SENIOR CARE

Julie Akroyd, of Home Instead, a company providing care for the elderly in their own homes, is offering tips on avoiding future stresses...

THIS month, we are looking at planning ahead, getting your house in order sooner rather than later so you can avoid all sorts of future stresses for both you and your family.

Try working through these tasks to get yourself organised for later years: ●● Downsizing or relocating is much better done before it becomes too much of an upheaval.

If you plan to move nearer to family or to the seaside, make that move and start living your dream, but choose carefully – think about how you will cope with a large house and big garden. ●● Next, it’s the dreaded paperwork.

Knowing where you are up to financially will shape your future plans.

Are you going to dip into your nest egg? Have you made provision for the care you might need in the future?

A financial review, updating your will and assessing your investments and insurances will give you peace of mind. ●● Don’t leave it too late

There are many tasks that are best addressed while you are fit and well, for example, clearing out the loft.

Reduce its contents to the bare minimum, ideally a couple of suitcases and Christmas decorations. ●● Work through your rooms, one by one.

Do you really need enough bedding, plates and tea cups to sustain the British army? ●● Don’t forget the garage.

These days they are rarely used to house a car, but it would be lovely to know that you could actually fit one in there should you need to.

Jobs done, you will feel cleaner and the house will be much improved.

Now, all that remains is to get out there and enjoy your old age to the full.

To make a suggestion for a future topic, email julie.akroyd@home instead.co.uk or call 01625 860 992