Easy Ways to Age in Place with Confidence

by ArchWell Health

The more time that you spend in your home, the more you make it your own. There’s a comfort in creating a living space that reflects who you are as a person. But as we age, safety can become a concern. Certain risk factors become more common and have the potential to impact your safety. Changes in vision, reduced balance, and side effects from medications are just a few of the challenges older adults face. Here are some ideas to help make your home a safer place for you.

Adapt your living space to your life.
The first thing on your list should be making your physical surroundings as safe as possible. Take a moment to look around your home for possible hazards. Make sure that all your walking paths are clear of clutter, and if you have area rugs, secure them with nonslip backings or double-sided tape.

Another important safety factor is lighting. Changes in vision happen as we age that make brighter and well-placed lighting essential. Brighter spaces make it easier to spot tripping hazards and help us avoid falls. Consider installing brighter bulbs in stairwells and darker areas. Night lights are great for added visibility in hallways and bathrooms. Other options for adaptive lighting include dusk-to-dawn or motion-sensing switches, and Bluetooth systems.

Certain home modifications can be a huge help. Installing grab bars and handrails on stairs and in bathrooms and showers can help you keep your balance and prevent falls. If you can’t install them yourself, we recommend hiring a handyman or contractor for added peace of mind.

Move mindfully.
There are many ways to take control as you age. One simple approach is to move slowly and thoughtfully. Sit down when putting on shoes and clothing. Consider using a cane, walker, or grabber to help you maintain your balance and stability. Multitasking is a common cause of injury, so slow down and be patient with yourself. Saving time is never worth getting hurt.

Plan ahead.
Rushing out the door is one of the most common reasons older people cite for forgetting things—and it can lead to accidents. Set out your daily essentials like clothes and snacks the night before and always allow adequate time to safely reach your destination. Good planning and preparation are key to keeping you safe each day.

Keep important paperwork organized.
Keeping your living space organized makes it easier to carry out your daily tasks. Keep a basket on a table for bill statements so you always know where your important paperwork is. Another good strategy is to use online bill payment. By automating your bills, you can be confident that they get paid on time—and you never have the hassle of missed payments or late fees.

Organize your prescriptions.
When thinking about home safety, organizing your medicine cabinet may not be at the top of your list, but it should be. By managing your medications properly, you can help prevent mishaps and protect your health. Certain medications come with side effects or interactions that can affect your everyday routine. For example, some cholesterol medications shouldn’t be taken with grapefruit juice, while others can make you more sensitive to the sun. It’s essential that you carefully read all medication labels and instructions to reduce the risk of mix-ups.

A pill organizer is a great way to organize your medications for the day, week, or month. You can also set calendar reminders on your smartphone or voice-assisted speaker like an Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod, or Google Nest—or using more specialized digital apps like MyTherapy or Medisafe.

Medicare Advantage covers a comprehensive medication review for ArchWell Health members with multiple chronic conditions. So, we recommend bringing a comprehensive list of your medications to your next appointment.

Fill all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy.
Each pharmacy has a computer system designed to alert pharmacists about potential negative side-effects and drug interactions. However, that information may be limited to each store or retail chain. By trying to search out the best deal for each of your medications, you may risk overriding important warning systems.

A great way to save money while avoiding the hassle of multiple retail pharmacies is to use the ArchWell Health Prescription Services mail-order pharmacy. You can speak with a pharmacist directly by phone if you have questions or concerns, and they deliver your medications right to your front door.

Make your home a safe and comfortable place.
By recognizing the limitations you will face later in life and developing smart strategies for overcoming them, you can ensure that your home is a safe place to live for many years to come. Good planning, thoughtful organization, and simple updates will not only help you avoid injuries, they also help improve your quality of life and overall level of happiness.

If you need more support with home safety, we encourage you to talk with your ArchWell Health provider in person or by phone. Visit ArchWellHealth.com for more information.

Arch Well Health

ArchWellHealth.com
941.297.2123