Elderly Care

Discovering that an elderly relative needs assistance in their day-to-day living arrangements can be a difficult time for families. With so many of us working to earn a living, dropping everything to arrange for care isn't straightforward. It's all too easy to feel guilty that you simply can't take on the role of caregiver yourself, even when it's completely impractical to do so.

With an increasingly ageing population, it is important to establish the most appropriate form of care on an individual basis. There is no 'one size fits all' solution, and most of us will at some point be faced with helping to make major life decisions, in conjunction with our loved ones, as senior members of our families begin to need assistance in all sorts of little ways.

It's a huge worry when our loved ones become unable to cope on their own. Whether you live nearby or at the other end of the country, many people experience a feeling of helplessness that they are unable to provide the level of support that a relative requires, along with a desire to help to find an appropriate solution to the problem.

As our loved ones become older, and start to experience difficulties in managing on their own, we have to consider the options for their future wellbeing. Care homes have been subject to some very bad press in the past, and many elderly people live in dread of being taken to live in unfamiliar surroundings with people they don't know. We want the absolute best for our older relatives, so it's important to consider all the options.

A recent poll by YouGov revealed that out of 2,000 people surveyed, only 1 percent were happy with the idea of going into a care home. This shows how much negativity there is surrounding the subject of residential care homes, made worse by the horror stories so frequently talked about in the media. Most people believe that a care home is where they will ultimately end up, but in fact, there are a wide variety of alternatives when it comes to elderly care.

Old age may be a fact of life, but that doesn't mean it's easy, either for you or for your loved ones. Sooner or later most of us will face the prospect of looking after an elderly parent or relative, so it makes good sense to consider how this will impact upon your lives.

When a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease it can be frightening and distressing time. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone - there are three-quarters of a million sufferers in the UK today, and this number is set to increase over the coming years.

A dementia diagnosis is distressing both for your elderly loved one and also for you and other family members. There is a tendency to think about everything that will be lost, and you will all need to take time coming to terms with the new challenges you face. However, it is important to focus on quality of life, and with some adjustments, your loved one will be able to retain a good standard of living.

With as many as one-in-three care homes deemed inadequate or requiring improvement, it's no wonder that many elderly people are reluctant to see them as a viable alternative to remaining in their own homes. Local authorities are overstretched, and the elderly care sector is suffering as a result. A rapidly growing elderly population means that the issue is something we urgently need to address.

With an increasingly elderly demographic there are now more older people in the UK than ever before, many of whom require assistance with their day-to-day lives. Many of us will face the prospect of our parents or other relatives needing help, and knowing the best options for care can be a great comfort.

There are a wide variety of activities for older people to enjoy in the Midlands. This central area of the UK sometimes referred to as the Heart of England, has a rich history and many interesting places to visit. The Midlands is divided into the East and West Midlands and roughly covers the area that was known as the Kingdom of Mercia in Medieval times.

Whether your ageing parents live alone, with you, receive home care or even private live-in care in Hertfordshire, you are bound to want to go out together for an enjoyable day out now and then. The county has numerous beautiful open spaces, parks and gardens as well as many options for an entertaining day out with older members of the family. We list some of the best.

Planning a short break or holiday, or even a day out, with elderly parents can seem daunting. Getting out and about is stimulating for every age group, though, and with planning, you can enjoy some lovely days out together in Norfolk.

If you are responsible for arranging care for your elderly parents, you will have explored all the possibilities to enable them to remain living independently in their own home for as long as possible. Fortunately, Birmingham has many opportunities for things you can do with older family members. Here are eight great ideas for places to visit.

London has a lot to offer for people of all ages - and part of good elderly care is helping to keep the mind active and engaged. Even if your parents have special requirements such as difficulty walking or memory problems, it's still possible to have a great time in the capital.

One of the most beautiful counties in the United Kingdom, Devon offers spectacular countryside and picturesque, quintessentially English towns and villages. If you're visiting the area with your ageing parents or you are lucky enough to live in this lovely region, there are plenty of fun days out you can enjoy here together.

Dorset is full of great days out and things to do with family members of all ages. As anyone with an older parent will know, though, a trip can require plenty of advanced planning. Finding suitable destinations that would be of interest to someone who needs dementia or Alzheimer's care is only the beginning.

