When Our Parents Grow Older: What Housing Options Are Available?

Our parents care for us as children, but once we've grown up the roles eventually reverse. It's bittersweet how we're the ones to look after and care for them through the winter of their lives. As some of the most precious people in our lives, we of course want to do everything we can to make sure our parents are kept happy, safe and get the right care. Here are a few of the options to consider for your elderly parents, so you can decide which suits your situation best.

Living Independently (In Their Own Home)

Many people will feel more comfortable staying at home. Surrounded by their own things, in a familiar environment, it makes sense why they would be reluctant to leave. If their health issues are minimal and they can get by fine ok on their own, then it might make sense to stay where they are. If they need help with cleaning, cooking, paying bills or other tasks, you might be able to help them or hire a company to come out to them. Maids, nurses, meal services and much more can be very helpful and allow your loved one to keep their own home.

Living In Your Home

If your loved one lives a fair distance away and they need your help, it might make more sense for them to come and live with you. If you have a spare room in your home to set up for them, it could allow you to monitor them and act fast if any emergencies occur. This is useful if they have a condition that occasionally flares up or are at risk of things like strokes or heart attacks. It probably makes sense from a financial point of view too, running a large home just for them along with paying all of their bills can be expensive. 

Living In Adapted Housing or Retirement Village

If their current home isn't suitable anymore but still want to live alone, adapted housing or a retirement village like John Knox Village East could be the right choice. It means they can keep their independence and socialize with others in their age group, but there are staff nearby who are able to quickly contact the emergency services if anything were to happen. 

Living In a Nursing Home

If your loved one has severe physical or mental health issues that require round the clock care, a nursing home could be the best option. Unless you're able to commit caring for them full time, this way you know they're safe and being cared for at all times. Those who are unable to chew, move around easily or get confused due to conditions like dementia need specialist care that a nursing home is able to provide. From a financial point of view, selling their home can help to fund the care, or you could see what help is available from the government

Have you ever been in this situation? Which option did you choose and why?