Coping With Your Loss 2020

10

COPING WITH YOUR LOSS

Staying independent in your own home after losing a loved one

Online food ordering and delivery Shopping for food can be a challenge for some, but a solution to this is online shopping. Depending on how comfortable they are with computers and the internet, they may be able to place their own order, and have it delivered directly to their kitchen. Alternatively, they could tell a relative what they would like so the order can be placed on their behalf, but they still retain their sense of control. There are also meal delivery services to consider. Understand medical needs This will be crucial in extending their good health for as long as possible without needing to be hospitalised or needing live-in care. There are now smart tools such as pill boxes which will automatically remind people when to take certain medicines. Personal emergency alert systems If your loved one was to fall, suffer a heart attack, stroke, or injure themselves when living alone, they might not be able to reach a phone or

call neighbours for help. A personal emergency response system (PERS) enables them to call for help by pushing a button which they keep on them at all times. They can also include GPS capability so that you can locate them in an emergency, automatic fall detection, and two-way phone communication. Social Companionship Having the reassurance that someone is visiting a loved one on a daily basis can reduce feelings of anxiety. Assistance with tasks such as making appointments, accompanying them to the doctors, sending birthday cards, walking the dog or just sitting having a chat over a cup of tea are some of the ways in which Information Service are holding outreach events at several locations across the New Forest offering advice on Disabled Facilities Grants (through the Independence Matters project) and on welfare benefits, equipment, social activities, carer’s support, transport and other support. agencies can help. Advisors from the New Forest Disability

I t’s hard to watch people we care about lose their health and strength as they age and particularly if they have lost a love one. Their partner may have

adjustments can be made that enable people to live in their own homes while giving relatives peace of mind. Here are some idea s you should consider when trying to enable an elderly or disabled loved one to live independently. Emotional and mental wellbeing Living alone can have a severe impact on a person’s mental health, and loneliness has been found to increase the likelihood of death among the elderly by as much as 45%. Simply having regular contact with others can help to prevent isolation and depression, so consider ways in which they can

carried out a whole host of tasks to make life easier for each of them but their loss brings in new challenges. And it can be doubly difficult in these times of social distancing and self- isolating when more than ever not only the elderly but people of all ages need to maintain contacts with the outside world. Many sons and daughters want to bring their elderly relatives into their own homes to prevent them from needing to go into a care home, but most older adults want to retain their independence for as long as possible, not to mention the fact that the costs involved can be extreme.

community. Perhaps they can get involved in a local fitness class or a crafting group? If they live a long way from family, then even video calling and social media communication can benefit people. Adapting their home Their home they live in may need to be adapted

to minimise any potential safety hazards. This could include installing rails in bathrooms or even turning it into a wet room, toilet aids, lowering shelves, making flooring even and non-slip and improving lighting and heating systems. If they have stairs, they may benefit from a stair lift.

In some cases, both physical and social

continue to socialise and be involved in the

New Forest Disability

Providing free disability related information and advice for everyone across the New Forest Welfare benefits, Blue Badge, mobility equipment, daily living aids, carers, social, meal delivery, education, clubs, home adaptation advice etc

Alesco Care Services is a small locally run home care company here to support you in your own home and support you to access the community. Times are hard at the moment and if you are looking for someone to support you with life’s everyday tasks including support with your shopping and cleaning. Or if you just want someone to have a chat and a cup of tea with then Alesco is here to help you with Companionship. All our carers are fully trained and training is regularly updated to support the needs of our clients. If you feel that Alesco could help you or a loved one please contact us on 01425 276208 or admin@alesco.care www.alescocare.co.uk

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Helpline 01425 628750 | info@newforestdis.org.uk www.newforestdis.org.uk Head Office. 6 Osborne Rd, New Milton, BH25 6AD