Issue link: https://www.newlifestylesdigital.com/i/1250973
59 Tip #3 Assess the Suitability of your Home There is a chance that you have lived in your current home for a number of years and that it has served you perfectly throughout the many life events and experiences that you have had the pleasure of enjoying there. However, it is essential to consider how your home is going to work for you in the years ahead. Think about lighting, the walkways throughout your home, the access points to and from your bath or shower, the kinds of flooring that you have and the steps and stairs that you might need to navigate. Could you install ramps? Making nominal changes now will ensure that you can remain in your home for longer, living as independently as possible. Tip #4 Prepare Yourself for Emergencies Nobody wants to think about worst-case scenarios, especially seniors living alone. However, if you are to remain at home, then it is important to think about how you would handle an emergency, whether it is an issue with your health, a natural disaster or a problem within your community. Keep a list of numbers close at hand, labeled with the names of contacts who could assist you in any given emergency. Similarly, ensure that you have a friend or relative who is able to reach you with ease. Familiarize yourself with escape routes in the event of a fire and make sure that there is a safe, navigable way out of any room. You may even decide to install a panic button in order to remain connected with emergency services. Tip #5 Be Mindful of Security You may feel sound of mind and body, but it is still important to consider your security while you are living in your own home, if only to ease the concerns of your friends and family members. The elderly are more vulnerable to attempts of fraud, so always be mindful of whom you are talking to. Never open emails from senders whom you do not recognize, and always seek advice if you are unsure whether a demand or warning is genuine. Home security systems provide homeowners and their families with peace of mind, so ensure that your home is properly lit and monitored carefully. Your home is your palace, and it is essential that you feel safe there for as long as possible. While you may have several worry-free years ahead of you, it pays to take care of certain things now and understand your options for when you may need to think about your independence. From live-in care and assisted communities to respite and nursing care, you do have choices. Whether you are thinking about security, emergencies, healthcare or the suitability of your home, it is important to re-evaluate your needs every six months and be open to suggestions from your friends and family.