Being able to support elderly parents and allow them to live full and happy lives in their later years can bring us great joy and peace of mind. After all, your elderly parents have certainly looked after you for all those years!
Saying that supporting elderly parents has its challenges, especially if there are issues like ill health or mobility problems to consider. Not to mention the scenario where our parents might have to leave a much-loved home that no longer suits their needs.
Thankfully, there’s a huge variety of gadgets for elderly parents available to make life that little bit easier for your ma and arl fella.
Even small changes can make it possible for them to carry on living the way they choose in comfort and safety.
Find out how small adaptations to a home can make life easier for elderly parents later in life.
Help Around The Home For Elderly Parents
For many older people, maintaining dignity and independence while staying in the home they love for as long as possible is the most important thing to them. Mobility aids around the home can make this possible.
If your mum or dad struggles with getting up from the sofa, a standing aid is a nifty gadget that makes that motion a lot easier. Furthermore, if they need to kneel or bend down to pick something up, the standing aid will give them the confidence to do this safely.
Sometimes, just knowing that extra support is there if you need it will give our parents confidence and security. Installing handrails in strategic places around the home can reduce the risk of trips or falls, so your folks can move safely around their home.
Helping Hands In The Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can be tricky to navigate as we get older. Even the simplest tool can make the kitchen a much more accessible and safer place.
Something as small and cheap as chips like a ring pull can opener can make a huge difference to someone with limited dexterity or issues like arthritis. Tools like this mean your parents can do things for themselves for as long as they feel able.
Nothing beats having a brew around your ma’s, and this clever kettle tipper will help her prepare hot drinks more easily and safely.
Designed for people with limited hand dexterity and grip, something that many older people live with, the kettle dipper reduces the risk of accidents while also guarding against wrist pain and strain. So pop that kettle on!
Ensuring Ya Elderly Ma Is Safe In The Loo
Being able to deal with your daily hygiene needs on your own is essential for maintaining dignity and a sense of independence. Bathroom aids can provide a helping hand so our parents can move around the bathroom with ease.
Slippery surfaces can make getting in and out of the bath or shower more tricky as we get older. Grab rails around the bath area will help your folks continue to enjoy long, relaxing baths.
Adjustable toilet frames are ideal if your mum or dad has dodgy knees or struggles to stand from sitting. The anti-slip feet allow those with mobility issues to use the loo safely and under their own steam. What’s more, the frame can be adjusted to suit everyone.
Enjoying The Outdoors – Mobility Aids
Many of us take strolling around the corner to grab a chippy tea or popping to the Asda for granted. But as we get older, our mobility sometimes isn’t what it used to be. Mobility aids can offer that little extra support to help older folks maintain their independence.
A walking stick might seem simple, but for someone who needs that extra support, it can make all the difference. A collapsible walking cane is a great solution, being lightweight, durable, and easy to fold away when not being used.
A tri-wheel mobility walker is a helpful piece of kit, allowing the user to maintain good posture without losing balance. It also comes with a handy bag, making transporting groceries a doddle.
Elderly Parents & Staying Safe At Home
Sometimes, you can’t be there to look out for mum and dad. That’s where home security cameras can come in handy. They can keep an eye on what’s happening outside and allow you to check in with your parents while they’re at home.
An indoor camera can be installed anywhere in the home, and many models allow you to use a smart device to see what’s going on. If you have a parent who lives alone, this can give you both peace of mind.
Doorbell cameras are another great way to monitor who’s coming and going. Again, these can be accessed through a smart device, so your parents know exactly who’s at the door and whether they want to invite them in or send them packing.
Helping Your Elderly Parents Live Their Best Lives
Small and inexpensive adaptations to a home can make a big difference. However, your parents may need more help to live safely at home.
In these situations, you can ask your local council to assess your folks’ home to see if bigger modifications, like stair lifts, bath lifts and ramps, might be needed.
The council will foot the bill for each adaptation that costs less than £1,000. You may also be able to apply for financial help in the form of government grants. Find out more about the process here: www.gov.uk/apply-home-equipment-for-disabled
Caring for elderly parents is a big responsibility, but you’re not alone. There are charities and organisations across the UK ready to step in and help. Charities like Age UK and Friends of the Elderly offer help and support for older people.
Keep Elderly Parents’ Minds Active With Puzzles & Jigsaws
Looking for the perfect gift for your elderly parents?
Consider giving them puzzles, jigsaws, and board games! These activities are not just fun—they’re fantastic for keeping their minds sharp, improving memory, and boosting emotional well-being.
Whether it’s the thrill of piecing together a beautiful jigsaw or the strategic excitement of a board game, these games offer endless hours of entertainment and social interaction. Plus, they help maintain fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. So, why not brighten their day and keep their minds active with a thoughtful gift of puzzles and games? They’ll love it!
Create A Cosy Atmosphere At Home For Elderly Parents
Another way to make your elderly parents feel more relaxed and comfortable at home is to invest in quality lighting. Wall lights can completely transform their living room or bedroom, giving their home a warm and welcoming vibe. We particularly love this illuminating moon wall light that can be added to the ceiling for a captivating sight before bedtime.