How To Stay Independent At Home As You Get Older — Key Strategies

Strategy 1 — Make your home safer and easier to move around

A safe home supports confidence and lowers the risk of injury. Small changes can make a meaningful difference, especially as mobility or balance changes over time. This may include:

• Improving lighting in hallways and bathrooms
• Removing loose rugs or clutter from walkways
• Adding handrails in high-use areas such as bathrooms or steps

These adjustments support independence without changing how your home feels.

Strategy 2 — Stay connected to people and routines

Independence is closely tied to how confident and connected you feel in daily life. Social connection plays a major role in emotional wellbeing and motivation. Regular contact with family, friends and community groups helps you stay engaged and confident. Simple routines like weekly outings, regular phone calls or attending local activities support senior independent living by keeping life active and meaningful.

Strategy 3 — Accept support before small challenges become big ones

Many people wait until daily tasks feel overwhelming before asking for help. Putting support in place earlier can reduce strain, prevent small issues from escalating and help you stay in control for longer. Support might include help with cleaning, transport, meal preparation or other everyday tasks that keep your home running smoothly. It can also involve having someone accompany you on outings, appointments or social activities or simply provide regular companionship and connection.

The right assistance for seniors living at home is designed to complement what you already do, not replace it.

Strategy 4 — Use services that adapt as your needs change

As time goes on, even small changes in mobility, energy or confidence can affect how you manage at home. Choosing flexible support services means help can be increased or reduced as required without disrupting your routine.

Some people prefer to be more involved in how their support is organised. This may include having greater choice over the types of services they use, when support is scheduled and who provides it. Taking a more hands-on approach can suit those who value choice and flexibility while still having guidance available when needed.

Strategy 5 — Plan locally and think ahead

Access to services can vary depending on where you live, so planning ahead is important. Many people across Australia choose support options that work around their local community and lifestyle. Thinking ahead allows you to make decisions calmly and ensures support is in place when it is needed, rather than during a stressful moment.

Stay independent with Homecare My Way

Staying independent at home is about having the right support at the right time. Homecare My Way helps older Australians access flexible home care solutions that support safety, confidence and choice. Through your Support at Home funding, we provide access to our self-management service across key areas such as Melbourne and Sydney. Homecare My Way works with you to build a plan that supports your independence at home for as long as possible.