It’s Fathers’ Day this month and, like all celebratory days in the calendar, it gives us a good reason to think about that special person in our lives, and say a little thank you for all they’ve done for us over the years. We’ve taken this opportunity to look at how we can make the most of the time we spend with our parents, and how keeping them safe in their home will benefit the whole family.
As a business providing home accessibility products Stiltz are increasingly seeing adult children of older parents asking us questions about the best way to keep their parents well at home. As a younger generation more familiar with using technology in their daily lives, they naturally seek out innovative ways of dealing with issues of mobility.
Role reversal
The relationship with our parents evolves over the years as we, and they, age. It’s not unusual for our role to develop into one where we take on more of a ‘carer’ function; a type of job swap if you like!
But this doesn’t have to be as onerous as it sounds if you take the time to future-proof your parents’ home. Making sure discreet living aids are in place ready for when their pace of life starts to slow. The dark cloud that gradually builds around the struggle with stairs will lighten with the installation of a homelift, and visits will become a much less stressful experience.
Everyday activities such as going upstairs to grab a photo album to reminisce over the old days or taking the grandkids up into the attic to play with the full-size trainset means nowhere will be out of bounds any more. There will be less frustration and boredom as a result.
Making memories together
At the same time as focusing on parent safety, taking time to put aside the caring process and remembering to enjoy their company is a must. Creating a whole new set of experiences and memories is so much easier once the cloud of mobility has lifted and they’re back to being confident and comfortable around the home.
Does Mum or Dad have a particular interest? If so, are they still able to pursue it? Even if they’ve always loved playing football for instance but are no longer able to run and kick the ball, take them with you to the park and spend a happy hour or two together watching the grandchildren play.
For those with very limited mobility and for whom the television is an entertainment oasis, consider treating them to a subscription channel where they are guaranteed to find a treasure trove of old films. Choose a favourite movie, arrange some snacks and spend some quality time together listening to the long-ago memories that the films ignite.
Getting out and about
If mobility is not yet an issue for your parents, a day out somewhere that holds special memories for you as a family and perhaps isn’t something they would think of doing themselves is a great thing to do. This can be a lovely way to draw out conversation and share memories for all of you, especially grandchildren, helping them become part of your long-standing family traditions too.
For a more low-key approach you could always opt for a meal out which is an often over-looked pleasure. Lingering over a relaxed lunch can be the ideal way to instigate sparkling chat and hopefully some laughter too.
So, don’t think about Father’s Day in terms of just cards and presents, instead reflect on how you can spend precious time with your loved ones in ways which continues to embrace them into the heart of the family.