Quality of life
Discussing ideas to make the transition through retirement a good one for our parents now and ourselves later
Making homes safe from carbon monoxide poisoning
How dangerous is carbon monoxide (CO) and what can you do to help protect against a leak of this deadly gas? Expert lawyer Gavin Evans of Simpson Millar Solicitors offers explanation and advice. In winter many of us are turning the central heating on more frequently and lighting gas fires, open fires and wood burners. […]
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Tips on avoiding electrical danger in the home
Electrical Safety First’s report, “A shock to the System”, found that more than a million people aged over 75 live in homes which fail the UK Government’s Decent Home Standard – with electrical safety a particular concern. Here, Phil Buckle, Director General of the charity, gives the details and offers some tips to help you […]
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Tips on enjoying the garden at any age
As the weather warms up it’s time to get out in the garden. But as the years pass ambitions change and bodies need more help, so we’ve put together some tips for getting the most out of time outside safely, at any age. This article is provided by House of Bath. Getting older can make […]
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Who are occupational therapists and how can they help our family?
Many of us meet occupational therapists for the first time when we have an older relative preparing to leave hospital. It’s not a job title that gives much away but occupational therapists are there to help people carry on their lives as well as possible. So who are they and what do they do? Occupational […]
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How to make downsizing a good experience
Sarah Macnaught, founder of London-based home organising company Rightsize, shares her hints and tips for helping your parent decide what to keep, what to sell and what to give away when it comes moving their belongings from the family home. When downsizing becomes a pressing need for a parent, due to illness, bereavement, finances or […]
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How to make household tasks easier for elderly parents
Andrew Atkinson, Managing Director of Mobility Smart – an online independent living store – advises us on tools to help your parent manage at home if they have strength or mobility issues. Here are a few simple gadgets to help make independent living that much easier. Cleaning For an older parent cleaning tasks can take […]
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The health benefits of plants for your parent
This week’s storyteller is Clare Long. Clare, founder of Granny Dodo’s Gardens, shares how flowers can be more than just gifts for our parents, they can also bring enjoyment and brighten up daily life in a care home. My grandparents had a wonderful garden, full of flowers that my grandmother (affectionately nicknamed Granny Dodo) created […]
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Gardening tips for older people
Written by Kathy Lawrence Gardening can be a joy. It’s satisfying, can be productive and it’s very good exercise. Age makes some tasks harder – the digging, mowing and pruning – but with a bit of thought there’s still plenty that can be done at any age. The Horticultural Trade Association in the UK has […]
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How to damp proof your parent’s house
Written by Rebecca Lenton Protecting a home from damp and mould can be difficult. Whether your parents are managing their own home care or you’re trying to help them out, possibly from a distance, there are steps that everyone can take to ensure damp doesn’t damage the home or affect your parent’s health. Lindsey McManus, […]
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Mum refuses help – what can we do?
Written by Rebecca Lenton This week’s storyteller has chosen to be anonymous. Our storyteller talks about the dilemma of a mother who lives in a home that’s no longer suitable for her needs, but refuses to move out, move nearer or get help. When my parents moved from London to their cottage in a remote […]
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