Learn how to approach conversations about mobility needs, care options, and home adaptations with this helpful guide.
Planning for Old Age: How to Talk to Loved Ones About Their Future
Changes in your mobility can make everyday tasks more challenging as you age, especially when it comes to getting around at home. Whether you’re noticing these changes yourself or a concerned relative trying to support ageing parents, it’s good to have open and honest conversations about future care and living arrangements as the need arises.
While these discussions can feel uncomfortable, planning ahead can help make sure that everyone is on the same page and avoid unnecessary stress later down the line. We’ll walk you through how to approach these conversations, making them as supportive and understanding as possible.
Discussing changes in mobility and care needs associated with getting older can be tough, but it’s vital for many reasons.
Conversations about ageing, mobility, and future living arrangements can help improve everyone’s safety, independence, and general wellbeing. It’s also worth remembering that these talks don’t have to be a one-time discussion; they should be ongoing as needs change.
Here are some key areas that can be impacted by ageing, and why it’s so important to have these conversations:
Facing changing levels of mobility that come with getting older can be frustrating — and may even feel scary — which is why it’s good to know about the different options available to help make life easier and more comfortable.
From moving in with family to making adaptations at home, finding the right solution will depend on your personal needs and what works best for you.
Some age-related health conditions, like arthritis, dementia, or mobility issues, can make daily life at home more challenging. In these cases, residential care homes can offer a supportive environment, providing 24/7 care and assistance with things like personal hygiene, medication management, and mobility.
However, the cost of residential care homes can be a significant factor to think about. On average, care home fees can total up to £65,832 a year for both private and NHS-funded facilities, which may not always be an affordable option for everyone. While care homes provide round-the-clock support, it’s worth exploring other options if you’re concerned about the heavy costs associated with this living arrangement.
An option that’s becoming increasingly popular is multi-generational living, where elderly relatives move in with their adult children or other family members. Our recent survey found that 60% of Brits are now open to living in a multi-generational household.
This arrangement can provide the care and support needed while letting older adults stay in the home they know and love. It also helps families stay connected and build a strong support network while doubling as a free childcare solution for working-age adults in the home.
To learn more about the benefits of this arrangement, see our detailed guide to creating a multi-generational household.
If you or a relative is planning to stay at home as you get older, making home adaptations is crucial. This can include everything from making your home more wheelchair-friendly to simply adjusting certain areas to make everyday tasks easier. These adaptations can help improve safety and reduce the risk of injury, meaning you can continue to live independently in the space you’re familiar with.
Some common home modifications include:
Discover more essential home adaptations with our guide.
It can be tough to think about changes to your mobility before they happen, but the earlier you start planning, the easier it will be if/when the time comes. In fact, our research found that 52.2% of older adults in the UK rarely think about improving accessibility until it becomes an issue.
Many prefer to avoid talking about it, especially if they feel well and capable at the moment. However, this can make it more difficult when the time comes to make those changes, leaving you feeling overwhelmed.
Making adjustments before they’re needed means you’ll be in a much better position if your mobility becomes limited, but how early is too early to start planning for the future? Studies suggest that those who begin
Discussing future care needs with your ageing parents can be difficult, especially if they were once extremely independent. However, if you suspect your loved one is struggling with mobility or managing day-to-day tasks, it’s important to address the topic and do so thoughtfully. This conversation may feel uncomfortable, but it also makes sure everyone is on the same page about what’s needed as you all plan for the future.
Here are four key tips to help make these conversations go smoothly:
Before bringing up the topic, make sure you’ve done your research on the different options available. Having a list of possible solutions, such as home adaptations or local care facility services, will give you a better idea of what could work for your family member. It’s helpful to write down your thoughts or any questions you want to ask to approach the conversation with a clear plan, rather than trying to think on the spot.
As humans, we naturally try to get through awkward conversations as quickly as possible, but it’s vital that you don’t rush the conversation when making plans for your parents’ future. This is an important discussion that may take time for everyone to process, so go into it with the expectation that it could take several hours and may even need to be paused and picked back up again on another day.
It’s crucial to listen carefully to what your parents are saying, not just about their health but also their feelings and concerns. Helping maintain their autonomy is vital; this conversation should make them feel supported, not pressured into making a decision. By showing empathy and understanding, even if they seem defensive about their health, you’ll make it clear that their independence is just as important to you as their wellbeing.
Timing matters in this type of conversation. Pick a time when your parent or loved one is relaxed, calm, and in a good mood — don’t bring it up during stressful moments or when they’re already dealing with something challenging. A peaceful, private setting will help create the right atmosphere for an open and productive conversation.
When you’re the one facing changes to your mobility or living conditions, it can be just as difficult to start the conversation with your family. You may feel reluctant to talk about your future needs, but having open discussions can help make sure that your loved ones understand how to best support you.
Here are some tips to approach this conversation:
Talking about mobility changes and planning for the future can be tricky, but it’s so important to make sure your loved ones stay comfortable and independent for as long as possible.
At Stiltz, we’re committed to helping people stay in the homes they love. Our range of home lifts, including the Duo and Trio models, provides easy access between floors, meaning that — even as mobility changes — you or your loved one can continue enjoying every area of the home safely.
Contact our friendly team today for more information. Or, for more inspiration on ageing in place, take a look at our blog.
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