What are your tips for staying independent at your own home?
Many people say they’d prefer to grow old in their own homes. What are your tips for remaining independent as long as possible. What do you do to:
- Keep up with home maintenance and housekeeping?
- Avoid injuries around the house?
- Combat loneliness or stay connected?
Any other tips?
October 25, 2023: Update from the Community Director
The knowledge exchange shared in this discussion helped to create this article written for the Mayo Clinic app and website. Knowledge for patients by patients and beyond Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for all your tips.
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Keep moving by going for walks every day and choosing a regular exercise program that fits your needs, available on a CD or on-line or swimming.
I also had a difficulty walking after Vertigo, and became wobbly on walking and suggested to walk with a stick, had some rehabilitation sessions.
Now I do Aqua Pilates twice a week and feel much better by walking slowly but without stick. Once you have a stick, you will be so depend on it.
Sometimes you don’t feel like doing house chores but I do everything by my self by thinking it’s some kind of exercise you don’t have to pay a gym fee for but free if you are able to do physical work.
nice i wish i had that here ny
I am very happy that you had a good experience. The 3 roommates made a positive difference in your life and you in theirs. Lots of people are afraid to get a renter glad you made it work Dave
Giving up driving can be very isolating. Many communities offer free or low cost transportation to grocery stores. Our community will transport seniors to the senior center for activities. It's worth looking into
1. Stay in touch Friends and Family
2. Havd a caregiver as needed.,get a good agency and have doctor write prescription as insurance (not Medicare) will pay
3. Have things delivered
4. Go to PTz
5. Keep car if needed
6. Get to know people who help
7. Remain in contact with PCP
8. Stay out of rest home
I would like to get out and take a ride to the beach.
People stay away from me as it's difficult to deal with someone who has a walker and walks slowly. People don't want to be with you when you are different. Lously for socialization. No transportation and no one to do things with. I used to get in my car.
Thanks to all of you for sharing!
I am 75 and have medical issues that severely affect my balance. I felt newly vulnerable at home, and fearful going anywhere alone.
2 years ago I began using a fall device I wear at at all times except when sleeping. I even wear it in the shower and it also works wherever I go. I had a fall while visiting our zoo last summer and immediate assistance was available, my daughter was with me and seeing how it works gave her peace about my safety too.
I can press a button and speak to a medical person or when I fall the person speaks directly to me and asks if I'm ok. This has given me hope for staying in my home indefinitely.
Your comment reminded me of my friend Lucy who will proudly tell you that she is 101 1/2 yrs old. Lucky lives by herself in a traditional 2 story home with 3 parrots and one dog which she cares for by herself. Her family stops by every now and then to check on her but she does a lot on her own. She mentioned how her arm hurts because in May when she was riding the bus it got into an accident and she banged her arm up. Yes, she was on the bus by herself. Every night she climbs a flight of stairs to her bedroom. Now get this, I met her at the zoo where we both volunteer. She was just working the crafts table with me last month and if Lucy has an idea on how to do something, you better listen because she is usually right !