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How to Keep Living at Home Longer

(6 Posts)
DaisyAnneReturns Sun 10-May-26 09:13:42

I started a similar thread earlier in the year which produced some really useful tips. I am still reeling from the discovery of souper cubes (and their dupes) which save me so much room in my limited freezer space, ensuring I have food/meals if I can't get out.

I'm also still looking for tips that help older people stay at home longer while reducing the amount of paid human care needed. Perhaps a mix of technology, home design, routines, and small amounts of human support rather than replacing people entirely. The money saving tips such as these: www.youtube.com/watch?v=c35zquxHsPM might help pay for the technology/people.

My final thoughts comes from being without a car for six week after being involved in an accident - how can we plan for when we can't drive? I am horrified by the cost of taxis, the lack if public transport and the limits not having a car put on my independence!

Thanks in advance. I think (hope) everyone feels better knowing they are doing something to help there own future!

keepingquiet Sun 10-May-26 09:29:23

For what it's worth this is what I'm working on to keep me at home as long as possible:

Family- for me this is the primary focus- not that I expect my family to do my physical care but steady contact now will ensure they will know when my needs change as we go along.

Friends- to keep my social life vibrant, make new friends but keep the old ones and the ones that encourage me to get out and keep active.

Self-care- to keep routine check-ups and eat healthily, get regular exercise. There is so much help on-line for this when you can't leave home you get still get your shopping delivered, and find exercise and motivation videos to keep you going! Using the inter-net to seek out labour saving devices is another tool we have.

When I bought the house I intend staying in I made sure there was a local shop, and a bus stop right across the road. From there I can get to the train station too. I have hardly ever used a taxi here to get around.
Meanwhile I can still drive myself around but know I will never buy another car.

I think it is only sensible to put these thoughts into place as I go along, but for me it is mostly people I will be focussing on. They are my greatest and most reliable resource,

dogsmother Sun 10-May-26 09:32:41

My thoughts on not being able to drive have always been the same. No car = no insurance, no price of car. How long would that go on taxi fares. Probably a couple of years. Throw in bus passes, delivery’s, and lifts from others occasionally. Maybe it won’t be so bad.

grandMattie Sun 10-May-26 09:35:44

I gave up my car when I moved to Bristol, when DH died.
I made sure I was near buses, shops, doctor and dentist before buying!
I bought a retirement home, and can say that in my life, I haven’t had such friendly neighbour since. I know most of their names, chat to them and know the6 would be available for minor help should I need it. I must say that I am one of the younger ones at 78 but most of them are mobile and in full possession of their marbles!
I have no idea what will happen to me once I lose either mobility or worse, my faculties.
I try to keep as mobile and healthy as possible.

fancyflowers Sun 10-May-26 09:39:50

Start driving again. I have a licence but haven't driven for many years. DH does all the driving.

We already have online deliveries in place, and I buy most things on Amazon so very rarely go shopping.

We have a daughter close by but don't like to bother her much as she works full time and has a family.

We have a seat and grab rail in the shower already. I can't think of anything else we could do really.

pably15 Sun 10-May-26 09:45:54

I have to use taxis if going to hospitals , they are expensive , but I gave my car up 3 years ago so I don't have tax insurance, mot's and so on ,I get my shopping delivered every week, have just had my garden sorted out. Family mow the grass , bark chips keep the weeds at bay. keep up with my friends and family, some of whom are not nearby through emails and phone. I don't find it too bad