Being able to look after yourself and stay independent in your own home is very important.
Personal care
Here are a few things you may want to consider helping you live your life in your own home.
Dressing and undressing
If you find dressing difficult, there are several things you can try to help with dressing, such as -
- clothes made from knitted fabrics are often easier to manage than woven fabrics
- smooth fabrics such as silk are usually easier to get on and off
- zip fastenings can be easier to use than buttons, but can be hard to use if you have pain or stiffness in your fingers. Extended tabs or loops can make zip tags easier to grip
- if you choose clothing with fasteners, make sure the fastener is accessible
- wear loose fitting, stretchy clothes without fastenings, such as t-shirts
- magnetic or Velcro fasteners are usually easier to manage
- wearing skirts and trousers with elasticated waistbands instead of fasteners
- use of a long handled shoe horn or leg lifter
Using the toilet
Toileting is a function that most people take for granted and if help is needed it can cause distress. To help the situation you can try to -
- make sure the way to the toilet and the room is well lit at night
- never use a walking frame to hold onto whilst standing from a toilet. They are not designed for this purpose and could tip over
- talk to your GP about any continence issues
- use of sitting aids that boost the height of your toilet
Washing, showering and bathing
If you are having difficulty getting in and out of a bath, standing in or using a shower and standing at the basin, there are a few things that you can do yourself -
- be sure to keep the bath clean to avoid slippery soap scum or mould
- equip your shower with a handheld or adjustable shower head. You can manoeuvre it where you want it, minimizing your movement in the shower
- keep the bathroom floor dry. A weighted shower curtain helps make sure that no water leaks onto the floor
- put items you use in easy reaching distance, so you don't have to stand on steps, bath edges or move around a lot to reach them
- put nonslip strips, mats or tiles in your tub and shower to help prevent falls - to combat tripping, secure any loose corners on mats
- take your time as the more you rush, the more likely you are to fall
- your bathroom should be adequately lit during the day and night
Aids and adaptations can added to your bathroom to make things easier.
Staying safe in the home
As you get older, your risk of falling increases. Even if you're still active you could have poor eyesight, slower reaction times, weaker muscles or less stability on your feet.
Find out more about equipment that can help you with your mobility in and around the home.
We have provided tips below that will prevent you from falling -
- ask for help if you need to lift something heavy
- keep your home clutter and obstacle free, especially stairs, so you can move around easily
- wear well-fitting shoes or slippers
- use high wattage bulbs to provide good lighting
Cleaning
Having your home clean and tidy can have many benefits to your health and wellbeing. Your mood will increase due to being in a clean and uncluttered environment, you are less likely to pick up germs and illnesses, and allergy and asthma symptoms will be reduced.
Gardening
Many people find gardening to be a fun and relaxing activity, particularly on a sunny day. However, if you feel that you need some extra support to help maintain your garden there are some things you can do.
Safe Gardening is an online website that provides useful advice and information on gardening which includes:
- bonfire safety
- garden chemicals
- garden equipment – including support for people with support needs
- gardening for pensioners
- garden wildlife
- growing your own fruit and veg
- power tools
- personal protection in the garden
- pets and children in the garden
- plants and planting
- water safety – including fountains, hosepipes and sprinklers
You can find charities ad community organisations on our community directory that may be able to support you to maintain your garden.
Pet care
Pets can make great companions however, you may require the occasional support to take care of your pet. Additional information about the things that can happen to your pet or emergencies where you may need your pet looking after.
Check our directory or search online for additional help.
The Cinnamon Trust
The Cinnamon Trust is a National charity that can look after your pet while you are in hospital if you are 60 or over or are in the later stages of a terminal illness (Palliative Care).
This service is free, however it is limited as the service is dependent on the availability and location of volunteers within your area.
Getting out and about
Getting out and about is a great way to keep healthy and busy.
Find out more about getting out and about here