Is it me or is time flying at the moment? I look at my little ones and realise they’re growing up so fast and then that makes me realise that I’m getting older! I still feel like I’m in my twenties! It’s a domino effect as well because then I look at my parents are realise, they’re getting older too! We actually spend lots of time caring for my parents, especially my mum. She isn’t old mentally, but physically we can see that she is struggling a bit now. It’s hard for her to leave the house without someone to hold on to for support. So we’ve been thinking about ways to help her be more comfortable at home and when she’s out and about too. Here are a few things you can do to help the grandparent in your life to be more comfortable.

Recliner Chairs

Mobility experts Fenetic Wellbeing suggest riser recliner chairs as a great way to make a difference to someone who might be starting to physically struggle. It’s about making life more comfortable. So a recliner chair is a great place to start. There’s an entire range to choose from (some even have massagers!) and it will make a difference each and every day. Plus, who doesn’t love new furniture? There’s a colour to suit any decor and it’s something that any grandparent won’t mind having in their home. It helps them rise from the chair easier and can also help them sit more comfortably. It usually has a footrest to help with leg and back pain, the chair also reclines backwards so whoever is using it can find the perfect position for them.

Walking Aids

For the times when the older person in your life needs a bit of help getting around outside of the house, walking aids are a must. It can be difficult at first and lot’s of people feel embarrassed but there’s no need to be! There are so many different styles and ranges to choose from now. From the simple walking stick to Rollators. Whatever makes them feel more comfortable! Most of them are lightweight and easy to use.

I know my mum would really struggle to get one of these herself, mainly because she just hates the thought of needing help! But my plan was to get her one as a unique Christmas gift so that she almost felt obliged and she’d feel like she was doing it more for me – even though it would be for herself! Most of us don’t bat an eyelid when we see someone with a walking aid, but I can understand how it might feel like someone is losing their independence. So I just make sure I treat it like any normal accessory. Mum, have you got your keys, bag, water, stick? Off we go then!

Home Aids

Just like the Recliner Chairs, small things at home can really make a difference. Think about investing in shower stools or chairs, having handles next to the bath or bed rails to help mobility. These little things don’t cost the earth but can make life so much easier for the person who has started to struggle. Most of them you can pop in yourself, with little or no work. Slightly bigger things you might need a professional to get involved. But most of the time, a simple handle or seat can make the world of difference. Of course, you can go even further and get baths turned into showers and get stairlifts put in. These might not be needed straight away but it’s always worth thinking about. At the moment, we’ve opted for handles near the bath, to give my mum that little bit of extra security.

 

Sometimes it can be the little things that make a difference and getting people to think differently about mobility aids. One they realise how much more comfortable they are and how much easier their life is, they usually never look back. There are so many solutions and there is help for almost any issue. My mum has and will definitely benefit from a couple of these and if it means she is more comfortable and can spend more time playing with the grandkids, then it’s worth it!