Stay In your house - 5 Tricks for Effective Self Care

Most individuals - 89% - desire to stay at home as they age. This jumps to 95% for people over 75. Fortunately, the majority of us do get to live out our lives at home. With new technologies coming all the time, this becomes more likely. Here are Five ideas to help.

1. Figure out exactly what you are able to do. It may be beneficial to review this point every year or so. As we age, our bodies can respond in unpredictable ways. Honestly assess what you are able to do on your own without outside aid. If you're unsure, bring in a trusted loved one that will help you decide. Some area's to look at: Can you fix your own food? Is it easy or difficult for you to go up the steps? Are you able to drive safely? Do you remember when to take your medication as well as which pills to take? All of these things are strengths. If one or more are missing don't be concerned yet. There are ways to bridge the gaps that don't involve going to a nursing home.

2. Don't be ashamed to request help.. Once you have assessed your strengths you need to get help in the areas where you need it. There are numerous services now available to help you stay in your home permanantly. You can ask friends and family members to help. As one example, if you're having difficulty fixing meals, you might ask friends and family to setup a rotation that will help you cook once a week and then microwave your meals daily.. It is not always easy to ask for help, but your family is usually willing to give it, especially if all of the load does not fall on one person.

Make your home meet your needs. If you are having trouble with stairs or with getting out and in from the tub, get some mobility gear set up in your home. A stairlift or handgrip for the bathtub can make a world of difference.

4. Avoid being afraid of technology. Despite the fact that those commercials featuring the falling woman are made fun of, falling can be very serious. A bad fall can break your hip and leave you immoble and not able to get help. Therefore use technology to your benefit. Keep a mobile phone or emergency contact system in the event of being incapacitated. This will not only set your mind at ease, but also make all your family members feel much better.

5. Live your best life. This is most likely the best anti-aging tip ever. If you enjoy life and enjoy the relationships in your life, then you will find that all your life is more rewarding and better, and it will be much easier for you to stay in your home long term.