As you get older you may start to notice your declining health and an increase in impairments. Reduced mobility and a lack of coordination are very common. It’s therefore wise to plan ahead finding ways you can future proof your home. Being able to live independently for longer and have a good quality of life can be made possible by those adjustments you make now.

Add a home Lift

Adding a lift for home makes it easier than navigating the stairs. Depending on your level of fitness stairs can become more challenging from 60 years of age. It’s not just the issue of reduced strength and flexibility, as you get older your vision declines too. With vision impairment you are more likely to fall. You can misjudge the steps as you might not be able to clearly make out the step edge.

How Much Does It Cost?

You can expect to spend upwards of £17,000 to install a home lift. The good thing is when you future proof your home with a lift not only do you improve your quality of life and safety you can add value to your home.

Add Handrails

If your budget to future proof your home cannot stretch to a home lift, then you could consider adding handrails. These are very important because they can help the elderly regain their balance if they feel themselves stumbling.

How Much Does It Cost?

Adding a wooden handrail will set you back a few hundred pounds plus installation. So it’s a relatively inexpensive way to help the elderly feel more confident managing the stairs.

Install a stair lift

Another option you can consider is installing a stair lift to future proof your home. This is useful is you do not have space to accommodate a home lift. But it will make your stairs very narrow for other people who may live in the home.

How Much Does It Cost?

It is estimated to cost between £3,000 and £5,000 to have a stair lift. Depending on your circumstances you may be able to get a grant. So, get in touch with your local council to see how they can support you.

Personal Alarm

If you live on your own and you are struggling with your health as you get older, it is advisable to get a personal alarm. Then if you do find yourself falling for example and not being able to get back up you can call for emergency assistance. The alarms can be manned 24 hours a days so you can feel confident you are not alone if you find yourself in a difficult situation. Although, there are basic models that only make a sound in the immediate location.

How Much Does It Cost?

There are many different types of personal alarms as I mentioned. Basic models do not have monthly ongoing costs but do not offer the same level of reassurance if you did have an accident in the home. They just make a noise that someone else in the house (or a close neighbour) could hear and come and help you. If no-one is in the vicinity when you sound the alarm, then the support you desperately need would not come. This can be very distressing.

More sophisticated options of these alarms offer an associated app which gives you more protection.  When the alarm goes off you can also get it to alert someone with a message to their phone alongside the loud noise going off your neighbours might hear.

Emergency response center alarms with 24 hour monitoring can be a better choice. This is something my 93 year old friend has. But she has to pay a monthly fee for the service offered. They can cost about £10 a week so that ongoing cost is something to keep in mind. But I think the cost is worth the level of support you get, not only do they ring your emergency contact, they stay on the line to give advice and comfort.

Get Rid of the Bath

A bath can be difficult for older people to get in and out of safely, so it is often one of the first things to go when you future proof your home. Many tend to decide to stick to having a shower only. But if you do decide to keep the bath make sure you add grab rail bars to help if you start to slip.

How Much Does It Cost?

A walk in shower can start at around £2500 upwards. How much you spend will dictate how well it is suited to your needs and what features it has. It would also be advisable to have a shower seat so you can rest or regain your balance if needed.

Future Proof Your Home Conclusion

By making these changes to future proof your home it will be more suited to your needs as you get older. It can be hard seeing your home changing in this way, just because you cannot now ignore the fact you are ageing. But with it comes the freedom to live the life you want in your own home for much longer instead of making the difficult decision to go into a nursing home.