Apr 17

Number Of Carers Of The Elderly ‘To Jump To 6.6m By 2023’

Matthew

There could be as many as four million people caring for an elderly loved one up to eight hours a week in the UK, with this figure set to grow to 6.6 million in the next five years.

This is according to a survey by home insurance provider Neos, reported in the Daily Express, which found that the average carer of an older spouse or relative would carry out seven visits a week.

If you are inviting an elderly relative into your home to help care for them, or if you are helping to care for an elderly loved one by visiting them in their home, one way of keeping them safe without impinging on their dignity is by installing a shower bench or similar so they can bathe independently without any worry.

Moreover, the charity Carers UK advises turning to technology to ensure our older loved ones are safe and comfortable at home, recommending smart devices connected via mobile phone that can help the pensioner or their loved ones to detect intruders, spot water leaks and even prevent fires all through an app.

“Technology can make a big difference to carers, especially those looking after a loved one from afar or juggling work with care,” director of innovation at Carers UK Madelaine Starr was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

Indeed, 57 per cent of us caring for an elderly relative find themselves in full-time employment as well, and many will also have dependents of their own to look after.

Impey Freedom Doors
Jun 29

Why You Should Consider Adjustments At Home As You Age

Matthew

It can be easy to go through life without thinking too much about what the future may bring, but as many of us get older our mobility becomes restricted. Injury or illness could add an extra level of difficulty to carrying out the most basic tasks.

As a result, it’s important to think about what could make your life easier as you get older, particularly if you want to stay in your own home as long as possible.

One company in the US is championing the idea of making simple adjustments to properties that allow ‘ageing-in-place’. Essentially, it means people future-proof their homes and can therefore cope if their mobility worsens.

Speaking to the Santa Cruz Sentinel, owner of Lewis Builders John Lewis explained that when you compare the cost of making modifications to your home with moving into an assisted living facility, it’s a “no-brainer”.

“The ultimate result is that people are able to live comfortably and safely in their homes into their later years,” he stated.

Among the recommended modifications is to remove showers with a curb around the edge, installing grab bars in the bathroom, and fitting textured floors to provide better grip in rooms that can get wet.

Mr Lewis also explained that making modifications gradually – rather than having to make all the changes in one go – can be much more cost effective.

We recently offered a number of tips on how to make your bathroom safer, which includes installing anti-slip flooring and having a shower bench in place.