For many elderly people, the idea of going into a home is unimaginable. But it can be difficult for family members to feel comfortable with you living at home if you have health issues or find it difficult to get around. Here are some tips to give you and your family peace of mind while you age at home:

Make your home comfortable

There are multiple ways you can ensure your home is comfortable and safe so you can continue to age at home. You can stay independent with a stair lift, easily get through your home by widening your doorways, and lower shelves so you can more easily get to things in your kitchen. Now may also be a good time to have a good clean out. You can declutter, sell or give away extra clothes or electronics, and remove things that could make cause you to trip or fall.

Get some help

One of the main barriers to living alone? Day-to-day life. One of the best things you can do is get some help so you don’t need to worry about the basics. There are plenty of services for cleaning, meals, home help, and more. While you may be unsure about the expense, you would be paying much more if you were in a home.

Hiring help is a great way to get an extra “hand” so you can remain in your own home for longer. Experts can even help you with money management. If you worry about paying bills late or find you’re forgetting to pay them at all, find health insurance confusing, or need general help with your finances, there are plenty of options for help.

Stay active

Staying active is one of the most important (and most overlooked) aspects of aging at home. Walking is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, while swimming is an impact-free way to workout. Even just getting out of the house to meet friends can help you stay mentally and physically healthy. It can sometimes be tempting to stay home if it feels overwhelming to go out, but this can lead to depression. You’re only as young as you feel, and getting out and about can help you age independently.

Be prepared

Your family is likely to be concerned when you’re home alone, and worrying that you’ll take a fall. If you have an acute medical event or fall, every second will help. A personal emergency response system will allow you to call for help quickly and easily in the event of an emergency. These have GPS built into them, so your family or emergency services can locate you in the event that you get into trouble. They can also detect if you have a fall and two-way phone communication.