age in their own home rather than move. Our home is not just a building; it is full of memories, comfort and a sense of autonomy. How, then, can we ensure that we age with comfort, safety and joy at home? Here are practical tips to make your home friendly for later life and organize your everyday routine appropriately.

Adapt your home for maximum safety

As we grow older, home safety becomes a top priority. Small changes in the space can prevent accidents and make everyday life easier:

• Preventing falls: Falls are among the greatest risks. Identify points that may cause tripping. Secure rugs and carpets well using non-slip underlays or adhesive strips underneath so they stay completely fixed to the floor. Gather cables that run along the floor, fastening them to walls or hiding them in cable channels so no one trips over them. Improve lighting in corridors and stairways by installing stronger lights or motion-sensor fixtures so you can see clearly even at night.
• Safe bathroom: The bathroom can become dangerous because of slippery surfaces. Equip the bathtub or shower with non-slip rubber or silicone mats. Install grab bars on the walls of the bathtub or shower and next to the toilet for support. These bars provide stability when entering, exiting or standing up. Consider installing a shower seat if you find it difficult to stand for long. Finally, a simple but useful trick: use slippers or socks with non-slip soles to avoid slipping inside the home.
• Stairs and high places: If the home has stairs, make sure there is good lighting and sufficient handrails. A good idea is to install a second handrail on the opposite side of the wall so you can hold on with both hands if needed. For those who have difficulty with stairs, stair lifts are available. They are an investment, but they offer great independence. Also make sure frequently used items, in the kitchen and closets, are on easily accessible shelves so there is no need to climb on stools.

Organize daily support and care

If you live alone, it is good to have a plan for daily care and social support:

• Support network: Stay in touch with neighbors, friends or relatives who live nearby. A network of people who can check on you regularly offers a sense of security. Agree, for example, to communicate once a day with a short phone call or message so they know you are well. There are also emergency alert devices, or panic buttons, that you can wear. If something happens, pressing the button immediately notifies a trusted person or assistance service.
• Professional home care: If you have difficulty with some activities, such as bathing, cleaning or cooking, consider having a caregiver come to your home for a few hours each week. There are services and programs, public and private, that provide nurses or domestic helpers for older people. A little help at home can allow you to live more comfortably and with less stress while preserving your independence.
• Neighbors and community: Get to know your neighbors if you have not already. The neighborhood can be a source of support, from bringing you something from the supermarket to visiting for a conversation. Many communities also have volunteer support groups for older people. Do not hesitate to accept help when you need it.

Financial planning for comfortable living

Staying in your home also means certain fixed expenses, such as maintenance, bills and taxes. Make sure you have included these expenses in your budget. If the home is old, some repairs or improvements may be needed, such as insulation or new frames, so it is more energy efficient and safe. There are programs that subsidize such upgrades; explore your options.

Also, think long term: if you have a large home, you might perhaps rent out part of it to someone, such as a student or worker, to have company and additional income. This not only brings income, but also offers a sense of safety because another person is in the home.

Finally, remember that remaining at home is your choice, and you deserve to live well there. With a few adaptations to the space and good organization of support, you can enjoy everyday life where you truly feel at home: in your own familiar space, with autonomy, dignity and comfort.