With limited spaces available at private residential homes coupled with daily reports of poor standards of care and high costs associated with some care homes, it’s no wonder many people are looking at ways to enable them to stay in their own home for longer.

And with the number of households aged over 65 set to rise to 3.5 million by 2033 as predicted by Professor Michael Ball of Henley Business School, people are making changes to not only maintain their independence but also adapt their homes as a real alternative.

The headlines in the media are frightening and it’s not just an issue felt by the elderly themselves; the pressure on family members is immense as they see their loved-ones struggling to cope with everyday simple tasks. However, moving into a residential care home may not be the solution at first and by making changes to your home life can be made easier, enabling people to stay in their own home for longer.

Before making any decisions, assess the alternative of  home modifications as a means of maintaining independence, not to mention sparing all involved of the emotional effects and costs of making a move.