Research shows that 83% of people over 60 want to stay living in their family home for as long as they can. This isn’t surprising. For most of us, our home is our sanctuary. It’s where we feel safe and comfortable. It might be where our kids grew up and where our memories lie. It’s the place we want to return to at the end of the day, to put our feet up and relax. The good news is there are services available, and even government funding, to help you achieve this.
Like anything worthwhile, ageing well can take a bit of work. Having a plan for your later years is important and it’s never too early to start thinking about it. Some of the key things to think about include where you will live, what your financial situation will look like, how you will support your own physical and mental health and what services are available to help you live well longer.
It’s important we continue to find meaning in life as we age. Activities keep our minds working well and it’s never too late to learn something new. What makes you get up in the morning? Is it a love of photography? Playing cards with your neighbours? Pottering around in the garden? At Centacare, we focus on your strengths and abilities and offer our support and guidance where you need it. If there’s something you love doing, we’ll help you keep doing it.
Finding ways to stay active and socially connected is important for your physical and mental wellbeing. Try engaging in regular, moderate-intensity physical activities such as walking, aqua aerobics or yoga. Get out and about in your community, participate in recreational activities and join social groups with people who share your interests.
At Centacare, we focus on building and maintaining your strength. This helps you to feel confident, capable and independent, which is important for living well in your home. When we go shopping together, we might carry the heavier bags and ask them to carry one or two of the smaller ones. If we’re helping you around the house, we might hang the larger, heavier items on the clothes line and set up a smaller line for you to hang the underclothes.
Would you like help to mow the lawn? Clean your house? Change a light bulb? Or maybe you’d enjoy the opportunity to connect with people in your community, enjoy day trips or even a dance class? Many people are unaware of the services that can help them stay living in their family home. At Centacare we have all kinds of services that can help you in all sorts of ways. If you’re over the age of 65, you may be eligible for government subsidised services.