- Carilion's Home Care and Hospice leader offers tips for aging well at home.
- Her advice covers physical health and mental well-being as well as changes to your living space.
- Learning about your Home Care options is an important step.
Most American seniors—77% according to a national AARP study—would prefer to age at home.
If that’s your goal, it’s never too early or too late to start making plans and considering ways to set yourself up for success. Lisa Sprinkel, vice president of Carilion Clinic Home Care and Hospice, recommends five ways you can stay healthy at home for as long as possible.
Cover the Basics
This means moving your body regularly and getting a good night’s sleep most nights. Consistent physical activity can improve your ability to complete daily tasks independently and with confidence, while getting enough sleep can improve your memory and mood. If you have any difficulties with being physically active or keeping a consistent sleep schedule, make an appointment to talk with your primary care physician.
Don’t Skip Checkups
On that note, keep up with regular wellness visits. This not only gives you the chance to discuss concerns you might have around aging at home, it also allows your primary care physician to consistently track your health and catch issues earlier (when it could be easier to prevent them from turning into something that might require out-of-home care).
Look at Your Living Space
Consider what kinds of changes would make it easier—both now and in the future—for you to do things independently in your current home. Some things to think about include:
- Replace area rugs with fixed carpets
- Add grab bars and non-skid mats in the bathroom
- Add a ramp with handrails to your doorway
- Have light switches at both the top and bottom of any stairs
- Switch out doorknobs for lever handles
Stay Involved and Connected
This plays a big part in both our mental and physical health as we age! Try out new hobbies, spend time with friends (even furry ones!) or check out community events. If you’re looking for a place to start, Carilion Clinic’s Community Health and Outreach team offers a variety of free, health-focused community programs that you can learn more about at CarilionClinic.org/ cho-community-members.
Know About Home Care Options
Home care is a possible alternative to hospitalization or inpatient care. It offers one-on-one attention to your medical needs in the comfort of your home. Home care could be shorter term while you heal after a hospitalization or surgery, or it could be longer term if you have a medical condition that requires regular care and treatment.
Carilion Clinic Home Care offers wound care, cardiac and lung care, chronic illness management and more for patients throughout central and southwest Virginia. Find out more at CarilionClinic.org/home-care.
