Top tips to keep your older parents in their own home

Citation

(2013), "Top tips to keep your older parents in their own home", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 14 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAOA.55914caa.008

Top tips to keep your older parents in their own home

Article Type: News and events From: Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Volume 14, Issue 3.

Each year many more people face the question: would my elderly parent be safer and better cared for if they moved into a care home? The choices can be stark: the upset and expense of leaving one's home against the reassurance of having care on hand 24/7. So - if they do wish to stay put - how can you best enable someone to retain their independence and remain in their own home?

The advice web site http://www.myageingparent.com has put together a step-by-step guide for any family facing this dilemma, written by a leading expert in the field of elderly care, Chris Moon-Willems: "Often health care professionals will suggest a care home as the best option... but is it always the right choice? If you have a good idea of what keeping them at home involves, you can make an informed decision".

Guidance includes:

List the issues: "talk and walk" your parent through how life will be in their home now their mobility or memory is not what it was, focus on those concerns which need to be addressed and then think of different ways to achieve them.

Design out the possibility of falls: this is one of the very biggest concerns, as a slip or fall in the home could easily lead to broken bones.

Dressing and undressing: arthritis and other mobility issues can make this very difficult, but occupational therapists can help increase movement, while there are many types of assistive clothing available.

Sort out the funding for care: not the easiest matter, and local authority cuts are making it even harder. But you need to do your research to find out exactly what your entitlements to support might be ... and many more.

For more details: Deborah Stone on 07768 876871, or by e-mail on mailto:deborah@myageingparent.com