Whether your elderly parents live in the Brighton area or you're just visiting this picturesque English seaside town with them, there are plenty of fun and enjoyable ways of spending time together here. Brighton has much to offer senior citizens, both residents and tourists alike, with a thriving arts scene, a wide range of beautiful and historic buildings and, of course, the fantastic seafront.

Planning ahead and ensuring that there is accessibility are both key to a successful day out with an older parent. Finding appropriate destinations that will be relaxing to someone with dementia care needs or other special requirements, is another important factor.

With so many options available to those looking for care for themselves or their loved ones, it’s important that all questions are answered before making a decision around what type of care to choose. Live-in care is becoming a more and more popular choice for elderly people and their loved ones. Not only does it enable the older person or couple to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, but also allows for far more flexibility and control over their day-to-day lives than would be the case with other traditional care options.

Just a short distance from London, the county of Essex offers beautiful countryside, picturesque rural villages and vibrant, interesting towns and cities. If you are visiting this lovely corner of England with your elderly parents or you are lucky enough to live nearby, there are plenty of things to do on a day out. If your loved one is receiving care at home and wants to get out and about, here are eight great suggestions of things to do while you are visiting Essex.

If your parents are receiving care at home and need a change of scene, Kent is the ideal place to visit. There are many easily accessible attractions and sites of interest, so whether you're just visiting for the day or have a longer holiday planned, here are eight great things here to think about doing with your loved ones.

Located in the county of East Sussex, Eastbourne is a lovely seaside resort that is home to some of the United Kingdom's most beautiful Victorian seaside architecture. A live-in carer can assist with a day out whether you are just visiting for the afternoon or have a longer stay planned.

Often described as the jewel of North Yorkshire, the historic town of Richmond is one of the most popular holiday spots in the United Kingdom, and it's easy to see why. Located on the edge of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, this cobbled market town is the gateway to the rolling countryside beyond, and there's something for everyone here.

Kingston is a beautiful, ancient market town, set on the edge of the River Thames. As well as being the place where Saxon kings were crowned, it holds a royal charter and is one of the oldest towns in England. Although accessibility wasn't top of the list hundreds of years ago, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy with an elderly, less mobile relative.

Just 30 minutes from London, this western Kent town is famous for its royal patrons like Queen Victoria. The ‘Garden of England' gem remains famous for its beautiful landscaping and old houses. There are a variety of activities for elderly parents that suit a wide range of physical needs and mobility levels – and they all have something special to offer.

The historic town of Bury St Edmunds is a great location for a day out with your elderly relative. This atmospheric Medieval Suffolk town has plenty of things to see and do. Whether your parents require elderly care in Suffolk or can live more independently with a little assistance at home, they will doubtless take pleasure from a little variety in their days, including trips out to places of interest.

Arundel is a vibrant and historic market town, nestled at the foot of the South Downs in West Sussex. Its skyline is dominated by an 11th-century castle and Victorian Gothic cathedral, and the heart of the town hosts a variety of family orientated activities and cultural attractions.

Situated just to the south of London, the county of Surrey is home to a wealth of attractions and significant landmarks. If your elderly parents are currently receiving Live-in Care in Surrey, you will find a range of fantastic days out to enjoy in this beautiful area and lovely opportunities to spend quality time with each other.

When enjoying days out with parents or older relatives, it's handy to look for places that are suitable for their needs and interests, especially if they have reduced mobility or are receiving live-in Care in Lincolnshire. Whatever care your loved one requires, from help with their mobility or companion care to help them get out and about.

Elderly care is a subject that is of increasing importance, the care home model is being replaced by high-quality live-in care packages, which leave families free to spend time with their ageing parents in more enjoyable ways. Even if one or both of your parents receive Demetia Care or Live-in Care in Shropshire, fun and entertaining days out are still a possibility.

Getting out and about is important for everyone, but particularly for the elderly, who can become housebound. If your parents have live-in care in Gloucestershire, then their caregiver may be able to organise outings to local attractions and events. The numerous cafes and restaurants in Moreton-in-Marsh make this a great place to spend some time, as there is always somewhere close by to stop and relax for a while.

