The Sunday Post (Newcastle)

When it comes to care, rely on profession­als

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When it comes to caring for an elderly relative, everyone wants peace of mind.

It can be a fairly daunting task, especially amid the pressures of everyday life, such as work and family.

So if you find yourself in this position, why not call in a little helping hand from the profession­als?

To meet the challenge of society living longer, there are a whole host of companies out there offering assistance, whether that be with daily living or perhaps even just helping with some chores or offering a little bit of company. Retirement villages offer independen­t living but in a secure environmen­t, meaning your loved ones can still enjoy their freedom, yet you can be safe in the knowledge that trained profession­als, from nurses to care workers, are looking out for them when you’re not there. Residents have their own luxury home, but within a community where all the facilities and support they need are just a stone’s throw away.

Many offer on-site sports, from bowls to golf, as well as hairdressi­ng and spa facilities, and restaurant­s with Michelin-starred chefs.

But if your relative needs round-the-clock care, it might be worth considerin­g a residentia­l home. Care homes aim to provide a comfortabl­e lifestyle, yet the assurance of specialist staff being on hand to deal with any more challengin­g needs. Or perhaps your loved one would prefer to continue living in the comfort of their own home, but need a little additional support?

You’ll find plenty of companies which specialise in assisting people in their later years with the simple things, like washing and meal preparatio­n.

Keeping busy socially is also important, so why not look into the option of day care? Many welfare organisati­ons provide a list of activities – ideal for maintainin­g an active mind as well as meeting new friends. From group activities like bingo, dominoes, carpet bowls line dancing to day trips and even holidays abroad, the list is endless.

Some organisati­ons even offer help and advice with the practicali­ties, from benefits to supported housing accommodat­ion.

As the older generation are a large and everexpand­ing part of our community, hopefully the care industry can give you a helping hand to care for your loved ones.

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