Family
How do the children, grandchildren, friends and other relatives find a way to work together to support older people?
10 questions to ask your parents before it’s too late
Written by Kathy Lawrence There are some questions that are really hard to ask, but knowing the answers can greatly relieve the pressure in times of emergency or end of life. We’ve put together 10 questions to ask before it becomes necessary. How you ask them is up to you – but probably not as […]
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My strategy for coping with grief
Grief is something no one is really prepared for. Maureen Meredith tells us how she coped with losing her mum and dad as well as her son in the space of 16 years. She talks about navigating stages of mourning and ways to bear the sadness. My mum was an angel on earth. Everyone flocked […]
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Talking about death over dinner
Written by Rebecca Lenton This week’s storyteller has chosen to be anonymous. Our storyteller shares how broaching the subject of dying with your parents doesn’t have to be hard, especially when your mum brings up her own death at the dinner table. When Sunday lunch turns into a talk about keeling over you know that […]
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How dad’s humour eased his death
This week’s storyteller is Gill. A terminal illness is hard for anyone to come to terms with but when Gill’s dad was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease he dealt with it in a surprising way – through humour. She tells us how his jokes eased the pain of his passing and ensured his family remained […]
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Talking about dying with your parents
Joe Levenson, Director of Communications for the Dying Matters Coalition shares practical advice for starting the conversation with your parent about the future. When it comes to dying, no one wants to talk about it, but sometimes thoughts left unsaid are final wishes left unheard. Despite encouraging signs that older people are increasingly making their […]
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I’m struggling with my aunt’s reliance on me as her carer
Dear Lesley My aunt had been living in Spain but after losing her husband six years ago her health has deteriorated and she wasn’t taking good care of herself. My sister and I persuaded her to return to the UK and managed to find her a little flat in a block which isn’t exactly warden-aided […]
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Maintaining a relationship when your parent has dementia – a real-life story
Our specialist ageing parent “agony aunt” Lesley Trenner has been talking to people about the emotions around caring for family members living with dementia. Here she tells how sisters Jean and Diane are taking this journey and offers tips to others with the same challenges. When your parent is diagnosed with dementia it can be […]
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What to put on your bucket list?
Written by Kathy Lawrence Lists of inspiring things to do in a lifetime become hugely popular. A survey asked older people what they would suggest for their younger family and friends. Here’s their top 20. Who better to take bucket list advice from than those who are now retired and living out their aspirations or […]
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How your employer can retain the skills of working carers
By Kathy Lawrence We’ve come a long way in recognising the needs of parents at work. Now in an ageing population it’s time to help at those caring for elders or risk losing experienced and talented staff. Forward-thinking organisations have already started implementing policies to retain staff who care and provide ideas that we can […]
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How to successfully request flexible working hours
From June 30th this year, anyone who has been with the same employer for at least 26 weeks is legally entitled to make a written or verbal request for flexible working hours. For many who’re juggling work, family and caring commitments this is a welcome move forward. If you’re considering applying for flexible working hours […]
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