Arranging a holiday or day out in Richmond, Yorkshire with your elderly parents may seem a daunting task, particularly if one or both of them suffer from mobility or other health problems. More and more attractions are beginning to understand the need for accessibility, however, with many venues offering wheelchair hire and free entry for carers.

With so much to see and do in this fantastic town and surrounding area, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to days out with your elderly parents in Harrogate. Whether they are receiving Live-in Care in Yorkshire or not here are five of the best activities to consider.

Now that the live-in care has become a viable alternative to residential care homes, there are more opportunities than ever to spend quality time with your elderly parents in Dorchester. Live-in carers can facilitate days out and holidays, or you could give the caregiver the day off and enjoy some private time with your loved ones on a short break, performing any necessary elderly care tasks yourself.

Cheltenham offers plenty of options for things to do when visiting with elderly relatives. Whatever level of care your elderly parent or relative requires, whether dementia, companion or direct care at home or even full-time live-in care in Gloucestershire, there is plenty for you to see and do together.

The power of outings for the elderly is highly beneficial. If your loved one is receiving care at home, elderly care, dementia care, companion care or live-in care in Northumberland, the benefits of exploring an area outside the home can be enlivening and even transformative.

Whether your elderly parent receives live-in care in Norfolk or live in a residential home, those receiving elderly care always benefit from a change of scene and can return feeling refreshed and re-engaged. However long you choose to stay in Aylsham, here are five things you could do with your parents, to get you out and about and exploring this fascinating town.

Now that the live-in care in Buckinghamshire has become a viable alternative to residential care homes, there are more opportunities than ever to spend quality time with your elderly parents. Situated in the Chiltern Hills, Amersham is only 27 miles from all the attractions of the capital, but if you prefer to stay a little closer to home, here are five ideas for things to do with your elderly parents.

Finding things to do with your elderly parents is not difficult in the lovely area around Arlesford in Hampshire. Whether your parents have live-in care or manage independently with just minimal help at home, enjoying activities with their family is always important to them. Here are five great ways to spend time with your elderly parents in Arlesford.

Northumberland is one of the most scenic and beautiful of all English counties, and the historic town of Alnwick is as engaging as it is picturesque. If your parents are receiving elderly care in a residential home or are receiving live-in care in Northumberland, Alnwick can be the perfect place to go to get them out and about.

With many families choosing to explore live-in care in Scotland for their loved ones, days out with older relatives are becoming easier to organise. Even if your parents have health problems that affect their mobility or their memory, you can still arrange fun and entertaining activities that they will enjoy and benefit from.

Located on the Scottish Borders in the ancient county of Roxburghshire, the market town of Kelso is a popular holiday destination. If your relatives are receiving live-in care in Scotland, Kelso is the perfect place to come for a change of scene and wonderful days out.

More and more people are now choosing live-in care in Gloucestershire for their elderly relatives, which makes it a simple matter to arrange fun and interesting days out. There are plenty of lovely things to do in and around Cirencester. Here is our pick of the top five days out here to get you started.

For those receiving live-in care in Derbyshire, an occasional excursion or holiday can provide much-needed mental stimulation and a chance to spend quality time with friends and family. If you're visiting Ashbourne with your elderly parents, you'll find plenty to entertain you.

Many elderly people welcome the chance to inject an element of variety into their days, with trips out and about in their local area. Ambleside is an ideal place to visit for those receiving companion care or live-in care in Cumbria to enjoy a day out with their carer.

No matter how elderly or infirm your parents are, you can still enjoy a day out or short break together in Burnham Market and the surrounding towns and villages. Elderly care has moved on from the traditional care or nursing home model, and the idea of live-in care in Norfolk is an increasingly attractive option for many older people.

Now that the live-in care in Warwickshire has become a viable alternative to residential care homes, there are more opportunities than ever to spend quality time with your elderly parents. We highlight five great attractions to visit during your visit to Stratford-upon-Avon.

Now that the live-in care in Wales has become a viable alternative to residential care homes, there are more opportunities than ever to spend quality time with your elderly parents. If you are visiting Ruthin with your elderly loved ones, there are plenty of options for things you can do together.

