National Senior Independence Month, celebrated in February, encourages senior citizens, senior centers, and community members to share resources and support to help the elderly live independently. 

A senior’s independence is not always simply a matter of being able to do things for yourself—it’s about having control over your life, making choices, and living in a manner that suits both your tastes and your needs. Whether it’s staying active, staying mentally healthy, or modifying one’s living environment, there are many ways that seniors can ensure they stay independent longer.

Having a safe and well-accommodated environment is one way to remain independent in our older age. A well-adjusted home can make all the difference in allowing seniors to stay independent while reducing the risk of injury.

Some important tips on how seniors and caregivers can create safer and more supportive living spaces and adapt their routines to encourage increased independence are listed below.

1. Making the Home Safe and Accessible

A safe home is the foundation of senior independence. Making a few basic modifications can reduce risks and create a safer, more comfortable living space.

• Install Handrails and Grab Bars: Bathrooms and showers are some of the most common locations of falls, therefore mounting grab bars next to the shower or bathtub, beside the toilet, and on stairs is advisable. Handrails should be secure and strategically located to provide support when necessary.
• Adjust Furniture for Easy Access: Ensure important and frequently used items are placed at an easy-to-reach height, especially if bending or stretching is an issue. Consider using recliners with adjustable heights or easy-standing chairs.
• Remove Tripping Hazards: Secure or remove any loose rugs, electrical cords, or clutter that can cause tripping.
• Improve Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for safety and independence. You can install bright lights in hallways, stairs, and bathrooms, and motion sensor lights for ease of use at night. Make sure all your areas are well-lit so that you do not trip over any object that is out of sight.
• Clear Hallways and Walkways: Clear walkways of obstructions. Creating wide, clear paths in and around the house will enable seniors to get around more safely.
• Wear Non-Slip Shoes: Not specifically home-oriented, but important nonetheless. These can provide seniors with a stable, reliable shoe that can help prevent falls, both in the home and out.

2. Making the Kitchen Safe and Independent

The kitchen is another room where older adults can spend a lot of time, but one that can be the most dangerous room in the home if not properly adapted.

• Use Easy-to-Reach Storage: Store often-used kitchen items such as cups, plates, and utensils at waist height to avoid stretching, reaching, or climbing onto a step stool. Pull-out shelves or drawers can also make it easier to access without straining.
• Utilize Non-Slip Mats: Install non-slip mats in the kitchen, especially where there is a greater possibility of spills, like around sinks and countertops. This may reduce slipping.
• Install a Stovetop Safety Shut-Off: Newer stoves have an automatic safety shut-off feature that will shut off the burner automatically after a few minutes. This may prevent accidents, especially if the stove is left on unintentionally.
• Use Simple and Easy-to-Use Appliances: Look for light small appliances that are simple to maneuver and have larger buttons or controls. They are microwaves, toasters, jar openers, and coffee makers that are simple to use and minimize strain.

3. Creating a Senior-Friendly Bathroom

The bathroom can be particularly dangerous if not set up for the use of the elderly. Fortunately, there are several ways to make this space safer and easier to live independently.

• Install a Walk-In Shower or Bathtub: Where feasible, the replacement of conventional bathtubs with a walk-in shower can simplify entry and reduce slipping in and out. Non-slip bath mats or tiles should also be installed.
• Shower Chairs and Grab Bars: Install grab bars beside the toilet, in the shower, and on any stairs for additional support. A shower bench or chair can also be a great idea for a person who may need to sit during a bath.

4. Adapting Daily Routines to Maintain Independence

Daily habits help create a sense of normalcy and competence. Adjusting daily tasks and structuring habits that promote safety enable older individuals to transition their independence more effectively.

• Use Technology for Staying Independent: Technology, such as smart home systems, can be very helpful for older adults who want to remain independent. AI-enabled devices with voice commands like Amazon Alexa or Google Home could turn the lights on/off, remind them of medications, or play music. Another option, which we’ve discussed in a previous blog post, is the ElliQ, an AI-powered robot designed to interact with older people in a friendly way by being a companion rather than an assistant like the previously discussed options.
• Create a Daily Routine: Having a standard daily routine may help the elderly stay more organized. Routine makes them less anxious and can prevent overloading them with too many choices and also provides stability.
• Pace Yourself and Stay Active: Keeping active helps to keep older adults independent through improved strength and balance. Pacing oneself and adapting activity levels to ability is essential, though.
• Ask For Help When Needed: Independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone. We are not meant to do life alone, and it’s okay to ask for help when things feel overwhelming. Whether that’s a task or dealing with the emotional burden that comes with aging, you aren’t alone. Asking for help doesn’t mean sacrificing your independence, rather it’s a way of extending it. Whether it be a caregiver, family member, friend, or neighbor, having someone to rely on can provide peace of mind for seniors’ safety while still maintaining independence.

As we continue to celebrate National Senior Independence Month this February, we can reflect on the importance of creating spaces that allow for seniors’ independence. Small adjustments in living habits and spaces can make a significant difference in enabling seniors to be independent. 

Through emphasis on mobility, accessibility, and safety, seniors can live independently at home. As a senior or caregiver, making small changes now can mean more years of independence. Let’s keep standing with seniors as they make informed decisions that enable them to remain active, safe, and independent.

We at Senior Industry Services believe that every senior should enjoy their life to the fullest and be in control of their decisions.

Written for Senior Industry Services by Lauren Hope Bartling