How to help older parents to find the right community
Would you like to help your parents to make the most of their later years? We look at how to help older parents to find the right community.
Would you like to help your parents to make the most of their later years? We look at how to help older parents to find the right community.
If lockdown has taught us anything, its how valuable community is when it comes to our wellbeing – because it’s hard to live a fulfilling life when we’re cut off, isolated, and feeling lonely.
With many older people shielding throughout the Covid-crisis, and family units having to keep to themselves, company has been in short supply. Sadly for a lot of people, this is nothing new. Gone are the days of family generations living in the same street. Instead, it’s quite usual for families to be spread across the country or even around the globe.
We all want our parents to make the most of their later years, and thinking of them in loneliness or isolation is hard to bear. So community living brings many benefits – including the chance of a sociable, fulfilled life for residents.
Loneliness doesn’t have to be an accepted part of the ageing process, but making changes in later life can be difficult. So how can you help?
When it comes to finding the right move and community, it can mean difficult conversations for the closest of families. Remember that it’s natural for people to resist change. It can be overwhelming, but the process doesn’t have to be a scary one.
With your parents in the driving seat, your role is to support them and try to take an objective view. Taking into account their needs and desires, along with their finances, will help the decision-making process. And of course, how much support do they actually require?
Do your parents need round-the-clock help, or just a little company? Would they prefer to relocate to be nearer to family, or stay in the area they know?
Joining a warm and friendly community can help your parents to carry on living independently, with a little extra help and as much or as little company as they want.
Designed to offer affordable housing to older generations, Abbeyfield was founded on the principle of alleviating loneliness. Now, with better living standards and improved healthcare, most people can look forward to an active and engaging life in older age.
Enabling people to live independently for longer improves health and wellbeing. Joining an active, sociable community, with home-cooked meals, someone to say hello and maintenance without the worry may be the answer.
Finding the most fulfilling way forward for your family can feel daunting, so if you want a friendly chat about your options we’re always here to help.