When it comes to looking after elderly relatives when they are finding it difficult to cope with daily life, a nursing home isn’t the only option available. So, this week here at iHUS we thought we would look at alternatives to nursing homes.
Carers And Equipment
It may well be that with just a little adjustment and looking after, elderly relatives may be able to continue living in their own home for as long as they can. Which is an excellent outcome for all concerned.
If they are struggling with mobility, whether it is stairs or getting in and out of a bath, there is help available.
A stair lift could provide a solution without having to resort to downsizing to a smaller property or a bungalow.
There are also walk-in baths available and hoists that can make getting in and out of a bath much more manageable.
If your elderly relatives are experiencing the early stages of memory loss, then an elderly care alarm may be useful. They have all manner of functions, including reminders to take medication and heat sensors that will help keep their home warm during a cold winters night.
A carer could be an ideal solution depending of the needs of your elderly relative. They may find that a visit three times a week is enough for them to maintain a decent standard of living.
Financial Help
Of course, all of this costs money, so it is a good idea to contact the local authority, they will send an adult care worker to the home to carry out a needs assessment.
This will also allow them to tell you what financial help or benefits may be available, both your elderly relatives and you as carers.
The governments elderly care section on their website is a good place to start, you can enter the postcode of elderly relatives and find out what kind of help is available before arranging to speak with anyone to organise a needs assessment.
This could all help alleviate the stress of having to make these arrangements and adjustments to both of your lives.
Shared Accommodation
If it is looking unlikely that they would be able to cope in their own home, even with the help of a carer, then there are other options available. One of which is shared accommodation.
These are usually a group of self-contained flats, with a warden assisting them in case they need emergency assistance.
This may seem a bit drastic at first, but quite often there is a good sense of community within the residents there and can stop people from becoming isolated.
Downsizing As An Alternative To A Nursing Home
Downsizing can actually be a positive experience, the chance to start over in a property that is more suited to a different pace of life can take away a lot of the stressed of coping with being older.
Sometimes, living in a large 4 bedroomed property, trying to keep it clean and tidy with flights of stairs to contend with can be a bit overwhelming. Particularly if one or both are struggling with a physical or mental health condition.
Purchasing a house can be costly as we are sure you know and the thought of going back onto the property ladder, arranging a mortgage and all the associated stresses involved may not be an enticing prospect. There is an alternative though, the Granny Annexe…
The Granny Annexe
Granny Annexes may not, at first seem to be an exciting prospect as alternatives to nursing homes. You may be thinking they are elongated sheds or one room log cabins, but this could not be further from the truth.
Granny Annexes, like the ones that we make here at iHUS are specifically designed to be elegant and roomy living spaces.
With one or two bedrooms, a generously sized kitchen and living area, all with a modern design, modern kitchens, bathrooms and a variety of external finishes all helping them look like a home not an annexe.
Don’t just take our word for it of course, have a look at the different types and sizes of Granny Annexes that we have to offer.
All with the added benefit of not having to arrange a mortgage or get back onto the property ladder.
We look after all aspects of the project too, so you don’t have to chase up workmen or arrange visits from gardeners or electricians.
Get In Touch
If you would like any more guidance on looking at alternatives to nursing homes or would like to have a chat about our Granny Annexes then please do not hesitate to get in contact with us here.