Now that the live-in care in Oxfordshire has become a viable alternative to residential care homes, there are more opportunities than ever to spend quality time with your elderly parents. Here are some of the great accessible attractions in Thame and the surrounding area to visit with your elderly relatives.

Sharing quality time visiting new places is a therapeutic way of getting out and about together, whether your loved one has dementia care, companion care, care at home or live-in care in Gloucestershire. The benefits of a break in daily routine encourage the elderly to reconnect with life in a non-pressured, enjoyable way.

Now that the live-in care in Northamptonshire has become a viable alternative to residential care homes, there are more opportunities than ever to spend quality time with your elderly parents out and about. The Oundle area, in particular, is an ideal place to visit with your loved one.

Now that the live-in care in Northumberland has become a viable alternative to residential care homes, there are more opportunities than ever to spend quality time with your elderly parents. Here are some great days out to enjoy in Hexham and the surrounding areas gone by or environments that offer sensory stimulation.

If you are planning to visit Marlborough with older parents or relatives, there are plenty of things to see and do together in the area. Whether your loved one needs companion care or dementia care, right through to full live-in care in Wiltshire, you will find a suitable and enjoyable place to visit in this corner of Wiltshire.

With more and more older people opting for live-in care in Sussex, getting away on holiday with your loved ones has never been easier. If you're visiting Lewes and don't know where to start when planning some afternoons out, here are five great suggestions.

Whether your elderly parents are receiving care at home, living independently or live-in care in Worcestershire, it is likely that they will appreciate some fun days out. If they are living with dementia, they will probably welcome activities that offer a chance to reminisce about the past or to visit settings that include some sensory stimulation.

Whether your elderly parents are currently being cared for in their own home with live-in care or live more independently, they will enjoy a day out in their local area. If they are receiving dementia care, a location that offers a sensory experience, or one that is tied into their interests could be great options to explore.

Sherborne is a charming market town steeped in history and the ideal place to spend quality time with your loved one. We have selected five of Sherborne's best attractions for you to explore together. Sometimes popular attractions are not included because they are not suitable.

Its central position in the south-western peninsula makes Tavistock the perfect destination for exploring Devon and Cornwall, with plenty of attractions that hold appeal for the older generation. Now that so many families are choosing live-in care at home options to ensure that their loved ones can remain safely in their own homes, it's never been easier to arrange fun outings and short breaks.

Now that the live-in care in Sussex has become a viable alternative to residential care homes, there are more opportunities than ever to spend quality time with your elderly parents. Midhurst is a pretty market town, steeped in history and located in the centre of the South Downs National Park. Midhurst is the perfect destination for a day out or short break with your elderly parents.

Whether your elderly parents are being looked after at home with live-in care in Norfolk, or are currently living more independently, they will look forward to days out in their local area. If your relative is living with dementia, they may benefit from activities that include a chance to talk about the past or that tie in with their previous hobbies and interests.

Growing older and less able to maintain an independent lifestyle can be hard for an older person to come to terms with, so if your loved one needs help but will not accept it, you need to approach the subject tactfully.

Growing old is something that we must all face, but not everyone deals with it in a calm and relaxed manner. All too often family members complain that an elderly loved one is hostile, unpleasant, rude or awkward, and this can lead to explosive family rows and simmering resentment on both sides.

Ask most people, and they will tell you that age means a variety of new hurdles - isolation and resistance to change to name just a few. We look at some of the most commonly held beliefs about growing older, and how applicable they are to today's ageing population.

There are many different types of elder care that are aimed at helping people who can no longer carry out all the normal activities of daily living by themselves.

If your loved one can no longer cope with living on their own without assistance, you should speak to them as soon as you can to discover what type of care they'd like to receieve from the four main types available.

Rather than having to move out of familiar surroundings and learn to adapt to a completely new way of life, care-at-home packages allow your loved one to remain in the familiar surroundings of their own home, with help available throughout the day and night to provide assistance wherever, and whenever, it is needed.

If you are looking for elderly care for a loved one, it is important to know what steps to take to ensure that your loved one receives the best, taiored home help available.