Institute on Aging’s Corio Home Care offers care for aging adults in the comfort of their own homes. There’s a common misconception that home care means full-time care, but for many people, their caregiver acts more as a part-time personal assistant, helping with household tasks, transportation, errands, and more. 

Just because you can do things by yourself, doesn’t mean you have to. 

Home care isn’t just for people who urgently need it. If you know it takes you longer to get to the grocery store, do your shopping, and then cook yourself a meal, for example, there’s no harm in hiring someone to handle it for you – especially if it improves your diet and helps you stay healthy in the long run. 

Samara Miller, Corio’s Regional Director, says that hiring a part-time home care aid now can prevent problems from snowballing in the future. It’s the same reason we get routine preventative check-ups; the earlier an issue is caught, the easier it is to manage. 

Here are ten things you can do now that will help you remain independent as you age: 

1. Build a support system. 

One of the most important things you can do is to get comfortable asking for help. After a lifetime of taking care of yourself (and maybe others as well) it can be difficult to admit that you could use support, but there’s no shame in admitting that certain things have gotten more time-consuming as you age. No matter how independent you are, getting assistance with some tasks, even when it’s not necessary, allows you to focus on living your life to the fullest.

2. Learn how to use healthcare technology. 

Technology has advanced in leaps and bounds in the last few years, and it can provide everything from medication reminders to automatic alerts in the case of a fall. Tech that monitors basic vital signs can give family members new peace of mind, and new voice-controlled smart home systems can allow you to control things like the lights or music with just a few words. While all these new developments might seem overwhelming, it’s a good idea to get used to potentially life-saving programs and apps before they’re needed.  

3. Get in the habit of eating well. 

Research shows that a healthy diet of fresh food reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves overall quality of life as we age. 

4. Stay physically active. 

Exercise is one of the biggest components of a healthy lifestyle at any age, but as we get older, it’s especially important. Low-impact activities like walking or chair exercises can help maintain mental and cardiovascular health, as well as improving muscle tone and flexibility, which make it easier to stay independent and mobile. 

5. Stay mentally active. 

Stay sharp and prevent future cognitive decline by engaging in activities that stimulate your brain, like board games, crosswords, sudoku, or jigsaw puzzles. 

6. Reduce tripping hazards around the house. 

According to the CDC, three million older Americans are treated in the emergency room every year for fall-related injuries; for seniors, roughly one in five falls causes a serious injury. These injuries can make it exponentially more difficult to remain independent. The sooner you address common tripping hazards in your home, like slippery surfaces or loose rugs, the easier it is to avoid a fall. It’s another example of small preventative actions that can have big benefits down the road.

7. Make your home more accessible. 

Grab bars in showers and railings in hallways can go a long way to keep your home safe. If you’re used to being able to get around without any help, it might be difficult to look around and see what might present problems in the future. A home care aid or geriatric specialist might be able to make suggestions that wouldn’t occur to you, allowing you to make changes to your space before it becomes dangerous. 

8. Review medications frequently. 

67% of older Americans regularly take more than five medications and supplements, but as you age, the risk of adverse interactions increases dramatically as your ability to process certain medications decreases. According to AARP, doctors agree that it’s important to “Be proactive in your medication decisions.” Regular consultations with a healthcare professional can prevent interaction side effects like dizziness, impaired cognition, and forgetfulness before they pose further hazards. 

9. Make social connections. 

For seniors with decreasing mobility, it can become difficult to leave the house to participate in social activities, but social connection is crucial to improving mental health and preventing future cognitive decline. This is another way in which a part-time home care aid can help. For many people who live alone, it’s incredibly helpful to have a regular visitor; a home care aid can simply serve as a companion. 

10. Select clothes that are easy to get on and off. 

Fastenings like buttons and back zippers can become difficult to manage alone. While there’s no shame in asking for help, it can also be a good idea to invest in clothes that are easy to put on and take off, such as pants with elastic waistbands.

It’s important to think ahead.

Address small concerns now to avoid problems in the future. A little preparation might ensure that you’re able to live at home both safely and independently for many years to come.