If your loved one has developed or has been diagnosed with a major health condition, living at home can become a challenge.  Home modifications and assistive technology make the enviornment more adaptable in order to make performing tasks easier, reduce accidents, and support independent living.  Loss in mobility could make stairs an obstacle.  Loss in vision could make showering a difficulty.  Weakness or unsteadiness when walking could make cooking and household chores next to impossible to do.  Luckily there are many ways to make the home safter and more adaptable.  The first step is to assess on your loved one's greatest difficulties.

If your loved one uses a walker or a cane there are many hazards that could be avoided:
1. Make sure the walkways are cleared of any debree or lose area rugs.
2. Stairs?  Consider a stairway lift or moving the bedroom to the lower level of the home.
3. Laundry in basement?  Hire a service that can help, for instance, home care.
4. Standing to cook?  Try applying for meals on wheels or hire an aide to do the cooking.

If your loved one has difficulty showering and getting dressed:
1. Consider a shower bench that your loved one could sit on while in the shower.
2. A shower head that can be removed and used manually can make showering much easier.
3. Grab rails are essential in the shower, next to the toilet, and along the wall for preventing falls.
4. Assistive technology can help with putting one's shirt on, putting on shoes, and getting up from a sitting position.

There are many resources online for more information about home modifications and assistive technology.  You may also speak to a social worker at the hospital or your local office on aging.  Adapting at home becomes key to living independently and maintaining quality of life.  There are many ways to ensure your loved one can stay at home for as long as possible.