Eight things to do with ageing parents in Brighton
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Elderly CareFor those receiving live-in care in Brighton, the opportunity to get away for a few days and enjoy a change of scene can offer a sense of independent living. If you’re spending time in Brighton with ageing loved-ones, here are eight suggestions to help get you out and about during your visit.
The Royal Pavilion
No visit to Brighton would be complete without a visit to the Royal Pavilion. Heavily influenced by Indian and Chinese architecture, King George IV’s seaside pleasure palace is a perfect example of Regency grandeur. As well as enjoying the sumptuous rooms and gardens, there’s also a fascinating gallery to explore. Wheelchairs can be provided on request, although wheelchair users can only access the ground floor of the building, as access to the upper floor is via stairs only.
The Brighton Museum
The Brighton Museum and Art Gallery has a wide range of temporary and permanent exhibitions, covering everything from local history, pottery and photography to Ancient Egypt, as well as fine art collections and a performance gallery. The museum has full disabled access, and once you’ve seen everything indoors, the Royal Pavilion gardens are right outside.
The art and photography collections feature images of a bygone Brighton and can be a memory trigger and a lovely conversation starter when it comes to reminiscences about life or past holidays at the Great British seaside.
Relax in a café or restaurant
If there’s one thing Brighton is not short of, it’s great food and drink. Whether your parents like fish and chips, a traditional pub meal or simply a cup of tea and a slice of cake, there are hundreds of places to choose from and something for all tastes and dietary requirements. A sit-down with a hot drink or meal can be a lovely way to pass some time together, especially if you can find somewhere with sea views or in a pretty area such as the Lanes.
The Booth Museum
Another of Brighton’s best attractions, the Booth Museum has a fantastic collection of birds, bones and butterflies and is a real treat for anyone interested in nature and natural history.
An afternoon spent exploring the beautiful specimens displayed in the Booth Museum’s collection, in the company of relatives or their live-in carer, can be a great way of helping your loved one reconnect with nature and discover something new.
A stroll along the seafront
Who can resist a stroll along Brighton’s lovely seafront? As well as enjoying the charming Victorian architecture, the view of the piers and the fresh sea air, gentle exercise benefits both physical and mental wellbeing at any age. Although this might not be a viable option for those requiring 24/7 care or those with mobility problems, the seafront walks are flat enough to be accessed with a wheelchair, and there are plenty of places to sit down and take a break.
Volks Electric Railway
If a walk along the seafront is off the cards, one fun alternative is to catch a ride on the Volks Electric Railway. Originally constructed in 1883, this is the world’s oldest working electric railway, and it runs most of the length of the seafront promenade, enabling you and your parents to enjoy the sea views from a comfy seat while remaining under cover.
Sea Life Brighton
Nobody is too old to enjoy an afternoon at the aquarium, and Sea Life Brighton is one of the best in the country. There’s something so soothing about watching the different species gently swim about, and it’s a great opportunity for all ages to spend time together, including grandchildren.
There is easy access to the aquarium via an underpass, which can be reached by a ramp from the beach. Once inside, only the Ocean Display in the auditorium cannot be accessed by wheelchair, although it can be seen from the accessible Ocean Tunnel and the aquarium staff are always willing to come and talk to wheelchair users who cannot attend the presentations.
However long you and your parents spend in Brighton, there is no shortage of fun and enjoyable things to do. Getting out and about in this beautiful seaside spot can rekindle lovely memories of the past, and can provide a much-needed change of scene for those receiving private live-in care. Plan your trip in advance, and you’re guaranteed plenty of fun and a special and relaxing time together.
Useful services and amenities
If your loved one lives in Brighton, it can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the following amenities –
Brighton General Hospital
A local NHS hospital that runs clinical services that include speech and language therapy, respiratory medicine and elderly medicine.
For a full list of services, how to get there, and visiting information, click here.
Royal Sussex County Hospital
An acute teaching hospital offering a wide range of services including A&E, cancer services, cardiac surgery and intensive care units.
For a full list of services, how to get there, and visiting information, click here.
Brighton Community Pharmacy
4 St James Street
Brighton
East Sussex
BN2 1RF
A full list of services can be found here.
Ross Pharmacy
3 York Place
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 4GU
A full list of services can be found here.
Westons Chemist
6-7 Coombe Terrace, Lewes Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 4AD
A full list of services can be found here.
Ashton’s Late Night Chemist
8 Dyke Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 3JD
A full list of services can be found here.
Gunns Pharmacy
108 Western Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 2AA
A full list of services can be found here.
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