Do you live a distance away from elderly loved one?

Are you worried about an elderly relative coping alone?

Until the 1950s/60s personal mobility tended to be limited and members of a family often lived in the same place, and frequently worked there.  They would be on hand to care for loved ones.  Barnsley where I originate from had mining communities and entire families may live and work in the same few streets!  Today of course the situation is very different, families are spread out throughout the country, and the world.  At Independent Living we have two customers with a next of kin in America, others in Europe, and many elsewhere in the UK.

A lack of family support in the local area for parents may not be an initial concern.  However, the years pass quickly and when people reach 80 years old our experience suggests serious health problems emerge threatening their independence.  Increasingly common is dementia and mobility issues but of course it can be any illness.  When an elderly loved one requires care but their grown up children live elsewhere simple daily problems are more serious.  Who will take mum or dad for the hospital visit? Who will fetch milk when they run out? Who will visit and check if they haven’t been feeling well for a few days?  An elderly parent may have limited practical support and care available.  Neighbours are often willing to help with the occasional “good turn” but it is not their responsibility to care for someone day-in, day-out.  Many neighbours help at first but then “push back” when they realise it is becoming a daily requirement thereby impinging on their lives.  They are neighbours not carers.

This is where Independent Living can help.

We can provide:

  • Personal care support such as showering and dressing
  • Housework
  • Meals and medication prompting
  • Companionship
  • Shopping (with the person or without)
  • Transport to medical appointments
  • Contacting GPs, nurses, 111, clinics
  • And much more…..

Considering Help?  Call Lilian or Amanda for an informal chat during office hours 01257 696 050