Many people would prefer to remain in their own home in later life but can find it difficult due to health problems and decreasing mobility. If you are finding it difficult to manage, but would prefer not to move, there may be ways in which life can be made easier and safer.
There is much that can be done to enable you to live independently in your own home.
A guide to Staying at Home is available from HousingCare.org.
AgeUK have produced a downloadable guide to Housing Options which includes a detailed section "I want to stay where I am", available at this link.
Adapting your home to stay independent
If you are disabled and you need to make adaptations to your home such as:
- Widen doors
- Install a stairlift
- Install a downstairs bathroom
- Provide a heating system suitable for your needs
- Adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use
you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant from your local council.
Full details of eligibility, how much you might get and how to apply are available from GOV.UK.
Further details are available at the following links:
Alternatively the following downloadable guides to help you stay in your home are available from independentage.org:
- Housing Options in Later Life
- Adapting your home to stay independent
- Housing - paying for the maintenance of your home
Further information about ways to make life easier and remain independent through help at home or adaptations to the home are available from AgeUK.org:
- Home adaptations to simplify home tasks
- Guide to Adapting your home
- Home safety and security
- Keeping warm in winter
- Keeping well in winter
Handyperson Services
More than 70 local Age UKs operate handyperson services across much of the country. These services offer older people extra help with small practical jobs to make their lives easier and safer around the home.
If you need to find a tradesman, AgeUK have compliled a guide to save you money, time and frustration in finding a reputable, trusted tradesperson - available at this link.
Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters can improve your quality of life by allowing you the freedom to move around your home and get out and about.
Comprehensive reviews of the various types of mobility scooters and suppliers can be found at reviewmobility.co.uk.
Moving Home
However, you may benefit from moving to a more suitable home e.g. a bungalow or somewhere with a smaller garden or in a more convenient area for family, friends and services.
A complete guide to Moving to a more suitable property with a series of downloadable guides is available at the following links:
There may come a time when you need help with your care at home, whether half an hour a week, several hours a day, or even live-in care.
For more information on receiving care in your own home go to our section Care at Home.
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