Lifestyle
What makes an enjoyable, safe and comfortable retirement?
5 tips for preventing falls in the home
Statistics show that falls in the home that mean a trip to A&E are often the first step to losing independence and a move into care. Nursing professional Vince Baiera shares his experiences in helping older people to avoid having those falls. With more than six years’ experience as an ICU Nurse at some of […]
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How to keep cool in hot weather
Written by Rebecca Lenton You wouldn’t think it possible that your parent could be too hot in British weather yet with the rising temperatures we’ve been experiencing it’s good to be aware of the way heat can affect the elderly and how to help them stay cool. Who is most vulnerable to heat-related illness? If […]
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Saving money on your parents’ energy bills
Latest update for June 2020: For information about how to manage bills and get a better energy deal, visit Citizens Advice. This article has been updated in January 2019. Schemes and prices change all the time. For up-to-date information, it is worth visiting the Money Saving Expert’s website. We’ve searched far and wide to […]
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How to manage your parent’s property once they’ve moved out
There comes a time in our lives when we have to start thinking seriously about whether our parents can cope independently in their own home. This can be a stressful stage for both parent and child involving some difficult conversations to try to agree what’s for the best. Not only do families need to determine […]
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Safe walking in winter for older people
Dressing in layers, adding grip to footwear and using a stick that’s the right height are all helpful ways to make going out in cold weather safe and enjoyable. The chilly bite of winter is on its way and the drop in temperature and icy conditions can pose a challenge to those who are more […]
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Where do retirement living apartments fit into our life plan?
By Kathy Lawrence Retirement apartments are springing up all over the place. In some countries these developments and larger retirement villages are commonplace and even part of people’s normal retirement plan. That’s not yet true in the UK, but do they represent a sensible move for people moving into retirement? At the age of 78 […]
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What are the retirement housing options for my parents?
Life is not a matter of one giant leap from independent living at home to taking up residence in a care home. The choices can be confusing though. We give you a starting point to explore what the options are for your parents and how to decide what they need at any point in their […]
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Could animal assisted therapy improve your parent’s health?
Written by Rebecca Lenton We explore the potential benefits of pet therapy as a way to relax and encourage our parents wherever they reside. As our parents get older, and perhaps begin to lose their friends and loved ones, they could start to feel lonely. With recent figures suggesting that loneliness is fast becoming an […]
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Is it time to hang up the car keys?
Giving up driving is one of the most significant milestones in an older person’s life. It’s not surprising that so many are reluctant but as children worried for their safety and that of others on the road we may need to use our persuasive powers. Jill hasn’t been to Zumba for a few weeks. She’s […]
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Is a pet for your parent a good idea?
Written by Rebecca Lenton Pets are often recommended as good companions for the lonely or housebound. What are the pros and cons of pet ownership as your parents grow frailer, and how can you help them to ensure their pet continues to be cared for, however circumstances change? For parents who are lonely or socially […]
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