We may help an ageing parent with meals, appointments, shopping, personal care or everyday routines. We may support a family member living with disability or someone who needs additional assistance at home.
Sometimes a fall results in an obvious injury. In other situations, there may be no major injury, but the person becomes worried about walking, showering, using the stairs or moving around the house independently.
Caring for an ageing loved one with dementia can change the way a family looks at everyday life. Tasks that once seemed simple—getting dressed, preparing meals, remembering appointments or moving safely around the house—can gradually become more difficult.
Coming home from hospital can feel like a huge relief for an older person and their family. But I have learned that the day someone leaves hospital is not always the end of their care journey. In many situations, it is actually the point when they need more support.
For many older Australians, staying at home for as long as possible is about more than comfort. It can mean maintaining familiar routines, staying connected with family and community, and continuing to enjoy a sense of independence.
When someone we love starts experiencing memory problems, confusion or changes in their everyday behaviour, it can be difficult to know what to do next.
When our parents get older, there often comes a point when we start asking ourselves, “How can I help Mum or Dad stay safely and comfortably at home?”